cross-posted from: https://midwest.social/post/10522838

Walter Reuther was an American visionary so far ahead of his times that although he died a quarter of a century ago, our Nation has yet to catch up to his dreams.

– President Bill Clinton, in 1995

Walter Reuther is the only man I have ever met who could reminisce about the future.

– Murray Kempton, journalist and Pulitzer Prize recipient

Walter Reuther is the most dangerous man in Detroit because no one is more skillful in bringing about the revolution without seeming to disrupt the existing forms of society.

– Governor George Romney

Over at the News, they’ve posted a selection of their archive photos of activist and former UAW president Walter P. Reuther. Yeah, that’s the guy whose name is on the 696. For those who don’t know who Reuther was, I highly suggest you read the linked Wikipedia article for starts.

The following legendary exchange is attributed to Reuther and a member of the Ford Motor Company management during a factory tour exalting the new (at the time) technologies and robotics on the assembly line…

Ford Manager: How are you going to collect union dues from these guys [the robots]?

WPR: How are you going to get them to buy Fords?

I can’t help drawing parallels between Reuther’s assessment and the present—and fast-approaching future—state of AI. Happy Sunday, everybody!

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