Attorney, author and Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) President Michael Ratner is the recipient of the 2007 Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship. One of the country's foremost defenders of human rights and civil liberties, Ratner has led the fight to demand due process for Guantánamo detainees, adequate safeguards against intrusive government surveillance, and an end to torture and extraordinary rendition. Ratner will receive the annual prize on December 10th at The Nation Institute Annual Dinner Gala in New York City, the same week CCR returns to the Supreme Court representing Guantánamo detainees held indefinitely without charges.

Founded in 1966, The Nation Institute has a fundamental commitment to the values of free speech and open discourse and places particular importance on strengthening the independent press. The Puffin Foundation Ltd. has sought to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artists and art organizations who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy.

Special Guest:

Jon Corzine, Governor of New Jersey
Naomi Klein, National bestselling author of The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism
Dan Rather, Global Correspondent and Founder of Dan Rather Reports, HDNet
Jeremy Scahill, New York Times bestselling author of Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army
Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Editor and Publisher of the Nation
Michael Ratner, President of the Center for Constitutional Rights Winner of the 2007 Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship

*Special Musical Performances by Steve Earle, singer/songwriter and Academy Award nominee Allison Moore.

Date/Time:

Dec. 10th
6:00 Reception
7:15 Dinner & Program