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Greens Express Grief Over the Death of Sen. Paul Wellstone. |
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THE GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES GREENS EXPRESS GRIEF OVER THE DEATH OF SEN. PAUL
WELLSTONE WASHINGTON, DC -- On behalf of hundreds of thousands of American Greens, the Green Party of the United States expresses utter sorrow and deep condolences to the family of Senator Paul Wellstone, especially surviving sons David and Mark for the loss of both parents and their sister, to the people of Minnesota, and to all those who knew, supported, and admired the Senator. "I am deeply devastated at the news of the death of Paul, Sheila, and others in today's plane crash," said Ray Tricomo, the Minnesota Green candidate for the U.S. Senate. Tricomo has suspended all campaign activity for the rest of the weekend. Sen. Wellstone was an inspiration to Greens for his support throughout his political career for basic principles of social, economic, and environment justice, especially for the rights and needs of working people in Minnesota and across the U.S. Greens also mourn the loss of Sheila Wellstone, the Senator's close partner in politics as well as marriage. Sheila Wellstone brought the issue of domestic abuse of women to Paul's attention. Minnesotans knew the Wellstones as an inseparable and beloved couple who together made a tremendous impact on Minnesota and national politics. The Green Party especially notes Sen. Wellstone's leadership on healthcare issues. Sen. Wellstone led the Senate on health care because of his belief that health care is a basic human right. Sen. Wellstone was the sponsor and lead advocate for a single-payer national health care system; he also used his Senate seat to promote mental health issues. Sen. Wellstone turned the lessons he learned from dealing with a mental illness in his family into a passionate campaign for the recognition of mental illness. Sen. Wellstone recently reintroduced a major Senate bill which would require health insurers to provide parity in the coverage of physical health and mental health care. Greens have also praised Sen. Wellstone for his last most important vote, which he cast against the war on Iraq. "Senator Wellstone has taught us throughout his too short life, 'don't mourn, organize,'" said Carol Miller, a New Mexico Green who worked closely with Sen. Wellstone on public health legislation. "We will mourn his loss, but we will also honor him by organizing against the war in Iraq and for universal health care." Greens have suggested that participants in the antiwar demonstrations and other events scheduled for Saturday, October 26 wear black in memory of Sen. Wellstone. The Green Party of the United States search: elct |
