Although I never met Michael Parenti, he has deeply inspired me in my life as an American Communist and as a writer.
Blackshirts and Reds, in particular, was very influential in my political development and helped me remove the anti-Communist tint that skewed my vision.
His lectures on YouTube have accompanied me on many long commutes to work, and, like a good movie, there was always more to catch the second time through.
I feel the loss of a teacher and comrade that I never met, but his legacy and lessons will stay with me.
Rest in Peace Comrade Parenti
This is extremely sad. I wish I had read and listened to him more when he was alive: I barely read him. Now reading him won’t be the same.
At least by the time he died, I realized his views were correct, which ultra‐leftists had made it hard for me to understand.