FRED WHO?
Political Insider to Outsider
by
Fred Karger
with Steve Fiffer
copyright Fred Karger 2011
ISBN 978-0-9840232-2-6
cover design by Brad Mayo
SmashWords Edition
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“Wouldn’t That Be Something?”
“It’s Don’s Fault.”
“You Should Be An Actor.”
“Do You Mind If I Bring Roman Polanski?”
“There’s Something I Have To Ask You.”
“Homosexuality Is Not A Contagious Disease.”
“Young Man, Get Back Here.”
“Now You Know Why I Got Into Politics.”
“We Need To Have A Talk.”
“What Are We Going To Do?”
“I’m On Your Side Now.”
“You Gotta Love Fred’s Racket.”
“I Just Have Two Requests.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I have been very fortunate in life, and the two big reasons for that are my parents, Jean and Bob Karger. They made me the man I am today. They instilled so many important values in me: helping others, loyalty, laughing, working hard, enjoying life, not taking no for an answer, and starting at the top.
My boss and political mentor, Bill Roberts, taught me so much as well: be courageous, get along with people, stay grounded, be tough, help those in need, analyze a problem and go tackle it. Bill always wanted to manage a presidential campaign, and I know he is somehow running mine. Robert F. Gentry is another mentor and role model who so inspired me when he became the first openly gay mayor in the U.S. in 1982. Bob helped me again, when I became out and active in 2006, by giving me the courage to be myself and take a stand.
Steve Fiffer, who contacted me about writing my memoir a year ago, has written another remarkable book. Thank you for your idea, brilliance, hand holding, and all you did to make FRED WHO? a wonderful read. Steve previously collaborated with former Secretary of State James A. Baker and civil rights lawyer Morris Dees on their autobiographies, so I'm in good company. In addition to Steve, this book would not have been possible without the efforts of Brad Mayo (graphic designer extraordinaire), Kate Sloan Fiffer (production manager/jack of all trades), and Maureen McNair and Nora Fiffer, who transcribed so many notes and videos. My attorney and friend Cary Davidson, whose superb work on my behalf is chronicled on the pages that follow, played an important role regarding book contracts. The excellent photographer Greg Powers of Washington, D.C., took the picture that graces the cover.
Thanks to so many friends and colleagues who shared past memories with Steve and me. These include Lee Stitzenberger, Kathy Lucker. Shane Miller, Russell Johnson, Rob Weinstein, Gary Wolfson, Bill Solomon, Jerry Blumberg, and my early campaign team Brian Wilson, Kevin Miniter, Rina Shah, and Matt Hammond. Special thanks to our filmmaker John Keitel, who has been documenting so much of what we're doing, and Danielle Avel, who has been so incredibly helpful and has become a wonderful friend.