Perhaps less has been said about Mike’s pugnaciousness, which was not an
argumentativeness for the sake of point-scoring or aggressiveness born out of
self-importance, but a passion for political struggle and the people he fought
alongside.
“Fighting was his element. And he fought with a passion, a tenacity, and a
success such as few could rival,” Frederick
Engels observed of Karl Marx—and the same could be said for Mike.
Admittedly, Mike’s combativeness was not only directed at class enemies, though
he was masterful when directing his fire at them. Mike was known among friends
for letters written in outrage, and even hurt, to comrades he felt had gone
astray. I had the displeasure of receiving a few myself. But in all our
exchanges, it was evident how much Mike cared. Never once did he exert
authority or expect deference because of his intellect or past contributions.
He just held those of us in common work to exacting standards and took our
politics as seriously as the circumstances require.
