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Remembering Wellstone’s legacy

Tina Staik Berkeley
Tuesday October 29, 2002

U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone was a man of honor who worked fearlessly to make a difference in the lives of those corporate America has sought to exploit. His death is a great loss to our country, but his life is proof that American democratic ideals are still very much alive – in spite of decades of corporate media distortions manipulating public opinion in the name of corporate profits. 

Democracy does not mean what neo-conservatives and neo-liberals would have us think. Democracy does not equate to free market capitalism and freedom only for corporate elites to make profits without limits, to establish slave markets with unemployment and capital flight practices, to avoid paying taxes, to use any means to silence opposition, to exploit working people/veterans, and to put themselves above the law. 

That's not democracy, people! That’s fascism. 

Only one man in a hundred senators had the courage and passion to genuinely speak out against the obscene abuses of corporate America and the crimes against the citizens – and really mean it – not just for CSPAN cameras! 

Wellstone knew, and we know, regardless what lies fascist right wing think tanks put together – Democracy means a government of, by and for the people, an informed, well educated, involved citizenry – leaving no child behind – and backing it up with actions, not just words. 

In honor of Sen. Wellstone, fellow American Joseph Holder suggests wearing a black armband until the elections to send a strong message to elected officials that we the people want our government to represent and protect us – to once again be, or get on track to, what it is supposed to stand for – a beacon for light, paving the way for democracy, human rights and peace! 

Thank you, Paul Wellstone! Your passion and zeal will be in our hearts, souls and memory forever! 

 

Tina Staik 

Berkeley