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George Shultz in "Turmoil & Triumph"
courtesy of PBS
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“Turmoil & Triumph: The George Shultz Years” (PBS)
Television is at its best when it educates and informs. That is why programs such as PBS’ “Turmoil & Triumph: The George Shultz Years” are so important. A program such as this one educates, informs and if done correctly entertains. The three hours dedicated to a study of George Shultz’s impact on history meets all of these goals.
Wisely the program is spread over three nights, with each segment being one hour in length. This allows the audience to absorb the information being offered without going into overload mode. The audience is allowed the chance to see Shultz the economist, the advisor, the negotiator, and the teacher. He is all these things and yet in his service to President Reagan he was the supporter.
This program shows the highs and the lows of Shultz’s career. As Reagan’s Secretary of State we grasp his wisdom, while understanding the politics that hampered his efforts at times. He traveled the globe putting out fires, mending fences, and breaking new ground. He was tireless in his efforts and unfailing in his support of the President. Still when he disagreed with policy he spoke his mind.
We also get the chance to see the benefit of wisdom and experience. Shultz was not a “young” man when he became Reagan’s Secretary of State, but he possessed a clarity of vision and an energy that men half his age did not possess. He brought experience to the job and that experience was invaluable.
“Turmoil & Triumph” presents a full picture of this unique man who today is still a vital player in trying to improve the world we live in, and make it safer for us and the generations that follow.
History will make the final decision on the value of George Shultz’s contributions to our world, but for now this three hour portrait of the man and his missions is a step in the right direction. Wisely it has been done at a time when he is alive and able to make comments that are so necessary for the total picture. These comments, along with those of Henry Kissinger, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell and others, make this an up to date revelation about our recent history.
“Turmoil & Triumph: The George Shultz Years” airs on PBS on consecutive Mondays at 10PM – July 12, 19 and 26. |
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©2010 Jackie K. Cooper |
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