Americans Who Tell the Truth
A collection of portraits & quotes.
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Jim Begg
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GOODHUMANS.COM *** Or so I've come to refer to your wonderful site, which I discovered while googling Utah Phillips. It has become a common day's end pasttime of mine to absorb a couple of your portraits. Inspiration & hope. Thank you.
How 'bout Charlie Chaplin? Alittle shy on quotes perhaps, but truly
a good human. Keep it up. Cheerio, Jim
4 October 2008 - Truckee, California
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Anthony Shostak
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Sadly, some of these folks don't (or didn't) tell the truth. Noam Chomsky, for example, is well known for inventing data to support his claims about the magnitude of the evil America has wrought on the world. Edward Said? Please, read a little of the criticism of his magnum opus and see if you still think he belongs here.
I can't help but think that the artist is still caught up with his generation's fixation on Vietnam and the anti war movement and that this is inextricably linked to how he defines "truth." While I am old enough to remember Vietnam, my generation's views are not defined by it. Rather they nuanced by the experiences of seeing the Cold War end in our favor and the slow advance of militant islam.
There are many notable omissions to Shetterly's list of the truthful. I'd include Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennet, Sam Harris, Ibn Warraq, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali (granted, she is Dutch, but she lives here and is more American in my opinion than some "real" ones). Perhaps they just aren't politically correct enough?
1 October 2008
Editors comments
Dear Anthony,
Thank you for writing.
If Noam Chomsky is well known for inventing data, I am not aware of it. Certainly not as well known, at any rate, as the current administration for inventing reasons for preemptive war. As we look at the world today it would be hard to exaggerate the magnitude --- environmentally, economically, politically --- of the damage that the US is doing.
Every person that I have painted has many detractors, not just Chomsky & Edward Said. That's what happens to people who buck the status quo. And I do not defend everything that many of them did or said. However, I support each one completely for his/her efforts on the side of equality and justice and the ideals of this country.
I don't know where you get the idea that I am fixated on Vietnam. I have painted several people from that era, but most ot the recent portraits are all about contemporary issues. However, past events, like the war in Vietnam, will always remain current because the truth has not been told in our major media or in the textbooks we offer to our children.. When issues are buried without truth or justice, they refuse to go away. Whether you like it or not, the experience of future generations ARE defined by past events --- especially when they are used to create a false myth of our country that is then used to justify other imperialistic actions.
You are right to say that there are many omissions. I am one person painting subjectively. I make no claims to anything but that. And I find several of your suggestions intriguing. Thank you.
sincerely,
Robert
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Yoana Hernandez
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I have to write a biography about Ida B. Wells. Where can I find imformation about her, here in Americans Who Tell the Truth
10 September 2008 - santa maria, california
Editors comments
Dear Yoana,
if you click on and enlarge the portrait of Ida B. Wells, you can scroll down under the portrait & read a biography of her there. I hope that helps.
Best,
Robert |
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Nigel Baldwin
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I'd like to recommend for your talents a Judge from California, the (sadly late) Rose Bird, who consistently ruled against the death penalty. This lady paid the price of telling people what they didn't want to hear, and was rejected at the polls. But her words and deeds will, I'm sure, stand the test of time. For her caption, may I suggest: "...It is easier to be popular than to be just..."
24 August 2008 - Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
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michael federico
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As one who always values an original with a cause, Artis the Spoonman
has provoked more thought and action that many with a larger venue.
His voice and portrait belong up there with Utah and John Prine.
19 August 2008 - Hemet, Ca
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Rose Davis
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Why did I not find Tom Neilson's profile? After all I saw David Rovics'. Tom Neilson's songs are all about the truth, as irreverent as they may be. I admire him for his efforts as a life long peace activist and promoter of peace and justice through his songs and stories. Will you consider profiling him?
30 July 2008 - Nashville Tennessee
Editors comments
Tom Neilson is terrific. My problem is I can't do everyone. Unfortunately, for everyone I paint, hundreds of people are left out. Each one must be a metaphor for the others. |
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Jack
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I find your portraits to be extremely moving to me. They are painted with a passion and with compassion. An artist myself, portraitist as well as urban landscapes, I can only express admiration for your work. That said, I also agree with your choice of subjects. For someone to refer to you as a subversive or a communist is nothing but pure rot. What has always been the strength of this country is the ability of its citizens to openly speak their mind on any subject. I like to think of my self as a moderate when it come to politics, and I have cringed when I read some of the rantings of those who have commented on your selections of subjects. It seems that these "commentors" must only view the world through Fox News, that "fair and balanced" crock of right wing rhetoric. Another possible subject might just be Tim Russert. Keep the vigil!
Jack
30 July 2008 - Houston, Texas
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John H. Tidyman
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What a wonderful book this would make ... if it were part of every high school kid's education ... the study of real people, real suffering, real victories and real joys ... reading the bios is at once both inspiring and shame-inducing. Maybe our secret sin, the one we ignore or deny, is that tellers of truth are rare enough to warrant inclusion in American Who Tell the Truth.
18 July 2008 - Lakewood, Ohio
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Brianna
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I'm doing a bibliography of your website for a project, and was wondering who the author of the Ella Baker section was, and what year it was created? Thanks
2 July 2008
Editors comments
Dear Brianna,
Most of the bios are written by people other than myself --- people who are helping me with this project.
I think it was written about two years ago. Let me know if you need to know more.
Rob |
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Gus Losleben
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I think one of the most important truth tellers of this day and age would be Congressman Dr. Ron Paul. While some may disagree with his ideas, he undoubtedly tells it like it is about government, the Constitution, and peoples' rights and liberty.
I would love to see him included in your list.
29 June 2008 - Stuart, Florida
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