You may not know
Ratner lays out the case for the impeachment of President Bush in this nine-minute YouTube video.Michael Ratner '66
President
Center for Constitutional Rights
New York City
Major
English
Favorite class
I studied subjects about which I knew initially knew nothing and gained a tremendous breadth of knowledge. I had many favorites: Medieval Lyrics, Proust and Joyce, Philosophy, and a definite favorite was Chemistry with the well-known Henry Linschitz. Often it was the amazing teachers and not the material that made all the difference.
Favorite hangout
The Castle had a cafeteria and was a wonderful place to mix with students and professors. Ray Ginger, author of a great biography of Debs, hung out there along with many students who today you would call progressive. We talked about civil rights and banning the bomb — all of it was new to me.
Best memory
My best memories were of guest lectures by Malcom X, Marcel Duchamp, Allen Ginsberg and Paul Goodman. I am still amazed that I heard and met them. Each opened me up to new and different ways of thinking — their words were like thunderbolts in my brain.
Brandeisian(s) who most influenced your life
It was not one person but a combination or remarkable free thinkers, both students and professors. I was challenged at every turn. Think about being on the same small campus with Herbert Marcuse and Angela Davis on the one hand, and Max Lerner and John Roche on the other.
How do you stay connected to Brandeis today?
I generally give a lecture or two a year at Brandeis, and I am on the advisory board of the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life.
