Public Citizen celebrates 40 years of progress!








In his speech, Peabody Award-winning journalist Bill Moyers referenced the Occupy Wall Street movement and offered the following perspective-building thoughts:

So it’s no wonder to me as a journalist or a citizen that so many Americans have felt that sense of political impotence that Lawrence Goodwyn described as the mass resignation of people who believe in the dogma of democracy at the superficial level, but whose hearts no longer burn with the conviction that they are part of the deal.

And I will tell you that against such odds, discouragement comes easily. But if the generations before us had given up, slaves would still be waiting on these tables, women would still be turned away from the voting booths on election days, and workers would still be committing a crime if they organize.

So, don’t ever, as Ralph said, don’t ever count the people out.

The evening concluded with remarks by Public Citizen President Robert Weissman, who presented awards to our founders: Alan Morrison, Joan Claybrook and  Dr. Sidney Wolfe, who still heads up Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. Thanks to Wolfe and his researchers, more than 20 dangerous drugs have been taken off the market over the past 40 years, saving countless lives.

It’s hard to say exactly what the next 40 years will hold, but with the unrelenting work ethic that has defined the last four decades still alive and well, odds are there will be a at least a few hundred thousand some lives saved, corruption exposed, justice found and progress made. In the 40-year history of this organization Public Citizen has operated off around $200 million (total). As Nader pointed out, this is equal to the cost of one F-22 fighter, but obviously the public benefit of an organization like Public Citizen is much, much higher. Nader’s clarion call– “Think bigger.”

p.s. Tip from Lady Liberty: If you weren’t able to join us for the event– don’t despair! Bookmark, where we will be posting new videos and photos all of next week. And, while you are at it– consider signing up for our emails so you can stay on top of the latest news and actions.