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I Love LibertyI 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.[5] Celebrity guests included Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Desi Arnaz Jr., Kristy McNichol, Patty Duke, Jane Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Walter Matthau, Mary Tyler Moore,[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] References
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