Michael Ratner, RIP (Rest in Power)
Michael Ratner, a friend of EFF who dedicated his life as a human rights attorney to fighting for justice, passed away on Wednesday.
Michael was a staunch defender of civil liberties, forging new pathways for using the court systems and advocacy to fight for justice. As the president emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights and a formidable social justice attorney, Michael crossed paths with EFF around Wikileaks and related whistleblower cases, among others. CCR was our co-counsel in the early NSA spying cases. But more importantly, Michael was one of our legal heroes, unafraid to use law and lawsuits to try to address human rights problems in the U.S. and around the world. We have modeled our EFF litigation approach, in part, on the strong work he did. Michael's many-decades career was colored by his commitment to human dignity, and he fought to ensure that we had a government accountable to the people--and that those who opposed government overreach would be protected and defended.
As an author, attorney, thought-leader, activist, speaker, and friend, Michael helped further the civil liberties movement and inspired hundreds of others both in the law and outside of it. We at EFF will miss him dearly, and mourn his loss.
Michael lived the life many of us dream of living. He used his 72 years on earth as a tool for good, and he used his intellect and his courage to fight for justice, even in the most vexing of cases. He died having accomplished more to create positive change in the world than most people ever dream to create. His legacy is a democratic society that is stronger because of the dissent, transparency, free speech, and tolerance that he helped nourish.
Michael's death is a reminder that our lives are too brief to waste on the sidelines. The threats to liberty have not abated. Our society still suffers from privacy invasions, speech restrictions, and government surveillance, while those who work to shine a light on these problems often face disproportionately harsh penalties. Such battles will not be won by those who excuse themselves from the fight, who eschew politics, fear controversy, or grow cynical and exhausted in the face of mounting pressure. Now more than ever, we need those who can live with Michael's courage. In honor of Michael's lifetime of advocacy, we reaffirm out commitment to bringing lawsuits and otherwise taking a stand to defend civil liberties. Michael may have left us, but the work will continue.
We are at a crossroads
This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. In a few short weeks, US voters will have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. Our Fall Campaign is underway, and we need your help. To power our newsroom through the rest of the year, we need to raise $125,000 by midnight on October 31. So if you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
Michael Ratner, a friend of EFF who dedicated his life as a human rights attorney to fighting for justice, passed away on Wednesday.
Michael was a staunch defender of civil liberties, forging new pathways for using the court systems and advocacy to fight for justice. As the president emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights and a formidable social justice attorney, Michael crossed paths with EFF around Wikileaks and related whistleblower cases, among others. CCR was our co-counsel in the early NSA spying cases. But more importantly, Michael was one of our legal heroes, unafraid to use law and lawsuits to try to address human rights problems in the U.S. and around the world. We have modeled our EFF litigation approach, in part, on the strong work he did. Michael's many-decades career was colored by his commitment to human dignity, and he fought to ensure that we had a government accountable to the people--and that those who opposed government overreach would be protected and defended.
As an author, attorney, thought-leader, activist, speaker, and friend, Michael helped further the civil liberties movement and inspired hundreds of others both in the law and outside of it. We at EFF will miss him dearly, and mourn his loss.
Michael lived the life many of us dream of living. He used his 72 years on earth as a tool for good, and he used his intellect and his courage to fight for justice, even in the most vexing of cases. He died having accomplished more to create positive change in the world than most people ever dream to create. His legacy is a democratic society that is stronger because of the dissent, transparency, free speech, and tolerance that he helped nourish.
Michael's death is a reminder that our lives are too brief to waste on the sidelines. The threats to liberty have not abated. Our society still suffers from privacy invasions, speech restrictions, and government surveillance, while those who work to shine a light on these problems often face disproportionately harsh penalties. Such battles will not be won by those who excuse themselves from the fight, who eschew politics, fear controversy, or grow cynical and exhausted in the face of mounting pressure. Now more than ever, we need those who can live with Michael's courage. In honor of Michael's lifetime of advocacy, we reaffirm out commitment to bringing lawsuits and otherwise taking a stand to defend civil liberties. Michael may have left us, but the work will continue.
Michael Ratner, a friend of EFF who dedicated his life as a human rights attorney to fighting for justice, passed away on Wednesday.
Michael was a staunch defender of civil liberties, forging new pathways for using the court systems and advocacy to fight for justice. As the president emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights and a formidable social justice attorney, Michael crossed paths with EFF around Wikileaks and related whistleblower cases, among others. CCR was our co-counsel in the early NSA spying cases. But more importantly, Michael was one of our legal heroes, unafraid to use law and lawsuits to try to address human rights problems in the U.S. and around the world. We have modeled our EFF litigation approach, in part, on the strong work he did. Michael's many-decades career was colored by his commitment to human dignity, and he fought to ensure that we had a government accountable to the people--and that those who opposed government overreach would be protected and defended.
As an author, attorney, thought-leader, activist, speaker, and friend, Michael helped further the civil liberties movement and inspired hundreds of others both in the law and outside of it. We at EFF will miss him dearly, and mourn his loss.
Michael lived the life many of us dream of living. He used his 72 years on earth as a tool for good, and he used his intellect and his courage to fight for justice, even in the most vexing of cases. He died having accomplished more to create positive change in the world than most people ever dream to create. His legacy is a democratic society that is stronger because of the dissent, transparency, free speech, and tolerance that he helped nourish.
Michael's death is a reminder that our lives are too brief to waste on the sidelines. The threats to liberty have not abated. Our society still suffers from privacy invasions, speech restrictions, and government surveillance, while those who work to shine a light on these problems often face disproportionately harsh penalties. Such battles will not be won by those who excuse themselves from the fight, who eschew politics, fear controversy, or grow cynical and exhausted in the face of mounting pressure. Now more than ever, we need those who can live with Michael's courage. In honor of Michael's lifetime of advocacy, we reaffirm out commitment to bringing lawsuits and otherwise taking a stand to defend civil liberties. Michael may have left us, but the work will continue.