[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 6406-6407] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING TOMMY SMOTHERS ______ HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY of california in the house of representatives Monday, May 2, 2011 Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Tom Smothers of Kenwood, California, who is receiving the Jack Green Civil Liberties Award from the Sonoma County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Tommy Smothers is a fitting recipient for an award that has been presented for more than two decades to community members who have transformed their life-long commitment to civil liberties, human rights and social justice into action. Well known for battling censors while producing television's acclaimed Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Tommy has long been a symbol of resistance to censorship, fighting to present matters of vital interest to a wide American audience. Working with his brother Dick, his career as an entertainer, comedian, and musician, began in 1959 with the formation of The Smothers Brothers, a folk-singing and comedy act. In 1967, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour debuted on CBS-TV and quickly established itself as something unique during a time when variety/comedy shows were television staples. The show revolutionized prime-time by using comedy to delve into taboo subjects--drugs, racism, police brutality--and to satirize politicians and criticize the Vietnam War. Singers like Pete Seeger, who had been blacklisted since the 1950s, were frequent guests. CBS soon realized that these topics were hotter than the network could handle. As the show's producer, Tom fought against censorship, but The Smothers Brothers were fired in April, 1969, ostensibly for failing to comply with rules for submitting tapes of the show for review before broadcasting. The brothers then won a case against CBS for breach of contract. They continued to tour and perform until 2010, becoming the longest-running comedy act in U.S. history Forty years later, Tom received an Emmy award for his writing on the show which he dedicated ``to all of the people who feel compelled to speak out and not afraid to speak to power and won't shut up and refuse to be silenced.'' This certainly describes Tom Smothers who continues to speak out to this day. Now living in Sonoma County with his wife Marcy, he is an inspirational model for our community and people across the nation. Mr. Speaker, Tom Smothers' receipt of the Jack Green Civil Liberties Award reminds us of his statement, ``The only valid censorship of ideas is the right of people not to listen.'' This is a lesson we can all take to heart today as we celebrate Tom's talents and leadership in defense of our rights. [[Page 6407]] ____________________