Olathe Public Library- GoodReads Branch discussion

Yes, the book is written by “that” Tom Hayden – founder of the Students for a Democratic Society, member of the Chicago 8 and Jane Fonda’s ex-husband. Much like a college professor, Hayden builds a thesis then offers chapter after chapter of proof for his theory. The Sixties (and the years after), he writes, were a time of “Machiavellians” (political elites) versus “the movement.” Although the elites usually emerged victorious, the movement at times pushed moderate “Machiavellians” enough to gain some concessions. – giving African-Americans voting rights, the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam or the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, for example. Had our nation escaped the assassination of key leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy, the movement might well have emerged as the victor. Hayden writes that Obama, whose victory was propelled by veterans of the various movements that blossomed in the Sixties, could be remembered as a great president if he can escape the Machiavellians attempting to preserve their power and privilege. Just as Franklin Roosevelt became a great president only after people pushing for change filled the streets, Hayden notes, progressive movements must pressure Obama to build the nation many fought for during the long, long Sixties.

So it's a "call to action" of sorts?

Mostly a history lesson, with a call to action in the final chapter. It reminded me of a condensed Howard Zinn history of the past 5 decades. Lots of "eyewitness" information from someone who was deeply involved in the student movement of the Sixties and other movements that followed.