I read Nikki Carlson's post with sadness. Invoking the name and memory of Paul Wellstone to suggest that Mayor Rybak is less than honorable in his failure to endorse Mr. Lopez - for whatever reason - is disrespectful. Like many on this list, I loved and adored Paul Wellstone. I had the privilege to work very closely with him and I learned a lesson or two from him as well. One lesson Paul taught me was that one must respect the decision of others, particularly in politics, regardless of whether you agree with that decision. The suggestion that Ms. Carlson is making that the Mayor is somehow unWellstone-like because he didn't support an underdog candidate and therefore was against bringing people together is contrary to the kind of politics Paul believed in. Clearly, Ms. Carlson wasn't listening close enough or didn't understand what Paul was teaching all of us. I agree that Mr Wagenius' comments were idiotic and full of naive bravado. Even Paul had a few staff members like that over the years. I also agree that it was rude for the Mayor not to return Ms. Carlson's phone calls. But, Ms. Carlson is making a troubling leap from Mr. Wagenius' idiot comments to the lessons of Paul Wellstone to indict Mayor Rybak. Clearly, Ms Carlson is entitled to her opinion and I respect her right to express it. My hope is that she is more careful when invoking Paul Wellstone's name when criticizing the Mayor. John Blackshaw Linden Hills REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
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