Benjamin Hooks. He guided that organization through a path of hooders during some bad times.

Dr. Collins for two things: His work inspired one of my daughters to go into biochemistry as a career..she is currently in graduate school and doing DNA related work. Also, his uncompromising stand for both science and faith as compatible with each other is inspiring.

Harper Lee. Absolutely. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the powerful, beautiful, bittersweet art-as-life stories ever written. It should be required reading for every middle-school child in this country. This book spoke volumes about an ugly truth that so many would like to ignore or even pretend that it did not exist, and in the process captured the essence of a small Southern town “back in the day” so perfectly and poignantly. No one who ever read this sad but too-true tale should ever be able to forget it. Atticus Finch was the most charismatic and admirable protagonists ever conceived. “Mockingbird” is, incidentally, one of only two movies that I know of (the other being Gone with the Wind) that remotely does justice to the book upon which it is based — a movie that as well should be required watching for all kids.

Of those listed, by far Ms. Lee: her book was a signal reading for me.

However, nowadays this medal’s currency has become debased by the likes of Paul Berman and George Tenet having it bestowed for their dubious achievements. And Henry Hyde? Wasn’t he the man who, after castigating Clinton for his adulterous ways, and voting for impeachment regarding such, was forced to admit to a ‘youthful indiscretion’ which was in fact his own adulterous affair in middle age?

Harper Lee really touched a nerve with me. I have read “To Kill a Mockingbird” many times and seen the movie often. The story is so quaint on the surface, but the powerful message of fear and racial injustice fortold what would follow in our nation in the following years. That book gave me a different perspective on individual rights and social prejudices at a time when the civil rights movement was all around me. It helped me see how fear and hatred poison our society and relationships. I think the courtroom scene with the “victim” on the witness stand is one of the most dramatic and profound moments I have ever read about or witnessed. It also let me see how a lack of understanding, in this case the mystery of Boo Radley, can feed our fears. Many years ago, I met someone not so different than Mr. Arthur Radley, and we remain friends to this day. While certainly Harper Lee’s book was not the sole source of my inspiration, I cannot deny it’s significance.

Kurt: This is by far. the worst topic for discussion you have ever posted in here. Here are 3 better ideas. 1. Should Al Gore propose that cooked food be prohibited because cooking uses fossil fuel and causes global warming? 2. Should marriage be prohibited because it is only an excuse to get gifts? 3: Should there be an open season on shooting Republicans or should there be restrictions?

*Shaking head at this subjcct, and walking off mumbling!!!!*

Of course any person who fights for civil rights personally impacts on me, and every other person–in the country and in the world. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is an inspiration, as is Oscar Ellas Biscet and Benjamin Hooks.

From a personal perspective, though, Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the movie based on the book, changed everything I knew about the world.

Dr. Collins is an interesting person. No one can deny his importance to the scientific community, but I’m less than happy about his efforts to span the gap between religion and science. Eventually, I would be concerned about whether his beliefs and work toward promoting those beliefs wouldn’t impact on the quality of his science. (Let’s not even go into Coral Ridge’s obscene works.)

As for others on the list: Brian Lamb? Henry Hyde?

John — full of it as usual. This is a great topic. Here’s another idea: How about if you create your own newspaper with all your millions and start your own blog on whatever topics you desire, and in the meantime BUG OFF and leave Kurt alone? Just a thought……

I liked “To Kill A Mockingbird” as well….but I couldn’t have remembered the author’s name even if you rewarded me with a case of Michelob Ultra Ice Light Honey Wheat Stout Hefeweizen. None of the other people ring a bell either, regardless of their accomplishments.

re johnh (6)
1. Should Al Gore propose that cooked food be prohibited because cooking uses fossil fuel and causes global warming? Eventually yes, but by that time you will be exiled back in Alaska with the indigenous Inuits where you belong.

2. Should marriage be prohibited because it is only an excuse to get gifts? Marriage should be prohibited REGARDLESS of reason - how in the heck am I gonna pick up any chix if they are already married?!?!? Wait - I could just pretend that I am married too and that I am super rich and then all the married Republican desperate wives will dig me for my bux.

3: Should there be an open season on shooting Republicans or should there be restrictions? Nope, not even trickle-down or voodoo-economic restictions.

Nope. I’ve only heard of half the list: Lee, Hooks, Hyde and Collins.

None of them influenced me in the slightest. Actually, I’ve never read To Kill a Mockingbird– I read Slaughterhouse Five for that school assignment.