Senator Issues 'Call to Justice' to UNC

Wellstone, a UNC alumnus who graduated with a doctorate in political science in 1969, spoke to about 80 people -- most of whom were law students -- as part of the law school's William P. Murphy lecture series.

In a loud, aggressive voice, Wellstone issued a "call to justice" to audience members, challenging them to improve education and other social services.

Wellstone, who is a self-described "5- foot-5-inch fighter," has a reputation on Capitol Hill as one of the Senate's most liberal members.

During his speech, Wellstone stood firm in his belief that improved social services are necessary for families to achieve better lives.

"Affordable child care, affordable housing, health care enable families to do well," he said.

During his Senate term, Wellstone has consistently pushed for grassroots issues like government involvement in enhancing social services. Nearing the end of his second term in office, Wellstone is running for re-election in 2002.

Wellstone also expressed his dissatisfaction with President Bush's tax cut plan, which passed last year, claiming it damaged the effectiveness of social programs.

"Many children never have the chance to reach their full potential," he said.

"Tax cuts are going to the top percent. (This makes) it impossible to have enough money for resources if all the money is going to the Pentagon and tax cuts."

Wellstone said education is lifelong, starting with pre-kindergarten and continuing throughout adulthood. "Education is the key to a successful economy, to a functioning democracy and to enabling women and men to think on their own two feet," he said.

But Wellstone said he opposes the No Child Left Behind Act, Bush's major education bill, which was signed in January.

The act increases the amount of testing in public schools.

Mentioning his own low test scores and otherwise high grades, Wellstone explained that he thinks there are better ways to evaluate students. "If you are going to have a mandate, where is the mandate that every child will have the same opportunity on these tests?" he said.

Wellstone reiterated the importance of funding going to make government programs more effective.

"I say no to tax cuts," he said.

"I say yes to education, yes to healthcare, yes to the environment, yes to affordable housing. But we have to find our voice."

Wellstone said it also is important to recognize that domestic issues also are part of national security following the Sept. 11 attacks.

"I don't want to give any ground on patriotism or mass murder of innocent people," he said.

"But I don't want to get away with calling everything national security. Part of the definition of national security is seeing after local community, jobs, healthcare, affordable housing, where we leave this a better place."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.