I Love Liberty

I Love Liberty was an American television special broadcast on ABC on March 21, 1982, as a patriotic variety show. The event was filmed in the Los Angeles Sports Arena on February 22, 1982, and was promoted as being a part of the commemoration of first U.S. President George Washington's 250th birthday.^[1] Created by Norman Lear and his organization People for the American Way,^[2][3][4] it was billed as a "salute to freedom".

Former U.S. Lady Lady Bird Johnson and former U.S. President Gerald Ford served as the event's co-chairs.^[2][5] Celebrity guests included Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Desi Arnaz Jr., LeVar Burton, Kristy McNichol, Patty Duke, Jane Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Walter Matthau, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Patten, ^[6] and Christopher Reeve.^[7] Segments included The Muppets offering a comic reenactment of the Second Continental Congress^[8] and Barbra Streisand performing "America the Beautiful" with the U.S. Air Force Band;^[9][4] however, this was taped separately in England.^[4] Another notable moment from the special was a monologue Robin Williams delivered where he impersonated the U.S. flag.^[4][10] Washington Post television critic Tom Shales described I Love Liberty as "America's first left-wing patriotic rally".^[4] However, influential conservative Republican Barry Goldwater was also among the guests at event, having the role of introducing a production number which was performed by 1,600 people, including baton twirlers, unicyclists and five marching bands.^[4] The special would also posthumously feature a clip from conservative Republican actor John Wayne, who stated that while he disagreed with Jane Fonda, he believed she had the right to say what she believes.^[2][11]