I'm a child of the sixties. I grew up with a president who was a crook, who put us into the most unpopular war in history, who had no communication with people under thirty. I had seen the Symbionese Liberation Army and the Panthers and the Diggers; I understood what they were about.

The quote by Jerry Heller reflects his experience growing up during the 1960s, a decade marked by significant political and social upheaval. Heller, a prominent music executive, highlights how the era shaped his worldview. He references a time when the U.S. president—Richard Nixon—was seen by many as a "crook" due to the Watergate scandal. This revelation brought deep distrust in the government, especially in light of the Vietnam War, which Heller describes as "the most unpopular war in history." This period of conflict defined the sixties and fueled anti-war sentiments across the country.

Heller also mentions his awareness of the civil rights and radical activist movements that gained momentum in the 1960s. Groups like the Symbionese Liberation Army, Black Panthers, and the Diggers played pivotal roles in challenging the status quo. The Symbionese Liberation Army, in particular, became notorious for its kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst, while the Panthers were known for their advocacy of black empowerment and resistance to police brutality. Heller's statement indicates his understanding of the radical nature of these movements, which sought to bring about change in a society that many felt was increasingly oppressive.

The quote further touches on the generational gap that existed during this period. Heller points out that the president and his administration were out of touch with younger Americans, particularly those under thirty, who were at the forefront of social change and rebellion. This lack of communication between the government and the youth, combined with the unrest and activism of the time, helped fuel the spirit of the 1960s—a time of protest, defiance, and revolutionary ideas.

In essence, Heller’s quote reflects a critical view of the political climate of the 1960s, which was defined by distrust in leadership, the rise of activism, and a generation’s struggle for change. His words capture the essence of an era where young people fought to redefine society and challenge the old systems of authority.