I am writing this letter not as a resident of Minnesota, but as a resident of this nation. Just minutes ago, I learned that Sen. Paul Wellstone and two members of his family were killed in a plane crash.

I don’t need to tell you what an enormous loss this is for our country. There are few who still have the guts to stand up for others, even when they are the only ones standing.

Sen. Wellstone was one of those few. He stood as an example of greatness and leadership, and we will all feel the effects of his passing.

Some have said that Sen. Wellstone was way too liberal, but when you are standing up for someone’s rights, there is no such thing. I do not know what will become of the state of politics without him around.

I have no agenda by writing this letter, except to encourage you to take the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sen. Wellstone. Stand up for your beliefs, even if no one is standing up with you.

He worked to change things for the better, and I hope he has set an example for residents of Minnesota and for the nation.

He will be greatly missed.