From Norman Lear: What the American way means to me

[babylonsister]

From an e-mail from PFAW...

Friends,

I've started looking forward to the "Friday notes" that People For the American Way's president Kathryn Kolbert has been sending around each week, and I especially enjoy reading your email responses that she shares with me. Last week when she posed the question "What does the American Way mean to you?" I asked her if she would let me send out the note this week so I could have the chance to say hello and share my answer with you.

It's not really that complicated. It's about freedom. It's about the right of every individual to pursue their own dreams, and about our shared responsibility to create a society that allows them the opportunity. I'm deeply moved by the ideals in our founding documents, no matter how imperfectly we have lived up to them. And I'm grateful for the precious gift of living in a free society, one in which my rights and responsibilities don't depend on my swearing loyalty to any religious or political orthodoxy. For me, it's also about openness to new ideas, and treating even our political opponents with a measure of respect.

People For the American Way grew out of my visceral response to TV preachers saying you couldn't be a good American without being their kind of Christian -- and you couldn't be a good Christian or a good American if you didn't share their divisive and intolerant politics. It turns out that a lot of people shared my reaction: that's not the American Way.

The way we talk about things at People For changes over time, depending on which of our principles are under fiercest attack in the cultural or political arena, but I don't think our core values have changed. For years, I've carried around a small card in my wallet that says this:

"When we see anxiety and alienation manipulated for political gain, and people of all ages losing enthusiasm for democracy, we are moved to do whatever we can to make sure that our children and grandchildren grow and live in a society shaped by the American promise. People For the American Way gives us a way to help realize that promise."

I believe that with all my heart and soul. I'm excited by the different ways that People For and its Foundation help to realize that promise -- by giving voice to our values, by engaging people in the political process to advance the cause of equality, by helping people exercise the priceless right to vote, by identifying and training and mentoring promising young leaders.

To all of you kindred spirits, to all who join me in saying "Yes! That is the American Way, and it's worth fighting for," I say thank you.



Norman Lear, Founder
People For the American Way

[ellenfl]

1. k&r eom

[KharmaTrain]

2. Norman Lear...A True Patriot

He saw the threat from the religious right and wingnuts back in the 70's. I've been a long and proud member of PFAW. I'm grateful he's still out there, as dedicated as ever.

:kick:

[windoe]

3. K & R thanks I needed some fresh air~

:)

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

4. Lear's a great American

who saw the coming shitstorm long before most did.

Back atcha, Mr. Lear! :patriot: