Jayne Lyn Stahl: Ad Astra Mr. Newman

On a day when many will have much to say about a man who few understood, or took the time to understand -- it is in this country where we celebrate celebrity, and divest celebrities of their humanity -- that humanity is, after all, the only thing that matters. At a time when I, too, like many, can share my Paul Newman stories about his infinite kindness in responding to a query letter with a screenplay enclosed. I can share my own personal experience of his uncommon generosity in returning the script at his own expense, as well as his personal response to invitations I sent to attend writers' forums speaking out against the neo-McCarthyism that had already reared its ugly head back in 2005. Lots of people have lots of stories about his great humanity, about large endowments to First Amendment activists, and his abiding concern for civil liberties; about his stand against Nixon and reactionary dogs of state, as well as his support for Barack Obama, and justice. But, in the end, there is so much ... (link)