[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING TOMMY SMOTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2011

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Tom 
Smothers of Kenwood, California, who is receiving the Jack Green Civil 
Liberties Award from the Sonoma County Chapter of the American Civil 
Liberties Union.
  Tommy Smothers is a fitting recipient for an award that has been 
presented for more than two decades to community members who have 
transformed their life-long commitment to civil liberties, human rights 
and social justice into action. Well known for battling censors while 
producing television's acclaimed Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Tommy 
has long been a symbol of resistance to censorship, fighting to present 
matters of vital interest to a wide American audience.
  Working with his brother Dick, his career as an entertainer, 
comedian, and musician, began in 1959 with the formation of The 
Smothers Brothers, a folk-singing and comedy act. In 1967, The Smothers 
Brothers Comedy Hour debuted on CBS-TV and quickly established itself 
as something unique during a time when variety/comedy shows were 
television staples. The show revolutionized prime-time by using comedy 
to delve into taboo subjects--drugs, racism, police brutality--and to 
satirize politicians and criticize the Vietnam War. Singers like Pete 
Seeger, who had been blacklisted since the 1950s, were frequent guests.
  CBS soon realized that these topics were hotter than the network 
could handle. As the show's producer, Tom fought against censorship, 
but The Smothers Brothers were fired in April, 1969, ostensibly for 
failing to comply with rules for submitting tapes of the show for 
review before broadcasting. The brothers then won a case against CBS 
for breach of contract. They continued to tour and perform until 2010, 
becoming the longest-running comedy act in U.S. history
  Forty years later, Tom received an Emmy award for his writing on the 
show which he dedicated ``to all of the people who feel compelled to 
speak out and not afraid to speak to power and won't shut up and refuse 
to be silenced.''
  This certainly describes Tom Smothers who continues to speak out to 
this day. Now living in Sonoma County with his wife Marcy, he is an 
inspirational model for our community and people across the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Smothers' receipt of the Jack Green Civil Liberties 
Award reminds us of his statement, ``The only valid censorship of ideas 
is the right of people not to listen.'' This is a lesson we can all 
take to heart today as we celebrate Tom's talents and leadership in 
defense of our rights.

                          ____________________