SPECIAL EDITION: IN MEMORY OF SENATOR PAUL WELLSTONE With this edition we honor the late Senator Paul Wellstone. His tireless work epitomized the vision Defenders Rural UPdates! champions; a vibrant rural America with healthy family farms teeming with diverse wildlife and wild open spaces. We know that his fighting spirit and sense of justice and dignity will live on in the hearts of millions. To environmentalists he championed a new ethic of land stewardship. To family farmers he fought for rural justice and freedom from the tyranny of big agribusiness. To peace activists he epitomized a man fighting for peaceful resolution to conflicts. To the underdogs all across this nation, he was hope, courage and tireless sacrifice. To all Americans he was the true public servant dedicated to building a country of the people, for the people and by the people. In the word of his good friend Senator Tom Harkin, his "convictions were based on the principles of hope, compassion, the Good Samaritan, helping those left on the roadside of life. His courage is an example for all." 1. WELLSTONE MEMORIAL SERVICES The official public memorial service for Paul Wellstone, Sheila Wellstone, Marcia Wellstone Markuson, Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, has been scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota (1925 University Ave SE, Minneapolis). Doors open at 4:30 PM -- early arrival is recommended. For local and regional services see: www.wellstone.org/memorial/info.html. 2. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEW WELLSTONE FOUNDATION According to Senator Wellstone's official Senate website, "Some have enquired about memorials. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, the Wellstone family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Wellstone Foundation, which is being established to further their family's social justice legacy. Information about where to direct such memorials will be forthcoming soon at http://wellstone.senate.gov. 3. TESTIMONIALS Written testimonials to the life and legacy of Paul Wellstone have abounded. Here are just a few that have come out since Friday: "For the family-farm activists with whom Wellstone marched and rallied across the 1980s and 1990s and into the twenty-first century, the Minnesota Democrat was more than a representative. He was their champion." John Nichols of "The Nation" and the Madison "Capital Times." Matthew Rothschild of "The Progressive" magazine wrote "Paul Wellstone, Unabashed Liberal: A Eulogy." Read statements from Senate Democratic and Republican leaders Tom Daschle and Trent Lott. 4. ON-LINE PICTURES OF SENATOR WELLSTONE For pictures that will no doubt evoke a thousand words, visit the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's "In Memoriam" slide show at www.iatp.org Full coverage of memorials and remembrances is available at: http://www.wellstone.org. 5. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS A web site has been set up for those who wish share their thoughts. See: remember@wellstone.org. If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this list,
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10/28/02