History is grabbed by the roots when it is used to remind a new generation of the accomplishments of the past, when it is used to inspire a people to accomplish what they can and prevent what they must. The invocation of history is particularly powerful when it is used to remind a nation of aspirations long cherished but not fully achieved. [Best of the ’08 Campaign: The effective use of history—By Scott Horton (Harper’s Magazine)]
The author is writing about American elections, but it could be true anywhere.
