I emphasize self-esteem, self-confidence, and dignity, not as an ideal, but as a real test of community organization. Without leadership development, community organizations do not have staying power.

Never separate the life you live from the words you speak.

The American polity is infected with a serious imbalance of power between elites and masses, a power which is the principal threat to our democracy.

As free citizens in a political democracy, we have a responsibility to be interested and involved in the affairs of the human community, be it at the local or the global level.

If we don't fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don't really stand for them.

We can remake the world daily.

When too many Americans don't vote or participate, some see apathy and despair. I see disappointment and even outrage. And I believe that out of this frustration can come hope and action.