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Medals of Freedom Will Go to Milk, Kennedy, Poitier

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2009 2:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – This year's Medal of Freedom recipients share a capacity to change the world, President Obama said today in naming the eclectic group. Among the 16 honorees are Sen. Ted Kennedy, slain gay-rights activist Harvey Milk, actor Sidney Poitier, tennis great Billie Jean King, and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the Los Angeles Times reports.

“These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds," Obama said. “Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the choice of Milk, saying “it brings great pride to San Franciscans that Harvey Milk will receive this award posthumously. Harvey lived his entire life to create opportunity for others.”

In this Sept. 20, 1973 file photo, Billie Jean King raises her arms after defeating Bobby Riggs.
In this Sept. 20, 1973 file photo, Billie Jean King raises her arms after defeating Bobby Riggs.   (AP Photo)
Sidney Poitier.
Sidney Poitier.   (AP Photo)
Former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.   (AP Photo)
In this June 26, 1978 file photo, then San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk is seen in San Francisco's seventh annual Gay Freedom parade.
In this June 26, 1978 file photo, then San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk is seen in San Francisco's seventh annual Gay Freedom parade.   (AP Photo)
In this file photo from April 1977, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, left, and Mayor George Moscone are shown in the mayor's office during the signing of the city's gay rights bill.
In this file photo from April 1977, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, left, and Mayor George Moscone are shown in the mayor's office during the signing of the city's gay rights bill.   (AP Photo)
Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 1984.
Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 1984.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Ted Kennedy.
Sen. Ted Kennedy.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
FreeThemAll
Jul 30, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
If I see a flagged comment, I am sure to read it. I skim over many of the others.
Nxxxx
Jul 30, 2009 9:46 AM CDT
Dark Farnics...hehe. I'm not sure what you're on about here, CK. It's quite comforting, though, to know that you don't either, given you answered with a non-sequitur. It's nice to see you, though, have a great day and keep up the silliness, you're always good for a laugh.
Nxxxx
Jul 30, 2009 9:21 AM CDT
I've only been a Newser-er for about six months or so, but even I am able now to look at a headline on the board and guess with almost unfailing accuracy what comments are likely to be underneath the story and which person is making them. Here we have a couple of people who really only come here to spout the same retarded nonsense borne of their failed ideology. If, for example, Bill Kristol died...I'd wish the man peace and the family condolence. But these people, if Joe Klein died, would want him to burn in hell. That's the essential difference between us.

 
Sidney Poitier • Senate • Stephen Hawking • Desmond Tutu • tennis • Ted Kennedy • Sandra Day O'Connor • civil rights • Presidential Medal of Freedom • US Supreme Court • US Senate • Billie Jean King • Jack Kemp • President Obama • Harvey Milk • Nancy Goodman Brinker • Pedro Jose Greer • Joseph Lowery • Joseph Medicine Crow • Chita Rivera • Mary Robinson • Janet Davison Rowley • Muhammad Yunus

 
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