Progressive Values From a Friend

I met Tom Hayden through launching Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) with my friend Tim Carpenter.  Tim and Tom have known each other for years. Throughout building PDA Tom grew close as a friend and constantly tested my progressive values. The first day I met him at the conference at Roxburry, MA. I had the privilege to introduce him. During his speech he received no less the 5 standing ovations.  How do I follow him?

He made comment that the future of the movement belongs with American’s youth. When he ended the speech with that comment… he had planned to exit stage right where hundreds of activists waiting to talk to him. Knowing I was next to speak and him wanting to give the stage to the future generations… he stopped… and did not walk off the stage. He took a chair right behind me for my entire speech. At that moment I knew Tom was a man of action. He puts his words into action.

Today, after spending years working with him on Capitol Hill, on the streets, and even during the 2004 Democratic Convention… I consider him a friend and mentor.

Here is a great interview with him and Naomi Klein.