'The most troublesome myth of Paul Revere’s ride ...'

A Patriots Day weekend wouldn't be a Patriots Day weekend without -- like clockwork -- the commencement of debunkings of Paul Revere myths. J.L. Bell chimes in this year by pronouncing that "the most troublesome myth of Paul Revere’s ride is that Paul Revere’s ride mattered a lot." After going over Revere's role in the dramatic events 233 years ago, J.L. concludes, "So as brave, hard-working, and dramatic as Paul Revere’s ride was on 18-19 Apr 1775, it may not have changed events all that much." .... Gee, couldn't the same be said of the actions of 99.9 percent of those who participated in the events of April 18-19, 1775? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'Paul Revere's Ride' was a poem, not a history book. It was meant to inspire and lift spirits. It succeeded in capturing the public's imagination to such an extent that we'd probably not be celebrating Patriots Day today with such fondness had it not been for the literary license a poet took with a common man's minor role in a major event. I know 'Paul Revere's Ride' isn't historically accurate. I also know the 'World Series' really isn't a 'world series.' But I can still celebrate both. The most troublesome myth of Paul Revere's ride is the notion that there's still myths about Paul Revere's ride that need historical debunking. ... (It's a Paul Revere smackdown!-ed. Only in Boston. I like the illustration.-ed. It's historically inaccurate. But I like it too.)

Update -- I tweaked this post a bit, taking out the word 'pompous' to describe debunkings. Thought I was being a little unfair. ...  ¶ 9:29 AM