Ed Wood "The Right Stuff" Published Oct. 30, 2002

Wellstone will be missed

What a tragedy. Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minnesota. Dead at age 58. His accidental death made even more tragic in that it also brought death to his wife and daughter.

They were en route to a funeral in northern Minnesota. I know the area well. Before winter's cold clears the air, moisture just hangs in droplets. Hangs and clings to anything passing through it. At altitude it can turn into "rime" ice. Frozen water crystals that not only add weight to a small plane, but also destroy a wing's ability to lift. The result is predictable. Happens to the unsuspecting every year about this time.

Sen. Wellstone has been called a "liberal's liberal." In Iowa, he told listeners that he represented the "Democratic wing of the Democratic Party," a good-natured jibe at some of his more moderate colleagues. He was what he was. And that was Paul Wellstone.

Of course, I disagreed with most all of his political positions. Bigger government. Higher taxes. Tighter gun control. Reduced defense spending. Universal health care. He opposed both Desert Storm and President Bush's current appeal to confront Saddam Hussein.

Although I could not - and would not - support his politics, I had to respect him as a man who worked hard, knew the issues and wasn't afraid to fight for what he believed. And he did so without rancor or bitterness. He dealt in issues, not personalities.

Born in Arlington, VA, and educated at the University of North Carolina, it was only fitting that he should end up in Minnesota - home of the late Hubert Humphrey, who, in his day, was affectionately known in political circles as the "Happy Warrior." Humphrey loved politics - and loved discussing politics.

Wellstone, like Humphrey, stood tall in his beliefs, and relished the opportunity to defend them. He knew his issues and he presented them forcefully - but without animosity.

Tom Daschle called him "the soul of the Senate." Ted Kennedy described him as "a most passionate advocate for fairness and justice for all." Michigan's Carl Levin described Wellstone as one who "combined his noble causes with personal kindness." Republican Trent Lott said the loss was "a death in our family."

Paul Wellstone set an example for us all. He taught that it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. To fight fiercely, while fighting fairly. To stand tall in a sea of political mediocrity.

He will be missed. By political friends and foes alike.

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Ed Wood is a resident of Sparta, TN. His column is published each Wednesday in the Crossville Chronicle.