Candice Bergen | 07/02/2009 11:00 pm

Candice Bergen Was Arrested for an Anti-War Protest

In response to: In celebration of Independence Day, when was the last time you really took advantage of your freedom?

I take advantage of our freedom every day. My daughter just spent ten months in Ethiopia and came home with a new appreciation of our rights and comforts (and toilet paper) and freedoms. But I guess 40 years ago when we were protesting the war and a bunch of us were arrested for blocking the hall in the Senate was the most theatrical.

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I remember you have mentioned that experience in your book "knock wood". It’s dramatic and you are really something!

By Carol Huo on 07/03/2009 9:03 am

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WOW! See, poeple in Australia, where I’m from, just arent as passionate about their country or their government. There’s a real sence of apathy, not all the time but enough of the time for me, a 20 year old, to notice it.

One day when I’m protesting for my cause, the craniofacial kids, of whom I’m one, whose surgeries are in the tens of thousands of dollars and so much of the time not covered by private health insurance because its deemed cosmetic (One of my little friends was born without a ear and her HMO wouldn’t cover the surgery because, apparently, having an ear is an aesthetic concern not a hearing and health concern!?). I sure that one day I will probably be arrested for that too and you know what, I’ll be proud! Standing up for what you believe in is the most patriotic thing you can do! Happy Independence day America!

All my love,

Xx B

Sydney, Australia

By Bianca Moon on 07/04/2009 12:54 pm

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dear Xx B, i hate insurance companies. they always love to put it as cosmetic surgery or pre-existing conditions. makes you hate anything to do with it. i remember when health care was about HEALTH CARE and not money.

anyway, we were pretty apathetic as a country too, until 911. we were returning to apathy again until this last election that really shook everybody up. but each time we needed it. now when i see someone from the armed forces i shake thier hand (if they are comfortable with it) and thank them for being there keeping me free! if your gonna die for me, it’s the least i can do, right or wrong!

By Nancy Pea on 07/05/2009 3:13 pm

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I sure can relate to that, I was ‘detained’ but released after ‘sitting’ in on Columbia’s campus all those years ago.. what a time to have been young..and so engaged.. Still engaged.. but not as young..

thanks Candice..

By katie lady on 07/05/2009 5:23 pm