Wellstone, Conscience of the Senate: the Collected Floor Speeches of Senator Paul Wellstone

Description

The untimely death of Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone (1944-2002) ended the career of what many saw as the last passionate liberal in the old mold-a populist advocate of ordinary people. This collection of his floor speeches proves the son of Russian Jewish immigrants principled, caring, intelligent and possessed of rare political courage. His most ardent speeches were reserved for kitchen table issues like universal health care and Medicare, the minimum wage and barriers to bankruptcy. His speech addressing President Clinton’s impeachment condemns the president and calls for censure, but intelligently surmises that “most Americans, in their wisdom, have reached a subtle, sophisticated judgment in this case, and have already moved beyond it.” His 1998 argument against privatizing Social Security, repeated twice, also proves prescient: “We might want to think twice about betting the future of the trust funds on go-go emerging markets.” Also included are the remembrances of his colleagues; Senator Hillary Clinton’s is perhaps most telling: “I had someone say to me that the voice for the voiceless has been silenced. That is not only a tribute to Paul but it can also be heard as a rebuke to us.” A stirring compilation, the orations of this worthy public servant provide inspiration, food for thought, and a strong antidote to election-season cynicism.
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Reviews:

History??always looks kindly upon??individuals who had the courage to stand up and voice opposition to popular sentiment.?? This book—from No Child Left Behind to Iraq—is filled??with examples of Senator Wellstone exhibiting such courage.?? His unique voice is terribly missed. –Chris Coleman, Mayor of Saint Paul

Whether as a teacher, community organizer, or US Senator, Paul Wellstone always had a unique ability to communicate with people in a way that connected to their lives and called them to action in pursuit of a more just world. The passionate speeches Mark Ireland has collected in this book honor Paul’s twelve years in the Senate and provide us with an inspiring guide to addressing our most relevant and pressing issues today. –Jeff Blodgett, Executive Director of Wellstone Action!

Whenever I tell someone around the Senate that I’m from Minnesota, they always remember Paul. Not just the Senators, but the secretaries, police officers and tram drivers, too. Paul was there for everyone. This collection of his Senate floor speeches will educate and inspire, reconnecting us with the unique spirit that Paul brought to his work in the U.S. Senate. –U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar