wellstone --- "one cannot help but feel suspicious about the circumstances..."

[Mike Friedman <mikedf@xxxxxxxx>]

Dear friend:


I am sorry to bear the terrible news that Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone, a
staunch supporter of peace and justice causes, died along with his wife and
daughter, three staff members, and two pilots in a plane crash today.


As I write these words at 12:10 p.m. PDT (3:10 p.m. PDT), CNN is reporting
that the National Transportation Safety Administration's top investigators
are heading to the site.


This is not only a terrible personal tragedy, but also a tragedy for the
country and for the cause of peace. With the Bush Administration clearly
despising Sen. Wellstone, a new alert about Al Qaida threatening attacks in
the U.S., the Republicans one seat away from a majority in the Senate, and
Wellstone's seat up for re-election in a tight race, one cannot help but
feel suspicious about the circumstances surrounding this disaster.


Under Minnesota law, if a nominee in a Senate race dies during a campaign,
his or her political party can select a replacement candidate no later than
four days before the general election. Absentee ballots have already been
sent in, however, and those that contain Wellstone votes are unlikely to be
counted.


During the coming days, as we grieve this terrible loss, we must also turn
our attention to the grave crisis this creates for the political future of
America, and particularly the peace and justice community. You are welcome
to post your comments and suggestions at:
http://www.progressiveportal.org/updates/wellstone.html
[This list is moderated, meaning we will review all submissions before
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Some news sources to follow:


Minneapolis Star Tribune, with links to other sites:
http://www.startribune.com/


Mysterious group funds Wellstone opposition:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/3382739.html


CNN report:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/10/25/plane.crash.minn/index.html



Sites that will probably have news and analysis soon:


Z Magazine Web site:
http://www.zmag.org/weluser.htm


The Nation magazine:
http://www.thenation.com/



In shock and grieve,


Yours,


Steve Freedkin
Publisher
ProgressivePortal.org



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