Publisher Pulls David Barton's The Jefferson Lies from bookshelves - Too many factual errors. (myth, propaganda)

[Iamme73]

For conservatives, history is propaganda. They view history as a way to retroactively prove their policies preferences are correct.

So, they attempt to co opt the founders as religious conservatives, who'd agree with their policy preferences. They attempt to co opt the history of this nation to tell a narrative that fits their political agenda.

Their defense for this blatant lying is "well liberals do it too".

[ovcatto]

Originally Posted by RobinD69

There is alot more to the story than is being revealed,

Like what?

[Iamme73]

This is beyond David Barton. It is about the extent to which conservatives are going to "create" their own version of American history separate from serious academic work and continue to govern as if their policy preferences are correct because of this distorted narrative driven fake understanding of history.

[cometclear]

Originally Posted by Iamme73

For conservatives, history is propaganda. They view history as a way to retroactively prove their policies preferences are correct.

So, they attempt to co opt the founders as religious conservatives, who'd agree with their policy preferences. They attempt to co opt the history of this nation to tell a narrative that fits their political agenda.

Their defense for this blatant lying is "well liberals do it too".

Specifically, they like "feel-good" history, history that omits things that would undermine the concept of America as this consistent force of freedom, protector of the oppressed and place where everyone gets a fair shake if they just put in the effort. Observe a Texas-approved textbook for a good example.

[cometclear]

Originally Posted by Iamme73

This is beyond David Barton. It is about the extent to which conservatives are going to "create" their own version of American history separate from serious academic work and continue to govern as if their policy preferences are correct because of this distorted narrative driven fake understanding of history.

Well put.

[RobinD69]

Originally Posted by cometclear

He's a fake historian. There are historians whose personal political philosophies run the gamut and I would be surpised if a single actual historian of any stripe regards Barton as a historian. Despite what some of you believe, academics usually place the highest premium on scholarship and rigor.

He has credentials and nothing specific has been pointed as error.

Originally Posted by ovcatto

Like what?

Like the Nelson company was recently purchased by a secular company. And we would like specifics not just accusations.

[cometclear]

Originally Posted by RobinD69

He has credentials and nothing specific has been pointed as error.

It would appear that his supporters are also prone to factual errors. He has no credentials within the field of history that I find. He has a B.A. in religious education, not even a bachelor's in history.

[Iamme73]

Originally Posted by cometclear

Specifically, they like "feel-good" history, history that omits things that would undermine the concept of America as this consistent force of freedom, protector of the oppressed and place where everyone gets a fair shake if they just put in the effort. Observe a Texas-approved textbook for a good example.

Yes, although I will be fair to conservatives, I think they want this feel good version of history because they genuinely believe that too many Americans view America negatively or as an oppressor. Many republicans believe this view of America limits the success of those Americans who buy into that view of this nation.

I also think that conservatives have a greater need to be apart of a team to have a cohesive national identity. To identify with other people, so I think they feel if more Americans bought into this propaganda version of American history, this would make for a more cohesive nation and they would actually feel closer to other Americans.

Also, I think like many religious people many republicans believe a "return" to a more religious nation would improve things as well.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by RobinD69

There is alot more to the story than is being revealed, so before everyone gets on the Barton bashing bandwagon let's see what the actual errors are. I don't agree with everything Barton says but we do need to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mere accusations without examples is merely bashing.

Here you go:

David Barton’s Errors » First Thoughts | A First Things Blog

Take The Jefferson Quiz - Dr. Warren Throckmorton Christian Blog

[EdwardA]

Originally Posted by ovcatto

David Barton, evangelical minister and conservative activist and author has had his book "The Jefferson Lies" a revisionist attempt to prove the religious convictions of Thomas Jefferson pulled form the shelves of retailers by the book's publisher attempt at revisionist history has been pulled his book, The Fefrom retail market by its Christian publisher Thomas Nelson due to insurmountable factual errors. The book, which was once on the New York Time's best sellers list, was voted the least credible history book in print by a group of 10 imminent Christian historians.

David Barton Publisher Pulls Book | TPMMuckraker

I heard an NPR snip about this guy and frankly I'm concerned people actually buy this stuff.