Capitalism is, in Mao's language, the main contradiction in the world today and so our efforts have to be focused on ending this system and making a new one.

We are all, after all, just human beings, and most of us have a lot in common.

I think the two issues, racism and chauvinism, are linked. Look at how much weaker was support for U.S. actions in Iraq among black people.

What needs to be grasped is that the system itself is the cause of all of the misery in the world. This is a simple but powerful idea.

You can't take the view of some of the sectarian parties that hard issues can't be confronted when dealing with workers. If you don't confront these issues, what will ever change?

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.

Most people in this country, while they might not be happy about things, also are woefully ignorant about many things. Sometimes people can learn, but other times they have to be confronted.

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?

Of course we can talk about the radical potential of youth. But in the U.S. it is still the case that most youth are conservative and not very sympathetic to the working class.

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

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

O Lord, grant my dearest husband, Jeremiah Nii Mama Akita, the spirit of prayer and the grace to read thy word.

The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.

To one's enemies: "I hate myself more than you ever could.

I love Halloween and dressing up. I usually have at least three costumes.

There's always things from shooting a film that you pick up that hopefully make you better.

Those who say only artists and architects can create are the ones who are elitist.

One thing my and mother and dad shared completely was their approach to money - they just didn't spend it.

For who so firm that cannot be seduced?

Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other side

Of all that is most beauteous, imaged there In happier beauty; more pellucid streams, An ampler ether, a diviner air, And fields invested with purpureal gleams.