Rob Reiner A Noble, Loving Cultural Hero

  

                                                                                                                                                                         Victim of Trump

                                                                                                                                                                 Derangement Syndrome?

Rob Reiner: A Noble, Loving Cultural Hero

This one is personal. For a short time, early in my legal career, I had the honor and pleasure of representing Rob Reiner in the nascent stages of his rise as a directing superstar. He was loud, funny, passionate, always looking at ways to help the vulnerable. He believed in education… for everyone in this great nation. He railed against bias and discrimination. He spoke his mind. He put his money where his mouth was. I admired everything he was, everything he has accomplished. In 1994, as Chairman of the American Cinematheque, I was overjoyed at presenting him with the Cinematheque’s highest annual honor, acknowledging his mid-career ascent as a consummate filmmaker.

I didn’t really know Michele, but from everything I have learned, she was extraordinary, a partner in every way. I mourn the loss of both of these amazing people. If there ever were any people who defined the oft used, and infrequently practiced, phrase: “all men are created equal,” it was this loving couple.

Rob (and Michele) represented the best of who we are… and more importantly, who we should aspire to be. Rob was openly horrified at the assassination of Charlie Kirk and eschewed violence as a solution. He treated those who disagreed with him, when they met, with respect. That violence was his demise was bitter irony to me. Such a kind and giving man.

I cannot dignify the inexcusable comments from Donald Trump by reprinting them all here. This is about acknowledging Rob’s greatness in the best spirit of the America… Rob Reiner, my friend, my hero.

I’m Peter Dekom, and I would be less than honest if I didn’t tell you how hard it was to write this… through the very real tears streaming down my face.