History

History is important to the future. When I was younger I thought different. I felt like history was in the past and it was best to leave it there. I don’t remember exactly when I changed my opinion about this, maybe it was in 1994 as I watched the Waco compound of the Branch Davidians burn. Or perhaps it was in 1997 when the San Diego based Heaven’s Gate cult members were found dead of suicide. It was an eerie reminder of the 1978 mass suicide/homicide of members in The People’s Temple in Guyana. Not to make light of a tragic situation but the lesson here is this, “Don’t drink the lemonade!”

One of my favorite quotes is from author George Santayana, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". Ironically, this quote was posted above the doorway to the main gathering tent at the Jonestown facility in the jungle of Guyana.



Perhaps they should have heeded this warning. In 1906, a group in Bali was concerned because they felt the Dutch were invading their beautiful land and would drive them into slavery. According to the web site Brainz, The Raja commanded that all valuables be burnt and that everyone from the youngest child to the wives and priests be marched ceremoniously towards the aggressors. When face to face with the Dutch regiment, the head priest thrust a dagger deep into the Raja’s heart signaling the commencement of Puputan. From here the entire group simultaneously began to kill one another while the women mockingly flung money and jewelry onto the stupefied troops. Over 1000 Balinese people committed suicide.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" George Santayana

Here are some historical moments worthy of remembering.

June 10, 1752 – Benjamin Franklin flies his kite during a storm.
1935 – Alcoholics Anonymous founded
1980 – Nelson Mandela writes from South African prison



June 11, 1962 – 3 inmates escape from Alcatraz
1967 – Israel’s 6-day war ends
1979 – John Wayne dies

June 12, 1987 – President Ronald Reagan challenges Soviet President Gorbachev

June 13, 1966 – Miranda Rights established

June 14, 1777 – Stars & Stripes adopted by Congress

June 15, 1215 – Magna Carta sealed