Alienation is perhaps the most effective tool of control in America, and every reminder of our real connectedness weakens that tool.

Civil disobedience is an act of love.

My spiritual path has largely been Christianity - a label that I embraced and then rejected and have partially embraced again, as my understanding of Christianity has changed over time. When I accepted the mainstream, dogmatic definition of Christianity there came a point when I had to say, "Well, if that's what a Christian is, I'm not one."

Until our leaders take seriously their responsibility to pass on a healthy and just world to the next generation, I will continue this fight.

Dealing with our negative emotions is a crucial preparatory step to taking effective action. You have to grapple with the hard stuff, with the hard realities of the world. This builds your confidence that you can handle those intense situations when they arise.

The reality is not that I lack respect for the law; it's that I have greater respect for justice.

Religious communities have historically been designed to counteract the forces of alienation. That's why so many successful social movements have relied upon the strength of spiritual communities and a large base of their organizing has been through them.