Greg Mitchell has authored more than a dozen books (see most of them here) and directed four recent PBS films. Subscribing to this newsletter is still FREE—so if you want to help fund, maybe purchase one of my books, thanks. Or recommend this Substack to a friend!
Tragic news emerged last night about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle. Of course, like many, I recall that first night in 1971 when “All in the Family” shocked audiences. The obits and tributes now rolling out tell the rest of his story. A recent quote reflecting his political activism:
“Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people.”
But to add one thing: This past September, Reiner responded to a mock “Mel Brooks personality questionaire” (his dad and Mel were comic partners way back in the 1950s). One of the questions was, What song would you choose for the soundtrack for a movie about your life?
He picked the Leiber-Stoller classic, “Stand By Me” (also the title of one of his movies). Here are two versions by Tracy Chapman and Ry Cooder.
Asked what TV show he would choose to fall asleep to on an endless loop, he wrote, “Any murder show hosted and narrated by Keith Morrison.”
And how did he want to be remembered? “More than just a Meathead.” Certainly that is playing out in real time right now, from “Spinal Tap” to all of the social causes and organizations he aided. R.I.P.
CNN:
The Republican plans to pick off five Democratic-held congressional seats in Texas once seemed like a sure thing. Not anymore.
President Donald Trump’s flagging approval ratings, particularly among Latinos, and strong Democratic performance in this year’s special elections have changed both parties’ assumptions. Now, the cushion the Texas GOP drew into its new map – Trump won every Republican-favored district by 10 points or more a year ago – seems like it might be too small.
Then there’s this, from Wired:
Google Data Centers Are Returning Nuclear Power to Tornado Country
Steve Brodner:
Bruce Springsteen and Miami Steve showed up at the Stone Pony in Asbury last night for some holiday fun, ending with Santa coming to town.
Today’s Cartoons
Ben Jennings:
Michael de Adder:
Goris:
Glen Le Lievre:
Royaards:
Photo Finish
From my camera to you: “Heron on Hudson.”
I hope we’re talking about Rob Reiner for a long time. He was out front with his humanity and activism. So many great political films: Shock and Awe, LBJ, A Few Good Men, Ghosts of Mississippi and especially The American President, the template for The Sorkin West Wing series.
I hope their son was not the killer, as is being reported. I want him to be remembered for his work and his ideas, not for the sensationalism of his death.
Rob Reiner was a national treasure. His loss a wound. Thank you for your tribute.
Very good selection of cartoons.