A Democrat's Democrat

A week ago, a day I will never forget, our country lost one of its greatest citizens, Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota. With such a great loss just one week ago, I feel the need to reflect on the life of this great American.\nPaul Wellstone was a Democratic senator, one who was "for" Minnesota, as his Web site proclaimed. During his 12 years in the Senate, Wellstone developed a reputation as not only a fighter for the little guy, but also as an all-around good guy. I can't think of anyone in politics who I admire more. \nPaul Wellstone was a proud liberal. And, unlike many politicians, he made no secret of it. He voted against the 1991 war with Iraq and, again, against the Iraq resolution earlier this year. Even when politicians and pollsters warned that a vote against a popular president would be political suicide, Paul voted his conscience. Voters, while they may have disagreed with his politics, respected him. Despite the Iraq vote, polls showed him pulling ahead in his reelection race this year.\nBut, Paul (as many Minnesotans referred to him, instead of "Senator Wellstone") was liberal in many other ways. He was one of the few Senate opponents to the welfare reform President Clinton signed; he supported universal health care and was a tireless supporter of labor and environmental causes. \nHe held these views not out of spite for those in power, but rather out of compassion for the disadvantaged. As the St. Paul Pioneer Press quoted Wellstone from his earlier days, "Some people want to represent the Rockefellers; I want to represent the little fellers." \nIn his last ad, the Washington Post reported Wellstone wrote that he didn't represent the big special interests, "But you know what? They already have great representation in Washington. It's the rest of the people that need it. I represent the people of Minnesota." In a day and age when politicians pander to the middle and to special interests, Paul was not afraid to stand up for his beliefs and to go to bat for the little guy.\nBut, Paul Wellstone can not be solely remembered for his politics. In the Senate, he was widely liked by people of both parties. Numerous friends of Wellstone, suffering from a huge loss, painted him as a people's person. He not only spoke the rhetoric of populism, but he would also stay hours after events had concluded to listen to the concerns of average Americans. He truly cared about people.\nThe one personal memory I have of Paul Wellstone comes from my experience as a Senate page. I remember seeing him hobble (he had a very bad back) around the Senate floor while Capitol policemen would mention that he lifted weights with them.\nI also remember Paul delivering long, impassioned speeches on the floor. He was often speaking to an empty chamber. But, anyone listening could tell that he cared about the causes he was fighting for. He wasn't in Washington D.C. for himself; he was there for the people of Minnesota. He will be missed.\nHearing the news of Paul's passing was extremely difficult. I have heard from my parents stories about where they were when President Kennedy died and how emotional that time was for them. I never really could understand, though. Now, I do understand. The one thought that consoles me is that Paul Wellstone, a man who cared so much about everyone, is now in a better place.