[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO ARNIE GODMINTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mr. Arnie 
Godmintz, an activist and well-known Sacramento community leader who 
passed away on October 4th. Arnie was a prominent progressive leader in 
the Sacramento region, and his death leaves a great void in the 
community. As his family and friends gather to honor and remember his 
life, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting a committed and 
well-respected figure in Sacramento.
  Arnie led a fascinating life, devoted to fighting for progressive 
causes. Most of his work was done on his own free time and focused on 
the rights of the underserved and needy. Arnie's roots in activism 
began at a young age. After earning an economics degree from Harvard 
University, he worked as an organizer for auto workers. He later worked 
for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs encouraging companies to find 
work for unemployed American Indians on reservations in Arizona and New 
Mexico.
  Arnie had to go through a lot to help those whose voices were often 
unheard. At one time, during the civil rights movement, Arnie was 
arrested while driving supplies to ``freedom schools'' for African-
American children in the South. His advocacy led him to the same 
location where FBI agents discovered the bodies of murdered activists 
James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. Those events became 
a part of Arnie, deeply affecting him and became his motivation to 
continue to advocate for the less privileged. Throughout all of his 
efforts, Arnie stayed humble and never spoke about himself, although he 
was always a passionate advocate for the underdog and often unpopular 
causes.
  Arnie was also greatly involved in local politics, donating his time, 
energy and enthusiasm for causes near to his heart. He was a leader in 
the Sacramento County Democratic Party, often organizing meetings and 
coordinating campaign events. He donated his time, marched at rallies, 
worked phone banks and walked door to door for issues he believed would 
improve our country.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the numerous contributions 
made by Mr. Arnie Godmintz during his lifetime of service to the people 
of Sacramento and our Nation. As his family and friends gather to honor 
his wonderful legacy and countless contributions, I am honored to pay 
tribute to him. I ask all my colleagues to pause and join me in paying 
respect to an extraordinarily loving man, Arnie Godrnintz.

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