(Actor, author and Crooks & Liars contributor Mike Farrell joins us in the comments today to discuss his book, "Just Call me Mike."  Please welcome both him and his good friend Robert Greenwald — JH)

Introducing Mike is a challenge. Let me explain. When I suggested the idea of a book to Mike, he immediately said no. Too self serving, no one would be interested, can't stand celebrity b.s. Of course that just meant I had to engage further, and we went up and back, over many emails, in which the idea of a book that could serve as tour of his activism emerged. The idea that other activists would find his stories interesting and maybe even helpful did engage Mike and now we have this funny, vibrant, inspiring book!

But I can't say any of that, cause Mike would think it too self serving.
 
What I can say is that Mike's passion, his integrity and his belief in fighting for what is true has been a source of great inspiration to me personally over the years. We started Artists United to Win Without War together, at a time when it is was very very very difficult to get any media attention to any voices opposing the build up to war. The fact that so many in the Hollywood community respect Mike, gave our efforts the golden seal of approval, and allowed us to build a list of over l00 celebrities who signed a statement opposing the war. But more important Mike then led the public fight against the build up, going on every hateful right wing show imaginable. And making his points in that calm, collected and powerful fashion. He served to encourage many others to come forward and speak out. And he tells this story in the book.
 
In reading the book I  learned about Mike, his background, his family, the wonderful and amazing Shelly, and the struggle to balance the pieces of his life, the activism, the Hollywood career, the mission to do right, the need to make a living. His desire to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, shines through the book and leaves me with a positive glow after reading it.
 
 
Those of you who love a juicy Hollywood insider dish, wont be disappointed. Clearly he has burned some bridges with the story of Patch and how it came too be butchered and distorted. His inside the trench warfare known as Hollywood is as true as his politics. From the success of Mash to the victory in getting his film Dominick and Eugene made, there is enough here that you can give the book to your reactionary but gossip loving friends. And then let them be converted by the politics!
 
We know that the fight for systemic and progressive change is a long one. We have victories, we have set backs. What I love about Mike and his book, and especially his life, is the way he NEVER stops. The fact that he could decide to fight to eliminate the death penalty when every survey, every consultant, every newspaper, every politician supported it, is just proof of the way he leads. Not by lecturing, not by hectoring, but as with the death penalty, working his ass off over the long haul, and creating change.
 
And speaking of long haul fighters, a shout out to the great firedoglake team. And on behalf of my friends and fighters at FDL, a warm welcome to my friend and pal…
 
Mike…its all yours…(assuming you have figured out how to get online and answer 🙂