And every historic effort to forge a democratic project has been undermined by two fundamental realities: poverty and paranoia. The persistence of poverty generates levels of despair that deepen social conflict the escalation of paranoia produces levels of distrust that reinforce cultural division. Rae is the most explosive issue in American life precisely because it forces us to confront the tragic facts of poverty and paranoia despair, and distrust. In short, a candid examination of race matters takes us to the core of the crisis of American democracy (p. 107).

We are intent on building a movement. The next step is grassroots town meetings. We must keep alive the dialogue around the covenants.

I'm a bluesman, which means that I put an emphasis on the minor keys.

The only countervailing force against organized money at the top, is organized people at the bottom.

I would say you have to fight in the life of the mind as well as fight in the streets, as well as fight in the courts, as well as fight in congress and the White House. Every site is a sight of contestation.

There's simply no philosophizing without a love of wisdom, absolutely.

Faith is stepping out on nothing and landing on something.