Dear People For the American Way Member,
While I am feeling deep sadness at the death of our beloved founder and friend Norman Lear, my spirits are lifted by the outpouring of affection for Norman, and by the widespread recognition that People For the American Way is a living expression of Norman’s heartfelt commitment to democracy and activism.
I wanted to share with you highlights of just a few of the thousands of news stories and personal tributes to Norman that have come to us. We have heard from political and cultural figures and also from many People For the American Way members just like you who have been inspired by Norman’s vision of an inclusive America.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
"Using his commanding platform and trademark wit, he spoke truth to power with groundbreaking scripts and unforgettable characters that challenged our nation to grapple with taboo topics of power, privilege and prejudice. Norman’s impact was not simply confined to the writer’s room. Since his youth, he fought against antisemitism – and as the founder of People for the American Way, he defended free speech, the right to vote and the guardrails between church and state."
President Bill Clinton:
"After fighting for America’s freedom and democracy in World War II, he also set up People For the American Way to continue working to make our Union more perfect here at home. Hillary and I will always be grateful for his decades of friendship, his iconic shows and wonderful characters, and his extraordinary efforts to advance social justice and democracy for all."
The Washington Post:
People For the American Way, a liberal advocacy group aimed at preserving the separation of church and state. In short order, the group had 200,000 members, a $5 million budget and a hard-working publicity machine that generated op-eds, public-service announcements and media appearances.
Mr. Lear’s group helped defeat Robert Bork’s 1987 nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Mr. Lear became a prominent spokesman for Hollywood’s progressive wing. The Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority, in a letter to supporters, was moved to label him “the greatest enemy of the American family in our generation.”
And we have received more than a thousand touching tributes from people who have responded to our invitation to share memories and condolences. Here are just a few examples:
- I am 73, and Norman has inspired me to give and to serve for the latter half of my life in the causes he held dear. I am saddened by his passing but a better man because of him.
- I'll remember Norman for pointing TV cameras at us and showing us the wide variety of ourselves... and founding my favorite liberal and progressive activist group. He never stopped working to build a better future, and we shouldn't stop either.
- My condolences to Norman Lear's family and all who knew and knew of him. Know that he had an incredibly positive effect on me as I grew up in a volatile environment. He showed me rainbows and I owe my younger life's survival to his heart and vision.
And maybe my favorite:
- Norman Lear was an American patriot and a great artist. I was raised watching his legendary television series, all of which captured the humor and honesty of American life. As an adult, I witnessed him defend the best principles of this country with courage and unflagging humanity. He was a great hero and inspiration to me always. His life and work stand as an inspiration, and a call to action, for us all.
If you haven’t had a chance to sign the condolences card to Norman’s family or view our video honoring his legacy, you can find them on our special tribute page. >>
Norman never thought of People For the American Way as “his” organization. He saw it as a collective effort to inspire and organize people of goodwill to defend democratic principles and stand up to would-be dictators. Norman saw earlier than most the threat that religious and political ideologues could pose to our democratic society. He believed that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. That’s why Norman’s final request was that people honor him by supporting People For the American Way.
I’m adding my own request to his. In this time of high stakes and great challenges to our democracy, I invite you to make a contribution to the Norman Lear Legacy Fund, which will help us carry on the work to which he was so devoted.
With much gratitude,
Svante Myrick
President
People For the American Way
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