THE LAST LETTER THAT PETER YARROW EVER WROTE on 10/26/24 was an email reaching out to his friends to ask for their support for the documentary that his wife, Mary Beth Yarrow, was making about the life of Eugene McCarthy. Peter wrote Gene's campaign song. Mary Beth was Gene's niece, and the two first met in 1968 at a rally in Portland, Oregon. This is the story of how it all began, and why it is so important to tell this story again – so that we don't forget who we are as a Nation – and so that we remember what is possible when we come together to change the heart of our Nation. The story isn't over... it is time to write a new chapter.
October 26, 2024
Friend,
The most important things to me in my life, besides my children, my family, my friends and the legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary is my participation in an effort that took place in 1968 which, against all odds, turned the political world on its head. Had it succeeded, (and, arguably, it almost did) I know in my heart of hearts it might well have prevented the evolution of what now morally, politically and militarily threatens to destroy American democracy, our Constitution, and the very essence of who we aspire to be as a nation.
If the citizens of this nation, especially the youth, could come to know what we experienced and what we achieved during Gene McCarthy's historic anti-war primary campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968, and see with their own eyes, that "we almost did it", that "we almost won", it might lift the dread, the fear and despair that now engulfs us, just enough to dry our tears, calm our fears and "go for it" one more time.
Over the past 15 years, my wife, Mary Beth McCarthy Yarrow has researched, reconstructed, and unearthed the seeds of what happened in 1968 when Gene did what virtually every political pundit agreed was impossible. What he did to heal our nation's wounded heart, seemed impossible then - as it does now - to overcome the current forces of hatred, polarization and destruction.
As a labor of love and dedication to her uncle, Mary Beth has produced Gene McCarthy: Alone in the Land of Aardvarks. It is almost finished, save for the post production and the money needed to make tht happen.
The documentary is
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not about the wining or losing of an election
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not about partisan politics
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not about the skillfulness and brilliance of political organizing
The documentary is about who we are, and who we want to be as human beings. It's about what inspired and moved a generation to come together to right a wrong, end a war and reclaim their country. It's about a person of noble soul, brilliant vision, absolute selflessness, great faith and fearless courage who saw himself not as the "leader" of a movement that could change the world, but as a humble catalyst who stirred the youth of America, and others who were similarly moved, to bring sanity, goodness, love, humanity - but above all reason - to the fore once again.
Gene McCarthy - Alone in the Land of the Aardvarks - Preview (3 minutes)
MEDIA
Peter, Paul & Mary - Eugene McCarthy For President (If You Love Your Country) - Live 1968
If You Love Your Country" is a 1968 campaign song by Peter, Paul and Mary written in support of anti-war presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy's campaign.
Remembering the Election of 1968 with Mary Beth McCarthy Yarrow - Postcards | Pioneer PBS
Film Producer Mary Beth McCarthy Yarrow shares her memories of becoming involved in the 1968 presidential election campaign of her uncle -- Senator Eugene McCarthy -- and the turbulent times surrounding the American public's perception of the Vietnam War. But there's more to the story than politics, as Mary Beth also met her former husband, Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary while on the campaign trail.
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