Just when I think I've learned everything to know about Tom McCall, something new and wonderful comes along. In the fall of 1958, Tom became chair of an eight-person committee that helped craft a pioneering package of legislation to improve living and working conditions for migrant workers in the state. There had been no federal action at the time, and only a few states had acted, but none went as far as the package that was approved by the 1959 Legislature. The Edward R. Murrow documentary, "Harvest of Shame," which aired in November, 1960, is widely credited as the first piece to bring the plight of migrant workers before the larger public. Once again this man demonstrated his true vision and his genuine compassion for the underdog.--Bill Hall
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