I went West and took part in the strike of the machinists - the Southern Pacific Railroad, the corporation that swung California by its golden tail, that controlled its legislature, its farmers, its preachers, its workers.
I learned in the early part of my career that labor must bear the cross for others' sins, must be the vicarious sufferer for the wrongs that others do.
I believe that movements to suppress wrongs can be carried out under the protection of our flag.
I am Mother Jones. The Government can't take my life and you can't take my arm, but you can take my suitcase.
I am not blind to the shortcomings of our own people.
If they want to hang me, let them. And on the scaffold I will shout Freedom for the working class!
