When the news of Howie's passing reached me on Christmas Eve, I was shaken.
Heather "Digby" Parton and I were devastated.
I had no desire to write or speak about his passing to anyone except very few until now.
I've known Howie for over twenty years. I met him after he posted an article on the Huffington Post back when they had just started and we became acquainted.
That acquaintance soon turned into friendship, then mentorship - until I finally called him my brother.
His support of the working class and those disenfranchised by racist, misogynistic, and homophobic elites was boundless.
He cared nothing for what anyone thought about his views and positions, because he stood for what was right and fair.
He held back not a single word of disdain for those who sought to oppress this country and turn it into a dictatorship of hatred.
Howie taught me what it meant to be a progressive, fighting for change and the rights of all Americans.
Howie Klein was a titan of the music world, of industry, and of progressive causes.
Most of all he was a titan of what it meant to be human.
The world cries as I sit in sadness.
It lost a burning light of compassion.
I lost a compatriot.
It lost a symphony of progress.
It lost an irreplaceable warrior for those suffering.
I lost my friend.
Howie Klein, you will be missed.
R.I.P
UPDATE: Heather "Digby" Parton, Howie, and I were part of Blue America for many years.
She wrote a remembrance about Howie too.
There are many characteristics that defined him, from kindness and generosity to a great sense of humor. His devotion to great food was legendary and virtually every great meal I’ve ever had in L.A was shared with him. But the one character trait that stood out for me, and I think for everyone who knew him in the political world, was integrity. The man had principles and he fought for them. He was never afraid to stand up and be counted and he did that while being one of the sweetest, most generous people I’ve ever met.
Howie was a a true mensch of all mensches and his fearless spirit will be with me as we face the challenges ahead. The world is a better place for having had him in it. I will miss him forever.
