Minnesota and the nation have suffered a loss that has shaken the lives of family members, friends, campaign workers, opponents and of people who did not even know those who died Friday morning, Oct. 25 in a wooded area near Eveleth, Minnesota.
Many journalists and members of the media have clear recollection of the size of the Paul Wellstone persona. It was immense. Alive, and now in passing, Wellstone is known as a fighter for the little person, the downtrodden, and underprivileged. He shouted a loud voice of compassion and concern for these people.
Tributes have been glowing from all sides of the political aisles for Sen. Wellstone. It must be remembered, however, that he was deeply engaged in many of his causes and also had staunch opponents. The beauty in the end is the true respect held by so many for Wellstone.
The others killed in the airplane crash on Oct. 25, 2002 were people who were totally committed to Sen. Wellstone and his many causes. These were people, including his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, campaign staff members and pilots who made such a strong commitment that they put their lives on the line.
Much of the reaction to the tragic airplane crash is focused on the death of a United States senator. The depth of this man was felt by so many people who met him and worked with him.
His words to the ECM Editorial Board last Oct. 14 in an endorsement interview (Republican candidate Norm Coleman was also interviewed by the ECM board) were so true of the man. He said, when asked what type of senator he was: "I feel I am the education senator, the health care senator, the environment senator and believe I'm a really good senator.
Wellstone also said he believed he "was more on the side of Minnesotans" on the issues that concerned them. A beaming smile came to his face when he said, "I love Minnesota's rivers and streams."
Wellstone also told the Editorial Board that he, his wife Sheila and other supporters of his played major roles in working on programs to help victims of domestic violence.
When asked why this most recent campaign was such an "attack-attack" election race, Wellstone bristled a bit and commented, "I'm 5-foot-5 and I fight back."
He also referred to changing his mind on not seeking more than two terms. In not keeping the pledge, Sen. Wellstone said he did not wish to leave the senate at this time because he believed he had more work to do for his constituents. "Never say never," he said.
Wellstone was also very correct when he said people may not always have agreed with him but they did not view him as being dishonest but rather intellectually honest.
Sen. Wellstone was once a classroom teacher and always continued teaching. He taught us the importance of being involved in what one believes in and he also taught us the importance of voting.
A proper tribute to Sen. Wellstone would be to go vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This man taught us the value of fighting for principles and what we believe in, but more importantly he taught us how important it is for all of us to cast our vote on the issues at election time.
For nearly 12 years, the sometimes combative Wellstone carved a reputation of being intellectually honest, engaged internationally and likable.
In formulating arguments for endorsement of Sen. Wellstone, the ECM Editorial Board highlighted the following:
"At a time of war on terrorism and being on the brink of a war with Iraq, it doesn't seem like a time to change leadership in the Senate. Sen. Wellstone voted "no" on the Iraq resolution deploring the authorization of preemptive, unilateral action. He strongly supports going through the United Nations. . .
"War and the economy seem to be the top hot buttons for most Minnesotans. Sen. Wellstone seems more in touch with opinions of state voters on both issues. Minnesota's senior senator has a record of directing funds to small business, $1.5 billion to the Small Business Administration. Sixty percent of our jobs are in small business. He believes in economy stimulus programs and supports tax cuts for small business.
"Wellstone has shined during his two terms in these areas:
"Education -- A teacher himself, Wellstone has been a leader in working to improve public schools. He has supported new school construction, hiring of new teachers and lowering the student-teacher ratio in classrooms. Wellstone has favored the Senate proposal to fully fund special education only to see the bill blocked in conference.
"Environment -- Wellstone has taken on the big polluters on behalf of the little people and he consistently supports preservation of the BWCA and other Minnesota natural resources.
"Prescription drugs -- Candidate Wellstone, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is not a friend of the big drug companies and he has sought a prescription drug benefit for seniors under Medicare.
"Veterans -- A friend of veterans, Wellstone, as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, has helped veterans wade through bureaucratic red tape and be able to get the benefits they deserve.
"Agriculture - Here, Wellstone, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has put on the gloves and fought to promote the plight of the family farmers by opposition to the Freedom to Farm Act which would hurt family farmers in Minnesota and the nation.
"Transportation -- Wellstone was point man for development of Highways 10 and 610 in the metro area. He also is wielding influence in keeping funding alive for the Northstar Commuter Rail Corridor."
Wellstone and the DFL championed an aggressive Get Out the Vote Campaign for Nov. 5 and this may likely have put him back in Washington.
Sen. Wellstone, his family, supporters and friends, together, have created a legacy that will affect the lives of many forever.÷ An editorial opinion of the ECM Editorial Board.
Sen. Wellstone's spirit will live on