Dear Editor:
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First, through the efforts of the Illinois Labor History Society and particularly Bill Adelman, the historical events of Haymarket were rescued from the dustbin of history. Popularizing the event, Bill has spoken to thousands of high schools, community organizations, civic clubs and unions–inspiring them to understand this class-based travesty of Justice. In fact his presentations have done more to publicize the existence and traditions of the Chicago anarchists than Craig and all his well- intended purists. His presentations always give respect to the traditions of the Chicago anarchists as spokespersons for a legitimate social protest philosophy.
Only respectful and intelligent dialogue and debate encourages an appreciation of what history has to offer. In a country that either ignores or suppresses the proud history of unions and radicalism, there is a need for mutual respect on the left. Lacking this option, the alternative is isolation and irrelevance.
