In 1969, the spirit of revolution was in the air. The Cold War was in full effect, relations between East and West were strained, the Vietnam War was deeply unpopular at home, and large swathes of the population were simply tired of the old way of doing things. There was an open rebellion against the establishment and conservatism, and the youth seemed to have a deeply liberal agenda on their mind. For a Government terrified of the threat of Communism, Woodstock was an issue.
Hippie ideologies often drifted along towards Marxism, and with icons like John Lennon seemingly preaching from the Communist Manifesto, the kids were listening. Woodstock was full of mini stalls like this one, offering free 'revolutionary literature' and organizing support for left wing politicians at forthcoming elections. The Socialist Workers Party were particularly popular, and Che Guevara was hailed as a hero of the Cuban Revolution. For the old guard, it felt like their entire existence was at risk.