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We are not merely historians but also and always citizens.

All partisan movements add to the fullness of our understanding of society as a whole. They never detract; or, in any case, one must not allow them to do so. Experience adds to experience.

Our history is that we can very aggressively, if necessary, and openly and democratically discuss our differences. We have a democratic history in which we come together and vote on these things.

I am not as partisan as people think I am.

I'm not a partisan.

I'm a historian in my own mind.

I'm very comfortable with where history will judge me.

I try not to make it personal, and I don't care about partisan politics one way or the other.

Equally, we require a collective past - hence the endless reinterpretations of history, frequently to suit the perceptions of the present.

In the end, human history is made up of all our decisions.