Memory of Wellstone will never fade

Minnesotans are a hearty bunch. Not only because we endure endless weeks of subzero temperatures each year, but because historically speaking, we’ve not been afraid of being called “liberal.”

No one wore that moniker more proudly, nor championed the rights of Minnesotans more vehemently, than Paul Wellstone. The new documentary, “Wellstone!,” chronicles the life of a scrappy young man whose integrity and dedication to social activism propelled him to Washington to fulfill the duties of a true politician: working for and serving the people.

Personal and political footage and interviews with friends and staff members memorialize Wellstone, and reinforce the image of a congenial yet passionate man who touched the lives of many. There are no real surprises here: With Paul what you saw was what you got. But the film is especially compelling because of its political relevancy today.

Wellstone was a guy who’d just as soon talk to the janitor of his Capitol Hill office as address his congressional colleagues. And when he did the latter, especially during his freshman year, he got people’s attention.

January 1991. Paul Wellstone makes his maiden speech to Congress, candidly expressing his opposition to Gulf War I. “The rush to war, that I am afraid is so much a part of what is now happening in our country and the world, will not create a new world order, Mr. President. It will create a new world disorder.” He goes on to ask, “What kind of victory will it be if we shoulder this responsibility and if there is an explosion of anti-American fury throughout the Arab world, accompanied by widespread violence and terrorism? What kind of victory will that be?”

Wellstone understood the difference between “power” and “strength.” He proved that compassion and family values are compatible with progressive policies that improve conditions for all people. He was a leader whose infectious spirit galvanized people into action. As Washington Post correspondent E.J. Dionne notes, “People respond to causes, but people also respond to people.”

October 25 marks the two-year anniversary of the death of Paul Wellstone, wife Sheila, daughter Marcia and five others aboard that ill-fated plane. There’s no better time than now to see this film and revive your spirit. Then, consider the possibilities and take action. There’s much work to be done.

The documentary “Wellstone!” is showing Oct. 17 - 28, 7:15 & 9:15 p.m; matinee 5:15 p.m. Sat. & Sun. U Film Society, Bell Auditorium, 17th & University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-3134.

Wellstone World Music Day takes place on Mon., Oct. 25. Remember Paul and Sheila Wellstone, Marcia Wellstone Markuson, Mary McEvoy, Tom Lapic and William McLaughlin from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S., Mpls. Contact Wellstone Action at 651-645-3939 for more information. Remembrance also scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. at Ostrander Auditorium at Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union. Contact Barbara Carlson for more information at 507-389-6265.