Congresswoman Matsui's Statement on the Death of Jack Valenti
Monday, April 30, 2007
Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui issued the following statement upon learning of the death of Jack Valenti:
The loss of Jack Valenti is a blow not only to his family and friends; it is also a tragedy for the motion picture industry and for the entire country.Jack embodied the American values we hold most dear: he was thoughtful, he was loyal, he was forthright, and he was exceptionally committed to his family.
Jack was also a brave and decorated soldier, and his service during the Second World War instilled in him an unshakeable devotion to our country and to the principles for which it stands.Returning from the European theater, he continued to defend and promote these values as a public servant, and helped to guide our Nation through one of its darkest hours.While serving as a special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson directly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jack's steadying influence played a central role in helping the country grieve, understand, and heal.
However, perhaps his greatest contributions came later in life, once he became the motion picture industry's consummate Washington, DC representative.Jack's name will forever be associated with the movies, not only because his personality reflected the way that films can inspire and cheer us, but because so much of what we enjoy in today's movie theaters we can attribute to his years of tireless and effective advocacy.
As a Californian, I am particularly aware of the debt of gratitude that we owe to Jack.The enduring importance of Hollywood in our culture, the rating system which protects our children from inappropriate content, the very majesty of film itself, all of these are parts of Jack's legacy.His life is a prime example of the good that can come from combining the idealism and fantasy of film with the determination and focus of the American work ethic.
I extend my deepest condolences to Mary Margaret and to the rest of the Valenti family.Though there is little solace that can be offered during a time of mourning such as this, I hope it comforts them to know that Jack's contributions will forever be a part of the fabric of American culture.While his presence will be sorely missed, Jack's legacy will always be relevant and vibrant so long as movies continue to entertain, motivate, and inspire.
