A most moving biography.

What an incredibly dynamic human being!
I feel like I knew Lina through getting on board Commondreams during the lead-up to the invasion. An old veteran (older than this one) turned me on to her site while we were freezing our asses off on a windy corner that winter of early protests.

Thank you, Common Dreams, for keeping this page alive!

Erik Molbach
Hudson, NY

Lady in Blue - Your presence is felt everyday. And what a site this has become!!!

A powerful energy for good. - namaste to all, cm

I've tuned into this website on and off for about 8 years or so. Can't say that I've been that committed to have seen the link to this notice before now, but I'm taking the time to write because this notice made me take the time to register, too. It made me take the time to register so I could say something, thank you, Lina. God bless Common Dreams and the good people like Lina that keep me informed and in touch with a perspective born from motivations that are good and decent.

I've grown accustomed to your face. ... Your smile makes the day begin.

Thanks, Craig, for the purple.

/cm

Dear Lina,

At this time of momentous change in the USA, - the country you chose to be born into the last time round, ...I am thinking of you.

I am sure that what is about to occur on the political front, (Obama being elected president tonight) is a conclusion wholly in keeping with what you would have wished for::

A *change* (that thing which you dedicated your life to...)

A *change* ~ benefiting humanity as a whole, (not just America)

A *change* which augurs well for all peoples on this planet.

I am glad for you Lina. ~ And I am glad for us.

~ I am glad that all your heroic efforts were not in vain.
You, Craig, and all yr friends and family, and all of *us* who are, - under the skin - working to achieve a better, safer, more sane world...
I am glad that we can celebrate together tonight, and know that we are now 'turning the ship around' and that the future is now brighter...

Thanks again for all you did, for all you achieved Lina. = A new and better world.

~~ That's why we came to this life, this planet, - this time...

With love, -- from a brother,

U-C-D
xx

My thoughts have frequently turned to the past and the extended community (family, friends and even foes) of Lina. Craig, Chloe and Moriah , we share having experienced the loss of a wife and mother to lymphoma. We also share the more significant experience of having had Lina as a part of our lives, though in different times and places. It is difficult to believe that such a feminine force of nature has left us behind. What a magical soul, that can take her visions of the world and weave them into a tapestry of artistry and action. How wonderful to have been included in the warp and weft of her life.

I know that thousands have very saddened thoughts about this very sad tragedy and loss, who have wonderful thoughts for Mr. Craig Brown and the family and dear close friends.

Many who visit and love Common Dreams don't write comments and it is often very difficult sometimes to find appropriate words.

~Kem Patrick~

I visit CD quite often as well. Great selection of stories for liberals and progressives - that group of human beings that has helped civilization survive the beastly impulses of the human animal.

I am curious if the crazed, hateful lunatic that murdered Lina's first husband was even prosecuted.

Lina proved that the mission of a good human being is to do good for our world- regardless of whether the world inflicts injury and injustice in return. She transformed her personal losses into triumphs of the human spirit, and this in the end is what ought to be celebrated. Lina gives life to the noble in the human being - as often in history, at great personal cost.

Lina, Bert, Craig - and those like them prove that civilization is something beautiful, even if the bigots, racists, zealots and hate-peddlers dominate the news and continue to plunder the earth.

lina's works live after her in common dreams. too bad our health care system is not about caring for people who need it when they need it.

headline: A GOOD WOMAN DIES TOO YOUNG

my condolences to craig and the kids.

by the way, commondreams is one of the five best web sites for news.

"I've grown accustomed to her face."

Please consider leaving the inspiring life story of Lina and her picture in the position it is now on the Common Dreams headline column.

For those of us who are long-time CD readers, finding out about Lina as Founder of CD has been and continues to be inspiring. ... And what a gentle, warm smile.

For those newbies who come to CD, reading about this remarkable woman, Craig and family and others involved with CD, provides a personal human connection, behind the headlines and essays, that I think and feel is very important in terms of bringing it all "home" to our own minds and hearts.

And, lastly, and not to be crass, this courageous woman with that welcoming smile then continues her work, including fund-raising, for CD.

When I come to the site now, I look to see Lina's face and smile. Is the picture and the story still there? And it is, and I feel a sense of relief and connection and "home."

And it is then I begin reading the essays and stories about "the troubles," existent and new, speculating about what can be done about this or that, ... what is likely to evolve ... what can I do? ... what's possible? ... And if I start feeling down and discouraged, as I close the article, there she is ... that life, that woman, that smile, that inspiration ...

I truly have become accustomed to her face ...

Maybe others feel the same way.

peace to all ...

At a time when sharing our common dream was essential to our survival Ms. Newhouser showed the way.

Her vision will be our legacy.

I am so sorry to hear of Lina's passing. I hope these posts comfort her husband and daughters. At such times, all that has helped me has been sharing the pain and the memories with family and friends. I worked closely with Lina in Arkansas and Louisiana - in another life for both of us. The last time I saw her was at Bert's memorial service. I did not know of her work after that but I have thought fondly of her over the years and will surely miss her and her spirit. May peace be with her family and all who knew her.

We must lick cancer. It is such an unfair and dogged disease. How much further along on that path, and others including AIDS and heart failings, would we be with the wealth and young lives had they not been wasted on "our" Terrible War? Lina's presence will be missed even by those who didn't know her because of what she did for all of us.

What a life of giving and caring and an example of how to live fully. Thank you for my first opportunity to know about Lina.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMA-_ElvKsk

It's great to see Lina's smiling face on the front page of Common Dreams. Was it Lina's idea to have Natasha Meyers' artwork on the front page? That was some nice stuff.

Thank you Lina and Craig for the legacy of this web site and the other many good things you have done. She has made a positive footprint for all progressives in a time where it is hard to find a place to be heard.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time. It is hard losing a loved one.

Our family at SWM (Rhodes) will forever remember your leadership and creativity and love Molly '73, John Enloe'72

Dear C-D team,

Thankyou for keeping this thread dedicated to Lina at the top.

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing some sort of tribute to Lina permanently welded to the top of the C-D home page. Maybe an image of a bright star, which then links to a page paying homage to the Mother of this site?

Amongst various other pursuits, I used to be a sculptor. Because Lina feels like a friend of mine, I may well carve a small tribute to her and install it in my garden.
~ Inspiration begets inspiration, ad infinitum...

Lots of love m'dears,

U-C-D
xxx

(Ps: C-D team: You also feel like friends or family, - bless you for your ongoing service to humanity).

i just stumbled upon this. i have spent the past few hours reading Lina's blog as well as the other articles linked, and i feel deeply moved by the strength and zeal for life your Lina had. to craig and your daughters i send my love and deepest sympathy. i know i am a stranger, but i felt touched and moved by her life and legacy.

i know you will all channel her strength in this difficult time. bless.

Very sad news. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues.

I am late in learning of your loss and am deeply saddened. I feel that this wonderful legacy of Common Dreams will grow and grow until communication by news media is restored to what our First Amendment intended. My deepest sympathies are with all of you close to Lina.
Dave

Dear family members,
I read of your sorrow and thought, if I waited, the right words would come. They haven't, so I will just say that my thoughts are with you. Common Dreams is a testament to Lina, may it live a thousand years.
~Bill

My condolences to Craig and all Lina's family and friends. She has left a legacy of change here on earth through common dreams. God must have needed an activist.

Lina, the legacy of Common Dreams is testament to your spirit. I read it from Australia to get a truthful view of what is happening in the USA (and world). My condolences to your friends and relatives still on earth.

We never can replace one who is gone, in time we add another.

The good news is that she lives on, right here! What an extraordinary and accomplished person to have launched this site. It has been my source for news and inspiration for awhile now.

Commondreams.org beats a shitty Texas Lie/bury as a memorial EVERY day!

Thank you, Craig and Lina, for the love. May the road rise to meet you.

I am grateful for the caring life that Lina lived Craig and will share in her mourning and offer prayers for you and your children.

Common Dreams has been one of my earliest and favorite links to the alternate web for a long time. I've linked it to Antinet.com since the start. I'm sorry to hear this news, but what a stunning legacy. We need a song to memorialize Lina and CommonDreams, which we all hope never goes away. I'm going to write one. Best wishes to her family.

Lina Newhouser led an exemplary life, one that inspires us all. I am moved to offer my condolences to every CD participant, for it is all of us who are bereaved. Ever since Judy Miller lied through the NYTimes and tricked us into war, I have given up on reading even that formerly august paper. Now, CD is my main source of up to date information. May your positive 'energy' continues to balance the negative ones that abound in this universe.

I have been in the boonies for 20 days and get to a motel an hour before midnight and Common Dreams is the first thing I check. Ahhhh

If I could say to Lina; and I will say to Craig, you have made a positive change in the way things are in the world. Way beyond most! What a fantastic idea you brought to reality. Thanks

Her love carries on here on Common Dreams. My condolences from a fellow Maine family.

I have no idea what it takes technically to create or operate a site like Common Dreams. But I know it takes someone who is caring, hopeful, kind, and just. Thank you for sharing with us Lina; I love reading the stories here. My best thoughts and softest prayers go out to your family.

Such a bright star is Lina! Inspiration flows out of the story of her works. Comfort, blessings, and gratitude to her loved ones, and thank you to the source of all life for the very gift of her.

Only now do I come to know her face after she is gone. Peace be with you and thank you both for all of the things you have done here at Common Dreams. Thank you again…

I wanted to write something original and profound, but will fail on both counts. What can one add when her life speaks for itself. I found myself weeping after having read her obit. I am impressed by the accomplishments Lina achieved in such a relatively short time, and am thrilled and grateful by her enduring legacy. CD is or should be an object lesson for all humanity who don't always (or ever) agree with each other, but can else more dangerous than mere words.

I grieve for her family and friends. And for all of us she left behind.

Roberta

I am so sorry for your loss and I am grateful to CommonDreams and to Lina for their light in my life.

Lina, thank you!

Reading Lina's obituary has made me aware that I'd like to hear more about the founding of CommonDreams.

She has helped to leave behind an important gift to the world's struggle for peace, justice and human decency. I hope those close to her will find peace in the knowledge that so many people have benefited and appreciated her love and labors with Common Dreams.

Sincere condolences for your loss.

A deep, heartfelt transatlantic SORRY!

Why does the american left's story so often resemble a searing Ginsberg poem?

Will somebody get this onto film?

Sympathy for the grieving... CommonDreams must live!

Sincere condolences.

Soft hugs and prayers,
Diana Saba

Craig and Lina - through CommonDreams, you have educated me and given me the gift of community with others who share the dream of a peaceful, just world. I will be forever grateful to you both. I am so very sorry for the loss of this beautiful woman and my heartfelt condolences to you, Chloe and Moriah and all who were fortunate to have known her.

This article has been at the top of the column since July 21st, 2008. I hope they keep it there for a long time.

My only suggestion is that Craig Brown and the other CD staff members write a more detailed follow up bio both of Lina and Craig's work to found CD, but also their hopes and dreams, building on Lina's legacy, for the future of this wonderful Home for the Progressive Community. We progressives in the US and around the world who gather here have much to be grateful for for the work of those behind the scenes at CD.

I had never even heard of her, and what a difference she has made! I suspect most of the things we have to be grateful for come from people few have ever heard of.

I apologize for my typo in the last line:

"Enfold you now and evermore."

I most humbly thank you Lina for your efforts to make this world a better and more beautiful place. I thank your family, Lina, for sharing their Mom, daughter, wife, lover and soul-mate with all of us for what has been much too short a time.

My soul ain't so merry
but this I send
peace
and the comfortor of souls ...will - no doubt
we have lost a "right One'
the gain is heavens
till truth flows like a river
we all have that common dream, for a better world,,amen

How sad to read this news.
My best black cat died, followed by
the fellow whose last lecture inspired
us and then Lina, alas.

My hand to your shoulder, family/friends.

Mr. Brown,
May I offer my deepest sympathies regarding your loss. Thankyou for carrying on yours & your beautiful wife's legacy through extremely trying circumstances.

A beautiful tribute to an obviously beautiful soul! My heart goes out to Lina's family and friends!

Live Life Fully & Love Often!!!

peace...mindy

Thank you so much Lina Newhouser.
Your Spirit will live on.

My heartfelt condolences to Lina's family for your loss. Her struggles over these past three years show a courage for life, a genuine passion for being present and for seeing her work in justice and activism be an integral piece of the vision for "Common Dreams" for us all. I join in your sorrow but know that we need to celebrate her life's visions within our own. May you find solace in your community of friends and family at this very difficult time.

Many of you who have responded to this article concerning the death of Lina Newhouser, co-founder of Common Dreams, have marveled at the product she helped bring to life. You have celebrated and honored her many achievements and thanked her (posthumously) for the gift of Common Dreams. Most of you did not know her or the names of others who sacrificed for years to bring Common Dreams to fruition, for all of us to enjoy and learn from. I am glad that finally, Lina's identity, and that of her husband Craig Brown, the co-founder and current editor of Common Dreams, are now made public, and you know who these wonderful people are.

But there is something more here that all of you should consider.

Anyone who followed Lina's health story, and went to her blog, tellthebees.org, realizes that she and Craig Brown incurred tens of thousands of dollars of health care debt dealing with this devastating disease that finally took her precious life. That same Craig Brown, your beloved editor of Common Dreams, is still facing an enormous debt to the insurance companies and hospitals to pay for his wife's illness.

But what did Craig do in the face of her death?

Selflessly, he urged us all (in the obituary) to contribute to CODEPINK to honor his wife Lina!

Personally, I will contribute to CODEPINK because Craig Brown asked me to do so, and because I love CODEPINK'S gutsy smart women led by courageous Medea Benjamin, but I will also make a BIG donation to Common Dreams, with the stipulation that my contribution go directly to Craig Brown, the inspiration and daily brains behind Common Dreams, to help him pay off the debt incurred for his wife's care. Go to the blog tellthebees.org and read the tragic story of Lina's brave 3-year fight, and Craig's unflagging efforts to "be there" for her and their children. Read how the insurance companies would not pay for treatment. Then make a big fat donation to Common Dreams, and tell the staff that you want your funds to go to help pay off the debt Lina's terrible illness created for the editor of Common Dreams. That's the best way you could support this marvelous voice of truth and courage in a time of lies and cowardly misinformation. Don't hesitate. Do it now.

Marta Daniels, who mourns the loss of her dear, courageous and beloved friend, Lina Newhouser.

I've been reading common dreams for years. It has always a source of comfort as well as information in these dark and confusing times. I too had no idea such a beautiful woman and and her family were behind this good work. i cried all morning. my deepest condolences to her family...

R.I.P. Lina You leave behind a great legacy with CD - a legacy of light. Thank you.

I'm sorry to hear of her passing. She sounded like a hard worker and a good person.

I am the Life and the Light and the Way --
The earth is my Garden.
Each of the Souls I plant as seeds
Germinates and flowers in its season,
And in each I am fulfilled.
There is no cause for grief
When a blossom fades
But only rejoicing for the beauty it held
And praise that my Will is done
And my Plan served.
I am one with all creatures
And none is ever lost
But only restored to me,
Having never left me at all.
For what is Eternal
Cannot be separated from its Source.
I am with you all,
And each of you is a channel for my Light.
Feel my Love
Enfold you now and everymore.

---- from the Scandinavian
Runes of Comfort for the Bereaved

Whoa, her husband shot in the back and Lina is my age and gone. While our political views are 180 degrees apart and I wouldn't send 2 cents to the traitors at CodePink, my sincere condolences go to her family and she will be in my prayers tonight. God speed dear.

RIP Lina. Watch over the resistance for us.

"Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life." ~Albert Einstein

Goodbye Lina

My condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful human being. How beautiful to have used her many God-given talents for the good of this world. That is the kind of human being I would want my own children to grow into, and all the children of the world.
God Bless.

Very sad.

Having read through Linas blog from the begining, I could not help wonder if the outcome might have been affected by the delay in BC paying the bill this causing a 1 month delay in treatment as a result of subsequent illnesses. The 28 hours in an ER while seriously ill and a compromised immune system and exposed to other ill people in the ER is beyond belief. The denial of acute care by BC near the end, and the refusal of the eligible rehab sites to take Lina in, and of course, the financial impact on a family "with" insurance was also disturbing, since I live in a country where this is not possible.

Obviously, this is not the forum to rage against our wonderful HC system, so I won't.

My condolences to the family.

Thank you for the remembrance of this dynamic woman. Lina certainly dealt with adversity over the last two decades, and the senseless slaughter of her husband, Bert, was criminal. I'm glad she was able to continue and work toward her political goals.

We lost an in-law to lymphoma some years ago. Her battle, too, was fought with courage.

I want to extend my condolences to Lina's daughters and surviving husband. And thank her for developing Common Dreams.

I am sending a check to common dreams not to code pink who I have supported and do support. I hope everyone will send a check to you Craig. That is the least we can do.

Thank you for inspiring us all to treasure our life and get something done daily to make it a better world.

To start with I am sending the check.

My sincere sympathy goes to Lina's family and all who knew and loved her.

What a wonderful legacy Lina leaves. As we will continue the enjoy the fruit of her passions she has most likely already signed on the special assignments waiting for her.
Heartfelt condolences to her many friends and her extended family. God Bless.

God Bless you and your family, an inspiration that knows no bounds. Commondreams now the home page of choice for some many, the struggle carries on.

I meant to say "fellow" "Mainiac"!

Rosie2731

CD has been my home web browser since I discovered it during the Seattle protests many years ago. I never knew who started it, but I felt a kinship with them because they were located where a large part of my heart lies -- in Maine.

My sincere condolences go out to Craig, his daughters, and to the entire CD extended family. But, as several people have commented, Lisa will live on in our hearts and in the beautiful legacy she has left to all of us.

Thank you, Lina, for your inspiring, beautiful life, and your wondrous legacy.

A fellow "Mainiac"

I started reading Common Dreams in 2001, and I still read it every day. It's incredible to owe so much to someone whose name I never even knew until she was gone.

Goodbye Lina, thank you for caring; thank you for keeping us informed. Our lives are so much richer for your presence and we'll carry your memory always.

For you Craig and your children, Blessings from the Source of Light and all your CD readers whose love pours forth for you, in your time of grief.

Kathleen

Hail and Farewell Lina
Stay if you will, go if you must
in perfect love and perfect trust
Merry Meet
Merry Part
and Merry Meet again.

Sincere condolences to Craig and family.

How sad. Condolences to all. Her life touched many she never met. Why do all the good people die before their time?

God Bless her Noble Soul, and Peace to her family and friends. There can never be enough people like Lina, for now there is so much to do to fufill her vision. Still, she has made a huge difference, and we will all keep moving forward mindful of how Common Dreams works for all of us.

Hello CD fans and loves of Lina,

I'm one of the lucky ones who happens to be an extended member of Lina's family. I, too, am terribly saddened about her leaving our earth way too soon and feel we have all been "ripped off," if you will, from the gift of this beautiful woman's life. I am comforted by my belief that a spirit's as powerful as Lina's will remain with us to help us in ways we will never know. It occurred to me that one way to ensure Lina's voice is heard through the electronic pathways is to please find it in your heart to donate money to Commondreams.org. You and I know that it would be a great gift to humanity to know that Craig, his precious children and the rest of us who are grieving Lina's death that we will never fret about hearing Lina's voice again online, right here. So, if you can, donate what feels right for Craig and Lina's legacy.

Peace, the Pacific NW Mac-Fac's.

Ah, so ... Lina's life explains COMMON DREAMS ... thank you, and glad to have met her ... and now you also Craig, the girls and some of your family ...

++++++++++++++ In response to what I've read in quite a few of the messages ... the finality, the sadness, the finality ... I could not disagree more.

Inferred in reading many of the above posts is that the death of Lina's body really means she is truly gone and inaccessible, and that's it, and thanks for the memories and the inspiration. Mythologies and particular religions through human time suggest or state that this is not true.

My direct experience with those I've known in my lifetime who shifted from this mortal coil within their particular body to elsewhere is that this is not true. And that's a definite. ... And I truly do have all my marbles.

There are certain people who pass over ... across the bridge of light, as I envision it ... who I know help us more in their unfettered or renewed state [the now unusable physical body dropped away], and I am grateful knowing they are around continuing to help, guide, inspire, sometimes comfort, us still here asking for or needing those things. Those who were closest and most significant to us remain available and are accessible, if we are open to that, but ... if not, I would imagine they still help [and that help likely will be called LUCK by the recipient of the help] until generations pass and they are no longer remembered or personally needed, and then ... likely ... a new incarnation ... here, there or wherever is chosen ...

Eternity is one grand PLAYground with dimensions upon dimensions that no matter how far science goes is still and will remain, at some limit of human consciousness and scientific measurement, inconceivable and unfathomable. Since Lina chose a human incarnation as Lina, she is still part of the PLAY that continues with husband Craig, children, family members, and others, but just in another "form" and dimension.

Does anyone really think that this soul, ... this dedicated mother, wife, sister, daughter, dog lover, activist, ... would be content to be sipping lemonade- ambrosia somewhere in that fabled Paradise of ETERNAL happy leisure and/or worshipful bliss or worst, with all she has learned, rendered useless in an ETERNAL peaceful sleep?

Dare I say I just heard Lina laughing? ... and I do believe she is wearing a broad-brimmed, shocking-pink hat ...

++++++++++++++++++++++
peace to you, Craig, Chloe May and Moriah and your family and friends ... and much gratitude for your and Lina's collaboration that has made COMMON DREAMS possible for all of us. May it be a long-lived legacy of Lina's and a long-lived, vitally active place under your and others' stewardship, Craig, for us to continue to come to read and learn and have our say and be inspired to do what we individually and collectively can do to bring peace, justice, compassion, and security to all on this planet.

Thank you both and all ...
Cee Miracles a/k/a Carol Littlebrant

Thank you, Lina.

Our thoughts are with your family.

To all who come to Common Dreams: Let's carry her dream forward. And give those who deserve it what for.

Condolences to her family, and enormous appreciation for the work that was the part of her life that Lina has shared with us all! This small source of sanity and understanding is a source of hope and relief in a dangerous world. Thanks.

Lina, we wish you many wonderful conversations with Molly.

Very sad news to begin today's visit to CD. My condolences to Craig and the rest of the family, friends and colleagues.

I lost my mother to the same disease, and oddly enough, today is her birthday.

Thank you Lina and Craig for all of your good work. In Common Dreams, you created an Oasis of Sanity and Hope in a Desert of Media Madness during the last 7+ years.

Thank you both.

I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Lina's family. Common Dreams is a class act!!

I am sorry about the news. My condolences to Ms Newhouser's husband, children, friends.

I am grateful that Ms Newhouser and Mr Brown created this site. Her work has helped a lot of people and continues to make the world a better place. Her legacy lives on in common dreams.

" . . . but upon another shore, and in a greater light".

thank you Lina for founding such an illuminating blog. Rest in Peace for eternity in the galaxies, honey, big kiss.

Condolences to Lina's family and colleagues.

Thank you Lina, for planting and caring for this shade-tree of "Common Dreams" in this public park called "the Internet". Your legacy is a place for people of differing views to gather, discuss, and hopefully reach consensus, or at least a better understanding of the important issues affecting the lives of everyone.

Godspeed, as you rush to rejoin the cosmos, and I offer my condolences to those who will surely mourn your physical absence. I share your love for the city of New Orleans and mourn with you over its current condition.

Rest in Peace Lina

Dear Craig and Common Dreams Staff,
What a brave and lovely woman she was.
I am so sad for your loss.
She will be missed.
Love to you all,

Lily