The Vietnam War was so obviously evil and bore down most heavily upon working class youth that it made me think about things more deeply than I had before. It disillusioned me completely and forever about the government. And it made me aware that the media and the government lied almost as a matter of course. But it also opened my eyes to what was really going on in America.
Michael YatesWithout an understanding of the issue of race and a willingness to confront it head on, the working class will not build its strength.
Michael YatesRacism is the most divisive force in our society, so until it is dealt with we cannot hope for much.
Michael YatesYou have to consider all workers as your equals and speak matter of factly about things. People do want to understand things and respect you if you know what they do not know. And you have to respect what they know that you do not.
Michael YatesYoung people are more likely to be idealistic and think that radical change is both necessary and possible. They may not yet be stuck in the routinized and sterile life that work and age often bring, nor stuck in any kind of rigid way of thinking. They have great energy and can get things done.
Michael Yates