WCL Raskin Book

For: Jamie Raskin From: SherryWeaver Raskin Strong. You have set a whole new standard for courage and sheer power of the will, my friend. Despite all, and there was so much, going on in your life, you – as we say in the Black community – you stood up. You showed the country, the whole world for that matter, that the face of America is reflected neither in the mindless behavior of a gang of vicious, brainwashed hooligans nor its despicable leader. You showed us that the face of America is reflected in the decency of a single man who, in a moment of incomprehensible personal sadness, stood up and spoke truth with magnificent eloquence and dignity. You showed us Raskin Strong. Thank you, Jamie. And may you, Sarah, and the family be roundly blessed as you cherish memories of your beloved Tommy. See you soon; Leisure World misses you. With tremendous love and respect, Sherry

Jamie, Many years ago you said something that burned intomy brain: when I told you I’m often asked why victims of human rights violations can’t “just move on,” you said this reaction was dehumanizing—that it recognized neither the depth of the wrong that had been done to survivors nor the vital need to reckon with a society’s responsibility for grievous harms. Your unshakable commitment to the values you expressed then, your legal brilliance and eloquent clarity, made you the perfect leader for this moment as you called our nation to honor its core precepts and made us see why our country could not “just move on” without meaningful reckoning and repair. And throughout this month’s historic proceedings, you modeled what it means to truly work together to reach higher ground. Historywill record that our countrywas astonishingly fortunate that the times found you. With gratitude and awe, Diane