The Wellstone Awards for July

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"Stand Up,Keep Fighting" Paul Wellstone 1944-2002
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When the Truth Hits:
In late 2002 I remember hearing Paul Wellstone speak out against the War in Iraq. I confess at the time I was immersed in my own hellish battle with filing massive reports with the Justice Department and the EPA ( and other Federal Agencies ) against the Big Evil Chemical Company (that shall not be named at this time) that my little NW nonprofit had thoroughly investigated. I was in the Kitchen chopping onions for Soup.I was in a foul mood. I had just recieved another call from the US Attorney's offices ( John McKay) and been offered Federal Marshall Protection to attend an Federal Environmental Meeting. I was not just an" Investigator, I was a Witness, and a Victim" the rep from his office politely told me as she requested again for me to reconsider" The Offer." I got off the phone in a worse mood.I stood and thought as I heartlessly chopped the Onion. " Should I ever have to be offered Protection ( or escort) to SPEAK the TRUTH to MY OWN GOVERNMENT ?? Am I ever suposed to be filled with FEAR to speak the TRUTH?"
**MEANWHILE**
In the background I had CSpan on, the background music of my days, and Paul Wellstone came to the Floor. I will never forget, even though at that moment I was drenched in my own worries, and yet he spoke with such Insight and Conviction about the Impending Iraq War that he took my breath away. I stood and thought THIS is what An American Looks Like, This is WHAT he sounds Like. He Is Strength and Courage in Motion. This Man is Not Afraid To Speak The Truth to Power.

It was one of his Last speeches on the Floor.It is Profound and Prophetic, it is the Truth. I taped it that day, and for years I carried that tape from place to place as my Own Hellish Path continued, and I would watch it. And remember we must Always Speak the Truth. Well, it has now been many moves later, and the tape broke this winter. And I was sad, and wanted to hear THOSE words and THAT Voice again. And so this week, I found Paul Again.....Thank You YouTube.
*click the Title*

THE AWARDS:Each Month I plan on the Last Weekend to award the Brave Bloggers that consistantly Blog Truth The Paul Wellstone Award for Blogging Courage from the Enigma Cafe. The Friday will be the Men awards and the Saturday will be the Women. Please link to them below and read and hear their Voices. ( I will still keep doing weekly Blog Roundups as well-so keep looking for your blog to be honored.....chances are it will be ). Seven Men of Honor Below:

Coffee Messiah

Booman Tribune

An Average American Patriot

NEWSGUY

America Weeps

Omnipotent Poobah

Fred's Place

*fred, I have to confess , this is not linking right, I will be back and try to repair...so sorry. Please find Fred over on the Blogroll.....He has a wonderful blog..

And Now for the Seven Women of Honor:

Fuzzy and Blue

Fat Lady Sings

Divajood

SUMO

MIRTH

Betmo

Dusty

,

Thank you one and all for the writing you do...It matters.