By no means was I limiting the term 'history books' to the nonsense and propaganda that's foisted on kids in public schools.  I remember Arkansas textbooks issued to my children's cousins that demonized post-Civil War Reconstruction after the manner of "Birth of a Nation" and praised the KKK.  And Texas' so-called "textbooks"?  Ye gods and little fishes.   Such propaganda is even more evident in our press and electronic mass-media.  And I don't think you understood the jibe about "honest statement" (I just HATE it when my sarcasm whizzes right past the intended recipient!).  Reread the 7th through 10th words in your post beginning with "I was born in 1959...".  More slowly this time.