[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF STANLEY AND BETTY SHEINBAUM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Stanley and Betty Sheinbaum as they celebrate their 90th birthdays. The 
Sheinbaums have been partners in life since 1964, with a shared 
devotion to each other, to their families, and to causes of peace and 
justice. Their support and work on behalf of humanitarian and 
progressive causes continues to strengthen the democratic foundation of 
our nation and the world.
  Mr. Sheinbaum grew up in a poor, working class neighborhood in New 
York City. His family was hit hard by the Depression; their financial 
struggles during his formative years left an indelible imprint on him--
clarifying his sense of justice, and strengthening his compassion and 
empathy for others, especially for the poor. After high school, he 
worked at various jobs until he joined the service, where he served 
during WWII. After the war, he re-enrolled in high school courses to 
elevate his grades and he was eventually accepted at Oklahoma A&M, 
where he did well enough to transfer to Stanford University. He 
graduated from Stanford with a degree in Economics with high honors, 
subsequently moving to Paris as a Fulbright scholar.
  In the early 1960's, Mr. Sheinbaum's previous support of U.S. 
military involvement in South Vietnam began to fade. He became an 
active member and leader at the Center for the Study of Democratic 
Institutions--an organization that attracted the nation's intellectual 
elites. Mr. Sheinbaum quickly impressed members with his strong 
intellect and superior debating skills. He soon met and fell in love 
with activist Betty Warner, daughter of Warner Bros. co-founder, Harry 
Warner.
  Born in 1920, Ms. Warner was a like-minded political activist who 
shared her future husband's social and political inclinations. She was 
born in Hollywood and grew up in the glory days of the movie industry. 
The daughter of a movie mogul, she lived a life adorned with pop 
artists and movie stars. Her family came to the United States in the 
early 1900s seeking democracy, freedom, justice and economic security. 
Although her father became famous, he began as a cobbler and a 
salesman. He instilled within her a strong sense of hard work, equality 
and justice. She became involved in community and grassroots politics 
and organized to fight McCarthyism.
  Stanley Sheinbaum and Betty Warner were married in 1964. The 
Sheinbaums' sense of philanthropy and service to others has been a 
shared vision since their marriage. In addition to her activism, Betty 
Sheinbaum is a passionate artist. She is a successful sculptor, 
painter, artist and gallery owner. She uses her lifetime of experiences 
in her beautiful work and incorporates the imagery she has discovered 
on her travels throughout the world. She has studied with Howard 
Warshaw, Keith Finch, Jan Stussy, Mark Strickland and George Small.
  In addition to donating to worthy causes over four decades, the 
Sheinbaums have continued to donate their valuable time. Among his 
countless accomplishments, Mr. Sheinbaum has served as head of the ACLU 
Foundation of Southern California and as President of the Los Angeles 
Police Commission during the difficult years between 1991 and 1993. 
While serving as a Regent of the University of California, he fought 
for divestment from South Africa. For the last 10 years, he has been 
the publisher of New Perspectives Quarterly. Both Betty and Stanley 
continue to serve on the Advisory Board for the Liberty Hill 
Foundation, an organization which invests in changemakers and equips 
them with the skills and relationships they need to build power and 
advance social justice.
  As well as being active in their own communities, the Sheinbaums have 
used their resources and their influence to effect global change. In 
1988, Mr. Sheinbaum led a delegation of American Jews to the Middle 
East where he befriended Yassar Arafat. Thanks in part to the efforts 
of the Sheinbaums, Arafat renounced terror and finally recognized 
Israel's right to exist. Respected for his ability to negotiate with 
world leaders, Mr. Clinton would later ask Mr. Sheinbaum to serve as a 
back-channel envoy to Syria and help influence the course of nations.
  The passion, dedication and commitment of the Sheinbaums have made a 
difference in the lives of many. Their historic careers are surpassed 
only by their love for each other. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please 
join me in honor and recognition of Stanley and Betty Sheinbaum on the 
occasion of their 90th birthdays, as we extend to them both the thanks 
of a grateful nation for all they have done together to make our world 
a better place. They are truly great Americans.

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