Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : THE WHITE HOUSE -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: GROUND ZERO™ who wrote (8053)	8/29/2007 8:33:29 PM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 25737

R.I.P: Aaron Russo, Freedom Fighter Aaron Russo, renowned Hollywood movie producer and outspoken libertarian activist, died on August 24, in the company of his family. Russo, 64, succumbed to cancer, which he had been battling for several years, Russo produced mega-hits including the romantic musical drama The Rose (1979), starring Bette Midler, and the blockbuster Trading Places (1983), starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. He also produced Partners (1982), Teachers (1984), Wise Guys (1986), Off and Running (1996), and Missing Pieces (1996). His achievements in film earned him a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy and nominations for six Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. As singer/actor Bette Midler's manager he helped her become an international star. Over the years, Russo also managed the Manhattan Transfer, actor David Keith, and actress Susan Sarandon. Deeply passionate about freedom, Russo campaigned for the Libertarian Party's 2004 presidential nomination. Russo told Libertarian Party News (February 2004) he was running because the United States is "heading to totalitarianism. I have a sincere belief [in] the Constitution and Bill of Rights as envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Ben Franklin. Unfortunately, neither political party respects the vision of our Founding Fathers, and these documents have been relegated to the dustbin. I want to dust them off and restore them to their proper role in our lives." If elected president, Russo told LP News, "I will bring our troops home from every corner of the globe. I'll revoke the Patriot Act. I'll cut taxes, cut spending. I'll cut the size of government. I'll stop corporate welfare. I'll engage all nations in trade and commerce. I'll protect our air and water, and I'll protect our borders, but most importantly, I will protect our Constitution and Bill of Rights." Russo lost to Michael Badnarik at the party's nominating convention. In 2006, Russo wrote, produced, directed, and starred in a controversial documentary feature film entitled "America: From Freedom to Fascism." The film ripped into the Federal Reserve system, the income tax, and the "growing authoritarianism" of the U.S. government. One of his last political acts was to endorse 2008 libertarian Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, and to campaign on his behalf. In 1999, Russo told the Las Vegas Sun that, when he died, and the headstone was put on his grave, "I want it to say, 'Freedom Fighter.'" (Sources: Libertarian Celebrity Aaron Russo: theadvocates.org Wikipedia biography: en.wikipedia.org )