The following featured comments are from individuals who have signed the Engage statement speaking to their view of Bob Avakian's work and what it has provoked in their own thinking.
from
Gordon J. Alderink, PT, PhD,Grand Valley State University*
"I signed on with Engage because it has become increasingly clear to me that we need a major paradigm shift in how America is led. Infringement on individual freedoms, loss of integrity in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, coercing Americans using fear, etc are examples of how far we have strayed from a truly free, democratic society. We need individuals like Noam Chomsky and Bob Avakian to call into question rigid ideologies, uncontrolled power, capitalistic hegemony, sources of alienation, and lack of reason. I would hope that reasonable people would attend to the kinds of questions Avakian is asking and not write him off simply because he is a 'communist.'"
from
Mark LeVine, Professor of History, UC Irvine*
"I have had the opportunity to read some of Avakian's writings, and regardless of whether i agree with them, it is important that they remain accessible to the public in an era where the government and its corporate sponsors spend untold sums of money to "create realities" that the rest of us are forced to live--and in many cases,
die--in. Progressives can profoundly disagree about what the appropriate solution to the horrific mess the Republicrats have gotten us into, and what kind of revolution--if at all--is necessary to achieve such a large scale social transformation. But one thing's
for sure, we need as many voices out there as possible offering different visions of the future to those offered either by the Bush administration or the jihadis. Bob Avakian is one such voice that
deserves to be heard and engaged, regardless of whether we agree with his prognoses or not."
from Dr. Donald E Winters,
"I am very pleased to see Bob Avakian stepping forward to make a powerful statement for revolutionary change. I feel strongly that the present administration represents the closest America has ever come to fascism. As a current member of the I.W.W. and past member of the S.W.P., I am greatly moved by political courage in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. America greatly needs to see the courage of a Joe Hill or
Leon Trotsky to confront the present illegal, immoral, and self-serving regime of
George W. Bush.
"
from Tony Jackson, Psychologist, artist, activist
"It is my belief that Avakian offers a seldom heard perspective in this society. Hearing such a strong and clear historical analysis of the social/political quagmire, we Americans find ourselves in, at this juncture, is germane to how we develop a process for moving forward."
from Charles Williams, Professional Boxing Coach in the City of Long Beach, CA on why he thinks people should sign the Engage statement:
"He has proved he is about it. I have known about Bob Avakian for a long time. He shows more love for the people and you know where his heart is at. What he is doing is for the good of the people. You know he cares about you. This is a good opportunity for people to come together and unite."
from Fr. Lawrence Lucas, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church*
"Since the foolishness called democracy here and so called two party system, is simply one party of the rich and powerful at the expense of the majority, Bob Avakian's sincere commitment to the common folks is most refreshing."
from Harry J. Lennix, actor, instructor
"In a time where we see many of our most precious freedoms threatened, and no convincing voice from either major party speaking on our behalf, it is reassuring to know that irrespective of labels we have advocates like Bob Avakian who is speaking on behalf of the people. There is certainly no more American precept than this."
from Fr. Daniel Berrigan on why he’s added his name to the Engage statement, “Dangerous times demand courageous voices. Bob Avakian is such a voice:”
"In reading Bob Avakian’s memoir, From Ike to Mao and Beyond, I felt very attuned to Bob in what we’re both seeking – a decent international order that takes into account the poor at the edge of life, resists domination and war, and an end to the prospering of the few at the expense of many."
from Michael Slate, correspondent for Revolution newspaper and host/producer of the Tuesday edition of Beneath the Surface on KPFK 90.7 fm Los Angeles.
"I don't see the need for this statement, Bob Avakian is not currently under attack. And if he comes under attack, I will defend him. "
"I've been discussing the importance of the Engage! statement with all sorts of people who are considering signing on to it and this is an issue that has come up repeatedly. I 've thought about this question a lot and wanted to share some of this thinking with others. Hopefully these comments will contribute to the discussion and work to project and protect Bob Avakian.
The logic of this argument, especially in today's highly repressive atmosphere, is deadly. This government has a pre-emptive doctrine in how they deal with revolutionary leaders. It is tested throughout history and has been heightened and sharpened today.
It is naive and wrong to look around and in the absence of open and easily recognized attacks from the state, conclude there is nothing to worry about and no need now to join the network of Engage! signatories. Moreover, it has been shown to be a disastrous dynamic to wait until they bring down the force of the state. By that time, many things would already be in motion."
Read Full Comment
from Henry Silverman Prof. and Chairperson Emeritus, Dept. of History, Michigan State Univ.* On why he signed the Engage! statement.
"First, I am a free speech fanatic; second, I followed some of his writing in Revolution and, while I am not a Marxist, found it worthwhile. I also think it's a good statement."
from Hal Perry, USF Dons Basketball Team, NCAA Champs, 1955-56, Team Captain 1956
“It’s important in this day and time to explore every possible intelligent approach to life. I encourage everyone to listen to Bob Avakian. He has the right direction we should all try our best to emulate and follow. Bob Avakian is a truth teller.”
from Bob Weick, National Touring Actor of Howard Zinn's, "MARX IN SOHO"
"History is not over! The truth of these opening words from Benjamin Barber's book "Jihad vs. McWorld" are obvious, and yet this simple fact also serves as a compelling call to action. It is a hopeful reminder that we the people can continue to shape the future and work towards a truly just world. In order to achieve that end, we must engage all the great thinkers of the past as well as those in our current epoch. Bob Avakian, with his informed critique of the history of Capitalism and his vision of the future of Communism, deserves a place at the table of any National discussion seeking tools to
create a better world for the mass of humanity.
"
from Adam Shapiro, “Current Events," WRFG, Atlanta, Georgia
"It is important during these dangerous times that informed dissenting voices be heard. Bob Avakian possesses one of these voices. Avakian possesses a rare ability to integrate his extraordinarily extensive knowledge of history with his critique. One example of this is his discussion of how the electoral process had no effect on the beginning and ending of the
Vietnam War. Many of the critiques presented these days lack true historical context. Bob Avakian fills that gap."
from Cornel West, Professor of Religion, Princeton University* on From Ike to Mao and Beyond:
"Bob Avakian is a long distance runner in the freedom struggle against imperialism, racism and capitalism. His voice and witness are indispensable in our efforts to enhance the wretched of the earth. And his powerful story of commitment is timely."
from Robert Keith Collins, Ph.D., Homalusa: Center for African and Native American Research on From Ike to Mao and Beyond
"As a professor, I and other professors want their students to be critical thinkers. This book can open people up to an approach of how to look at things with a critical eye. My mom who is from the South has commented that growing up there you understood where you stood because people would just come out and say what they thought. People like George Wallace (an extremely racist former Governor of Alabama) would just outright say he thought Blacks were inferior. Whereas in the North there would be a covering up of how people thought.
During the Civil rights period, people felt deeply that there needed to be a change and they were willing to do something about it. They had to "step outside of the box" in willing to go out and dare to struggle for something different with different people. They did not know the outcome of what would happen if they did this. That is what is needed today. People need to take risks and not accept what's going on. Bob Avakian did this with his life. He was looking for the truth and he has pursued that, not knowing where that would lead him, taking risks.
I was talking to a friend about the memoir, and my friend said, "Dude. This is communism you're talking about." I said, "Look into it. Did you ever read the Communist Manifesto? Communism on paper is a beautiful thing. Just because things happened in Russia or China that weren't good, you shouldn't reject it. Capitalism has very wealthy people, a middle class, but a lot of people are two paychecks away from poverty. Under capitalism there are a few people who hoard all the wealth." After this back and forth, my friend is now reading the book. I believe people can get drawn into the story from a humanistic approach. If you go through Bob's story, you get to see how he came to discover socialism and communism." [Full Statement]
from Hal Perry, former basketball player on listening to the talk "The NBA: Marketing The Minstrel Show and Serving the Big Gangsters" by Bob Avakian:“That’s right, he’s good, that’s fantastic, ooh boy, that’s a powerful statement,” these were some of the things I said while listening to the talk by Bob Avakian, “The NBA - Marketing the Minstrel Show and Serving the Big Gangsters.” I really appreciated hearing this talk. Everything he’s saying about sports, I lived through it.
While listening to Part 1 of the talk, I couldn’t believe how deeply and accurately Bob Avakian described everything. Anyone who listens to this talk is put in a better position to understand what really went on. It’s unbelievable how it describes what happened to Black players. It is so excellent and incredible, I can’t begin to express everything I think about it and I need to listen to it again. If you took a group of high school kids and had them sit down and listen to this, they’d never be the same again." [Full Statement]
from Reverend Earl Kooperkamp, Pastor, St. Mary's Church, Harlem, NYC on Revolution: Why It's Necessary? Why It's Possible? What It's All About
“In times like these, this clear voice for social change is a welcome relief from all the confusion and lies. Listen, and you will truly hear a voice of reason, with sharp analysis and deep understanding, going up against the tide of injustice and oppression. Of crucial importance is the fearless opposition to the rise of the Christian right and its pernicious effect on the political and cultural life in this country. While you might not agree with everything he says, he will challenge you with his insights and a clarion call to what must be done. ”
from Rev. George W. Webber, President Emeritus, New York Theological Seminary on Marxism and the Call of the Future: Conversations on Ethics, History, and Politics by Bob Avakian and Bill Martin
"This brilliant, lively, and scholarly attempt to define communism's present role in addressing the need to remake our world is especially timely in the face of the policies and actions of the Bush administration. Bob Avakian and Bill Martin are to be commended for their steadfast endeavors to bring about a new society. We owe them both our gratitude for this monumental effort to move our world toward justice and righteousness."
from a professor from Chicago on Preaching from a Pulpit of Bones: We Need Morality But Not Traditional Morality
"What is ethical thinking in a time of social fragmentation and imperialist globalization? Bob Avakian convincingly argues that morality has to be tied to a vision of a good society, a society free of exploitation and every form of domination. Even more does morality have to do with the struggle to create such a society. Avakian points the way toward what some doubt is possible, a materialist ethics. Like Mao's, this is a Marxism that aims at a social analysis that is clear and systematic but not 'cold' – a Marxism with heart."
