Abbie+Hoffman+-+F08

“Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular decade. It is a perpetual process embedded in the human spirit.” Abbie Hoffman was raised in a middle class home in Massachusetts by parents who were Russian-Jewish immigrants. At seventeen years old he was arrested for the first time for driving without a license and was consequently expelled from the public high school he attended. Worcester Academy was where Hoffman turned to next, graduating in 1955 and going on to earn a B.A. in American Studies as well as a master’s degree in psychology. Early days of Hoffman’s activist career included involvement in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), organizing the “Liberty House” which also supported the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war activism during the Vietnam War. Plus, Abbie led many demonstrations and protests. He was successful convincing many people to become active in politics, especially young people. Abbie Hoffman was a social and political activist. He was a cofounder of the Youth International Party or the Yippies. During anti-Vietnam War protests, he was arrested and tried for conspiracy and rioting during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He was in a group called the Chicago Seven. In court, he did many things such as insulting the judge, dressing in judicial robes, and giving the finger. His conviction however was later appealed. During Woodstock, Hoffman interrupted the Who’s performance to try to make a protest speech but was unsuccessful, being hit of stage by the guitarist. Most of his later life Hoffman was a fugitive, running from the conviction of cocaine dealing. He did publish Steal This Book that told how to live basically for free as well as Steal This Urine Test, with Jonathan Silvers that revealed issues with the War on Drugs. Hoffman lived a short life of 52 years, ending on April 12, 1989, allegedly by suicide. He had overdosed on Phenobarbital tablets, having swallowed 150. Close friends however believe that his death was purely accidental. “The only way to support a revolution is to make your own.” "ABBIE HOFFMAN WEB PAGE." __Web Site Design, Promotion, Hosting & Programming__. 22 Dec. 2008 . "Abbie Hoffman Quotes." __Famous Quotes and Quotations at BrainyQuote__. 22 Dec. 2008 . "Abbie Hoffman -." __Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia__. 22 Dec. 2008 .