[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY MACLAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 7th, 2012, the American 
Film Institute bestowed its prestigious 40th Lifetime Achievement Award 
upon actress Shirley MacLaine. I was privileged to speak at the event 
in tribute to my dear friend. I submit my remarks for the Congressional 
Record:
  ``I met Shirley MacLaine 33 years ago, with Congresswoman Bella Abzug 
at Elaine's Restaurant in New York City, the beginning of a magical 
friendship. She is my daughter Jackie's godmother. Seven years ago 
Shirley officiated at Elizabeth's and my wedding.
  The Shirley MacLaine I know has an uncommon intellectual curiosity, 
borne of a courageous approach to life. She has the capacity, in an 
instant, to go very deep into human experience, into the cosmos, into 
herself. Her gift to her friends is her ceaseless call for 
authenticity, the challenge to take off the mask, and compassion for 
those who journey towards the inner truth.
  ``The poet, Walt Whitman, may have anticipated Shirley when he wrote 
``I contain multitudes.'' Shirley brings an extraordinary emotional 
coloration to the Art of Life and to the performing arts that is so 
vivid that she has the ability to light up a character, light up stage 
and screen and light up our lives.
  ``In a world where most people play it safe, Shirley pushes the 
envelope, to pierce the veil which covers reality itself, to explore 
and to guide us to other dimensions. She has lived a life out on the 
limb, picking apples that most would fear to reach, and tonight. 
Shirley, you are harvesting an orchard.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating 
Shirley MacLaine's extraordinary career and her attainment of the AFI's 
40th Lifetime Achievement Award.

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