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James Weinstein: 1926 – 2005

By Miles Harvey

James Weinstein, a noted historian and longtime publisher and editor of the progressive magazine In These Times, died last week (June 16) at his home in Chicago. He was 78 years old and had been battling brain cancer for several months. Weinstein began his long and varied career, like many leftists of his generation, as a member of the Communist… return to article

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    My condolences to his family and
    the staff at ITT.
    He always struck me as a very fair
    minded man despite political differences.
    His books are worth pursuing.
    ITT is a far livelier, better written pub
    than The Nation, Progressive, Z, etc.
    You could always have a civilized argument
    with Jim or John Judis, something that is
    not remotely possible with Noam Chomsky,
    Alexander Cockburn, Katha Pollitt, Michael
    Parenti or the ultra-left.

    United States Posted by Jack Barnes on Jun 20, 2005 at 1:31 PM

    Weinstein called In These Times “the best-kept secret in journalism.” We know the feeling at The Progressive Populist. He was gracious in support when we got started in 1995. Our condolences go to his family and colleagues at In These Times, but I trust there is consolation in remembering a life well lived.

    United States Posted by Jim Cullen on Jun 20, 2005 at 2:11 PM

    I was one of the first writers for In These Times when Jim founded it (I think my first piece was an article in late 1977 from LA about plans for a liquified natural gas terminal, and the explosion of a huge oil tanker in Long Beach). Jim was one of those rare editors that reporters really enjoy--he was knowledgeable and demanding, yet respectful and patient.
    He created a magazine that has stood out among publications on the left--progressive, non-ideological, and full of genuine news, not just writers’ opinions.
    Forget about all the other political activities he engaged in during his eventful life--the books, the political struggles, etc--just his creation of one of the left’s enduring periodicals, as a model of quality journalism, standing alone, would be monument enough for anyone.
    He will be missed.

    Dave Lindorff

    United States Posted by Dave Lindorff on Jun 21, 2005 at 3:28 PM

    Was startled and sorry to hear the sad news.
    I found Jim to be a very well-informed historian.
    His books are intriguing.  Though quite opinionated, he always found time to listen to
    other points of view.

    Always curious, even-handed, with a warm disposition, James Weinstein will be sorely
    missed.

    United States Posted by norman wishner on Jun 22, 2005 at 11:09 AM

    When we went to Chicago for a few months some years ago, we could meet Weinstein and we remember him with deep emotion. He showed us that real democracy already exists in the States.
    He is the best example of a life of ideals, defended with loyalty and courage. We send our sincerest condolences to his wife Beth, to his daughter and son, and to the staff of ITT for the loss of Jim who will live forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

    Paloma Alcalá and Pedro Sánchez.
    Madrid. Spain

    Spain Posted by paloma Alcalá on Jun 24, 2005 at 4:19 AM

    I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Weinstein, but I owe a profound intellectual and professional debt to him nonetheless. 

    As an undergraduate in the early 1970s, pretty much at a loss for what to do after graduation, I read “The Corporate Ideal in the Liberal State.” After reading the book, I still didn’t know what the future might hold--but I knew that my work would have something to do with exploring the corporate-governmental nexus.  I have tried, first as a journalist and now as a community-college educator, both to explore and to explain.  I have also found “In These Times,” founded by Mr. Weinstein, to be invaluable as a teaching tool.

    Mr. Weinstein pointed in a direction, and I have never regretted walking down that path.  Those who carry on his legacy will be doing important work indeed.

    Bob Brown

    United States Posted by Bob Brown on Jun 29, 2005 at 10:12 AM

    I’ll always remember Jimmy’s wonderful smile and his eternal optimism about the political prospects of a country he deeply loved.  My condolences to Beth, Josh and Lisa and to all current and former ITT staffers.

    United States Posted by Kevin O'Donnell on Jul 5, 2005 at 8:25 AM
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