Friend,
One week ago marked two years since we lost our founder, Norman Lear. His daughter, Kate, shared a beautiful reflection on his life and the values he so authentically lived – generosity, curiosity, humor, and a deep belief in the promise of this country. I hope you’ll take a moment to read it.
Read Kate Lear’s op-ed here >>
Norman’s presence is felt so deeply here at People For the American Way. I feel it every time we confront a challenge, every time we speak out against injustice, and every time our community shows up for the work ahead. He had an extraordinary ability to ground people during difficult moments, reminding us that progress is possible when we refuse to give in to despair.
His “over and next” philosophy has stayed with me. It wasn’t just a clever expression. It was Norman’s compass – a way of acknowledging the tough times without being defined by them and then choosing to move forward with purpose. It’s a mindset I find myself returning to often, especially now.
Because the truth is: we are living through one of the most toxic political climates in generations. The cruelty and division fueling the MAGA movement have taken a toll on our country. But when I imagine how Norman would respond to this moment, I don’t feel discouraged. I feel motivated. There is simply no doubt in my mind – he would be all in. He would be organizing, encouraging, challenging, and finding new ways to bring people together.
That conviction is why he created People For the American Way. He believed that extremism had to be met with courage, clarity, and community. He used to say, “There’s not a single day that I don’t pick up the newspaper and think, ‘Thank God, we have People For the American Way.’” Every time I think of that line, I’m struck by the responsibility and the privilege of carrying this work forward.
Norman faced down extremism, and he never lost faith in the American people. His legacy is something we live every day. It’s a reminder that each of us has a role in shaping the future and that our collective resilience is stronger than the divisions being stoked around us.
Kate’s reflection captures that spirit beautifully. I hope you’ll read her words and carry forward that same spark – the optimism, the humanity, the belief that the next step is always worth taking.
With gratitude,
Svante Myrick
President
People For the American Way
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