The Oil Drum

116 comments on DrumBeat: September 26, 2007

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Fractional_Flow on September 26, 2007 - 8:55am

The War on PBS

I haven't missed a minute of it yet. Thank TIVO.

It is as good a use of TV as I have seen (to paraphrase George Will on the Civil War).

Love to re-visit a time when "the derricks were wooden and the men were iron" as it were.

As opposed to what we are today.

FF

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Prof. Goose on September 26, 2007 - 9:19am

Indeed. It's been wonderful. I didn't realize how green/bad the Americans in North Africa were...that made me start thinking similarly about how soft we are now...

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westexas on September 26, 2007 - 11:30am

They played most of the "American Anthem" theme at the end of Part One, and it is the primary instrumental theme for the show. I thought that the highlighted portion of "American Anthem" is a good question for us to ask ourselves regarding how we use our remaining fossil fuel energy resources.

"American Anthem" Lyrics:

All we've been given by those who came before,

The dream of a nation where freedom would endure.

The works and prayers of centuries have brought us to this place.

What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let them say of me, I am one who believes in sharing the blessings I receive.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, I gave my best to you.

Each generation from the plains to distant shore,

With the gifts that they were given, were determined to leave more.

Valiant battles fought together, acts of conscience fought alone,

These are the seeds from which America has grown.

Let them say of me, I am one who believes in sharing the blessings I receive.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, I gave my best to you.

For those who think they have nothing to share,

Who fear in their hearts there is no hero there.

Know that quiet acts of dignity are that which fortifies

The soul of a nation that never dies.

Let them say of me, I am one who believes in sharing the blessings I receive.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, I gave my best to you.

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igdonp on September 26, 2007 - 10:55am

I've been watching closely as well. It is certainly the best historical documentary I've ever seen. Better than the Civil War because of the actual footage of film and the people who are still alive to talk about the war.
It's been very enlightening in many ways.
My father was German and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 after coming to this country in 1929. The War provides good perspectives for Japanese Americans and African Americans, but for me, the role of German Americans is also of interest.
My father came to this country because of what happened in Germany after WWI. He walked right into New York and the great depression, and then watched as his new country got embroiled in a war with his old country and had to go and fight against them. Now that's rotten luck.
After the war he did manage to get on his feet and ended up having a descent life.

-Don