We need a Port Huron Statement for our times

[DemocratSinceBirth]

-Respect for all people regardless of their economic status, religion, national origin, gender, gender orientation, et cetera

-Respect for diversity

- Nobody should be denied health care, food, or shelter for inability to pay.

These demands are non-negotiable.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

1. I do believe the original still resonates.

The SDS never copywrited the Port Huron Statement. It is in the public domain. Hence the use of more than four paragraphs is allowed.

The sentiment is still applicable only some references to names and then current figures may cause some people a little dismay.

This is near the end, I believe it outline some of what we need today.


1. Any new left in America must be, in large measure, a left with real intellectual skills, committed to deliberativeness, honesty, reflection as working tools. The university permits the political life to be an adjunct to the academic one, and action to be informed by reason.

2. A new left must be distributed in significant social roles throughout the country. The universities are distributed in such a manner.

3. A new left must consist of younger people who matured in the postwar world, and partially be directed to the recruitment of younger people. The university is an obvious beginning point.

4. A new left must include liberals and socialists, the former for their relevance, the latter for their sense of thoroughgoing reforms in the system. The university is a more sensible place than a political party for these two traditions to begin to discuss their differences and look for political synthesis.

5. A new left must start controversy across the land, if national policies and national apathy are to be reversed. The ideal university is a community of controversy, within itself and in its effects on communities beyond.

6. A new left must transform modern complexity into issues that can be understood and felt close-up by every human being. It must give form to the feelings of helplessness and indifference, so that people may see the political, social and economic sources of their private troubles and organize to change society. In a time of supposed prosperity, moral complacency and political manipulation, a new left cannot rely on only aching stomachs to be the engine force of social reform. The case for change, for alternatives that will involve uncomfortable personal efforts, must be argued as never before. The university is a relevant place for all of these activities.