While there is a lower class, I am in it, while there is a criminal element, I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that Debs felt connected to the poor, criminals, and those in prison. He saw himself as part of these groups, not separate from them. Even if he wasn't in prison himself, he didn't feel truly free as long as others were unfairly imprisoned. Debs wanted to fight for justice and equality for everyone, not just those with power and privilege.
About Eugene V. Debs
Eugene Victor Debs was a prominent American socialist, political activist, and trade unionist who ran for President of the United States five times on the Socialist Party ticket. He was a founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and played a key role in several major labor disputes, including the Pullman Strike.
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