“I jumped at the chance to take part in this celebration, and I was actually planning on coming before they asked me to sing,” Browne said. Yet it was clearly Young who was the draw, with Dave Matthews, Jackson Browne, Rufus Wainwright, and Chris Stills on hand to perform a tribute to the folk-inspired veteran rock artist.

“South Park” originators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, director Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Dogma”), director Kimberly Peirce (“Boys Don’t Cry”), and San Francisco councilwoman Nancy Pelosi were also recognized at the fundraising dinner, each receiving the group’s “defender of democracy award.” The evening was hosted by comedian Elayne Boosler. The ceremony was held to praise individuals who have taken public stands to support free speech and a democratic society through their art or work. Young was presented with the organization’s Spirit of Liberty lifetime achievement award, one of six honors given away last night. “Even though we have to protect freedoms, it seems we’re going to have to relinquish some of our freedoms for a short period of time … I think that’s the main thing now that the can do for America, to never let America forget that these are our rights and we can get them back.”

“We can’t forget now in our immediate situation what brought us here together and what we’re living for and what makes us who we are,” Young said. 11) at the People for the American Way Foundation’s (PFAWF) 20th anniversary celebration and Spirit of Liberty Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., the politically outspoken singer conceded the compromise is difficult to embrace. Neil Young urged that Americans may be willing to give up some accepted civil liberties in the effort to fight terrorism, yet stressed that the loss must be short-lived.

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