You 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.

Capitalism is a powerful producer of output, crisis-mongering on the left notwithstanding, and this too makes the system seem to have a lot of promise. This is why it is so important to agitate against the system in good times and bad. We can't depend on some super crisis to get folks thinking but instead have to focus on all of the contradictions of the system which cannot be ultimately resolved by it.

You have to get out in the world and meet folks on their own turf, something which a lot of urban radical intellectuals seldom do.

The main dividing line is still race. This is the issue that must be focused upon in all working class organizations.

Racism is the most divisive force in our society, so until it is dealt with we cannot hope for much.

Without an understanding of the issue of race and a willingness to confront it head on, the working class will not build its strength.

Most young people are or will soon enough be workers. They can help to energize and radicalize the workers' movement. And what revolution has ever succeeded without youth?