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Joining hosts Dennis McCuistion and Jim Falk is Tom Shachtman, the author of American Iconoclast – The Life and Times of Eric Hoffer.

So, who was Eric Hoffer? Hoffer, was a drifter, a longshoreman on the San Francisco docks by day, and a writer by night. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work.

The author of 10 books, of which his most famous and controversial, The True Believer, talks about fanaticism, why some are drawn to causes and are willing to give their lives to it. The parallels to today are fascinating and hold true.

The True Believer caused a sensation and earned him the respect of celebrities, and statesman, from Bertrand Russell to President Eisenhower. His interview with Eric Sevareid of CBS was cited as masterful.

After 9/11 The True Believer had a resurgence and was used by government entities to better understand fanaticism.

Our guest, Tom Shachtman, a well-known author, media, and documentary maker has studied Hoffer extensively. His book, American iconoclast: The Life and Times of Eric Hoffer, explores the multi-facets of an incredible force.

Through Tom’s lens, we get to see an intimate picture of Hoffer, his incredible work about movements and how they influence and impact societies, for better or worse.

And once again we are honored to be underwritten by The Hatton W. Sumner’s Foundation, Inc. The McCuistion Program, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any KERA pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding which has kept us on the air for 28 years comes from grantors and viewers just like you. So thank you for your continued support.

P.S. A special thank you to the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation for their renewed support this year.

As a non-profit organization, we run solely on donations. The McCuistion Program, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding which has kept us on the air for 30 plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your generosity allows us to continue to bring you engaging programs.

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Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives. To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs. Thank you for your support and for watching.

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The Storm Before the Calm (2619)The Storm Before the Calm (2619 - Re-air)
Russia: Is It a Threat? (2718)Russia: Is It a Threat? (2718)