Amazing!

IMG_6150, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

William Calley apologized for the My Lai massacre last week (I'm a little behind in my news reading, post trip). I'm not entirely sure what to make of the apology or why now given his long and steadfast silence on the issue, a silence which followed a more vehement defense of his actions. Perhaps it is genuine or maybe it is self serving as the prosecutor suggests or likely somewhere between. Then there is the (in my opinion, more interesting) question of how much an apology really matters. I think it is important and a good thing. It doesn't change the fact that the massacre happened or that Calley was the only person held responsible, even to the minimal extent that he was, or that other, similar atrocities happened and received even less or more belated attention. But fairly or unfairly, Calley did become a symbol at the time of his trial of American soldiers and of the war, and he was also an important pawn in a battle over the narrative of and responsiblity for American actions, tactics, and pride in Vietnam. As such, surely an apology from him means something. Unfortunately, that discussion is not as active as it once was or at least has shifted so much that his apology has received scant attention and will likely mean less than it should.

Actually returning

IMG_2196, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

IMG_2165, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

IMG_2172, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

IMG_2332, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

So last post, I claimed I was returning, but clearly was not. Now I'm actually back home from research and teaching, so its back to writing and posting. I have a chapter to write, which means plenty of posting to come!! This trip, I went to both LA and San Francisco. It was a working trip though, so I didn't take many pictures. Those that I did take were either of documents (fun, fun! And an alternative to photocopies for historical research for those of you who are not in the know) or not that great. So instead, here are some photos from various previous trips to California.

I'm returning!!

DSC_1395, originally uploaded by cmlamber.

Its been awhile, but my summer teaching is over, so I promise, I'll be returning now. Here is a photo from a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum.