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Access to education Quote by Tom Harkin

“It's been years, but I still say that I went out with the same progressive values and liberal ideals that I went in with. I made a couple of mistakes, I will honestly admit. In retrospect, there are a few votes I wish I could take back. But, through it all, I kept my support for organized labor, I…” quote by Tom Harkin
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“It's been years, but I still say that I went out with the same progressive values and liberal ideals that I went in with. I made a couple of mistakes, I will honestly admit. In retrospect, there are a few votes I wish I could take back. But, through it all, I kept my support for organized labor, I kept my support for income equality, I kept my support for making sure that kids that come from poor families have access to education. So, yes, I still believe that you don't have to give up your ideals and go along. One person can still stand up and make a difference.”

Tom Harkin

About This Quote

Source Speech: Congressional Testimony, 1995

The speaker affirms steadfast progressive values despite mistakes, emphasizing continued support for labor, equality, and education.

In simple terms: I still hold my progressive ideals despite errors.

Key Takeaway

Stay true to core principles while learning from errors.

Themes

politics social justice integrity activism

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

inspirational political

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • community organizing
  • policy advocacy
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

progressivism labor rights education equity personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions keep your values alive?
  • How do you reconcile past mistakes with current goals?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with political compromise; change is incremental.

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