Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Starry Messenger

(32,342 posts)
Thu Aug 14, 2014, 05:05 PM Aug 2014

Among his many triumphs, Robin Williams stood with striking writers

http://peoplesworld.org/among-his-many-triumphs-robin-williams-stood-with-striking-writers/



Shock at the death of Robin Williams led me to search peoplesworld.org to see what - if anything - we had written about him since 2002, the farthest back these archives go. What I found surprised me: a 2008 story about the Writers Guild of America strike, "Letterman proves union-made comedy is funnier." (It surprised me because I wrote it and obviously had forgotten about it.)

Williams was the first guest on "The Late Show with David Letterman" after Letterman settled with the union during the contract fight. Williams puts on a working-class British accent praising Letterman, "You're a friend of the brother worker, David, even though you're dressed right now like Dale Carnegie...it's a good thing what you've done, Dave. You've struck a blow ... against, pretty much, insanity."

As Letterman pulls out a photograph of Williams on the picket line, he jokes how he was out there "handing out donuts and caviar."

Williams came on the show right after his USO tour of Iraq and Afghanistan, which he talks about at length.

Below is a 10-minute clip of that terrific show and - now unforgettable - moment in time with the brilliant Williams.



Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Omaha Steve's Labor Group»Among his many triumphs, ...