[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: The Wellstone Memorial

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
The Wellstone Memorial
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1193364917.shtml


   Five years ago, I like most was incredulous at the first reports that
   Paul Wellstone had died in a plane crash. When it was confirmed, I
   wasn't sure what to think. The universe was not unfolding as it
   should.
   It was a loss for Minnesota, no question. He had a certain star
   quality yet always seemed real. He was likable and approachable
   despite his hard left histrionics. Yesterday, I asked why liberals
   seemed unwilling to even admit they're liberal, let alone be proud of
   it. Paul Wellstone was a rare exception, showing courage and honesty
   we could all respect. If only he hadn't grown that awful [1]"General
   Zod" [2]beard!
   I took my son down to Williams Arena for the memorial. We were early
   as planned, the doors not open yet, so we went to have dinner at
   Vescio's. Returning we got in line, only to find ourselves unknowingly
   shunted off to the Women's side, to watch by closed circuit TV. We
   could watch that at home I said, but the attendants said no, the live
   Men's side was already full. I couldn't believe it had filled up that
   fast, but I believed them, only to see people still streaming in on TV
   when we got him.
   I was really upset that I had been lied to, but we all know what
   happened. I would have walked out, following then Governor Jesse
   Ventura's lead. I'm glad my young son didn't see so many thousands of
   supposed adults behaving so badly. It was so unnecessary, too.
   It could have been a wonderful evening of remembrances and tributes,
   capped by Sen. Tom Harkin's wonderful stump speech finish that gave us
   all a final Wellstone-like thrill, myself included. But Rick Kahn et
   al ruined all that, turning it into a political disaster that some say
   affected the national elections as well.
   I also remember how upset the local TV station general managers were,
   feeling duped by an obviously phony timetable that went way long to
   maximize coverage. We're still wondering today who ordered what from
   on high in the Democratic Party - or was it simply Rick Kahn and Mark
   Wellstone not being ready for prime time?
   One thing I'm sure of: Paul Wellstone would not have approved.

References

   1. http://www.zod2008.com/
   2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Paul_Wellstone.jpg