"The fortunes of the entire world may well ride on the ability of young Americans to face the responsibilities of an old America gone mad"

This quote by Phil Ochs speaks to the value of young Americans in the existing state of the world. Ochs is recommending that the future of the world is in the hands of young Americans, and that they should take responsibility for the errors of the past. He is suggesting that the world remains in a state of chaos and that it depends on the youth to take action and make a distinction. Ochs is emphasizing the importance of youths worldwide today, and the need for them to take obligation for the mistakes of the past. He is also recommending that the future of the world is in their hands, which they need to be willing to deal with the obstacles of an old America gone mad. Ochs is getting in touch with young Americans to rise and act, and to be the change that the world needs.