I want a language that speaks the truth.
Studs TerkelChicago is not the most corrupt American city. It's the most theatrically corrupt.
Chicago, CorruptionStuds TerkelWhen you become part of something, in some way you count. It could be a march; it could be a rally, even a brief one. You're part of something, and you suddenly realize you count. To count is very important.
Revolution, DemocracyStuds TerkelThat's what we're missing. We're missing argument. We're missing debate. We're missing colloquy. We're missing all sorts of things. Instead, we're accepting.
PoliticsStuds TerkelWith optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, 'Studs, you're an optimist.' I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what's the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as well put your head in the oven.
Studs Terkel