Let me share with you memories of the struggle for change and how my generation of activists stopped the Vietnam war and what can be learned from that time as we confront the growth of fascism at home and the world today
Meet my comrade, Tom Hayden and listen to his closing remarks at the end of the Final Gathering of the '60's Anti-War Tribe: The Power of Protest. the gathering brought together women and men who were young in the 60's and stopped the war in Vietnam, Tom Hayden was a founder of the Students for Democratic Society (SDS), He was a spokesperson for the Anti-War movement in the late 60's early 70's. He became a celebrity when he married Jane Fonda. Later he was elected to the California Legislature. Like many of his generation, he crossed the line of substance pleasure into abuse. Tom found recovery in a 12 program. He never stopped thinking about how to make the change to more equitable society. I have always looked to Tom for a path to change. This was the last time I heard Tom speak. Less than a year later, Tom was dead. He opened his remarks by acknowledging our generation was losing people as they age. He said it was important to feel proud of stopping the war and bringing soldiers home alive. Tom then began to share what he had learned from his/our fight to end the war in Vietnam. I identified and sometimes disagreed (friends and comrades can ) ..but this day I simply listened and identified. If you are too young to have lived through the 60's or the anti-War movement or the Nixon or Reagan years, I hope you will take the time to listen ... I look with pride and hope at all the younger people engaged in the struggle for justice, peace, and building a better world, From Black Lives Matter to the Parkland generation, Collectively you are our children and grandchildren. Generationally we have or are passing the baton of struggle to you. We love you. If you ever want to chat ..please let's have coffee.
Tom Hayden's closing remarks at the end of the Final Gathering of the '60's Anti-War Tribe: The Power of Protest
Listen to Amy Goodman talk about Tom on Democracy Now memorializing his life and politics
Listen to Jon Weiner, Historian and author talk with Tom Hayden about his new book and his life
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