Farewell to a Child of the American Dream: Goodbye Tubbs Jones

Words cannot describe the absolute shock that ran through me when I had heard of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones' aneurysm on Tuesday. Her death is a truly insurmountable blow to this country and its people, and to the people of Cleveland, Ohio, who for ten years were nobly represented by this kind and principled woman.

Tubbs' public agenda was always standing up for the little guy. It focused on helping benefit the lives of those least fortunate -- increasing social security, raising the minimum wage, working for affordable healthcare and always voting for electoral reform so that people from her blue-collar black majority district would have just as equal a say as any Wall Street investor or K Street lobbyist.

I had the great pleasure of meeting her on a number of occasions, first on a trip i made to Cleveland in 2006. Though only for a few hours, she struck me as a person wholly devoted to the cause of the less fortunate and undermined. As Chair of the House Ethics Committee she stood up for what was right -- attempting at least to make sure the necessary courtesy and respect is paid to the very process of democracy that goes on in the House.

Whilst her incredibly strong opposition to Iraq from the outset was somewhat controversial, it is the perfect example of her strong religious and moral strength and integrity.

Her passing is a loss for America. In battling corruption and poverty she showed courage and conviction that is found less and less in our elected officials today. I will always remember her for her breathtaking smile -- the kind that makes you smile yourself, no matter how you're feeling.

My thoughts, along with those of many millions of Americans, are with her family -- in particular her son Mervyn.

Comments

[GrainOSand]

We cannot control the two dates they put on headstones. What we can control is the dash that symbolizes what lay between the two dates. I did not know much about the sister. Her fierce loyalty to Mrs. Clinton in the face of pressure and backlash made me respect her, though I support Mr. Obama. In reading what you have written Mrs. Roberts, it is confirmed that Stephanie Tubbs Jones lived a worthy life.

It is no solace, as the loss of her physical being is still too raw -- still too emotional, but over time, it will become apparent to those who grieve, that spirit lives on. It lives on in continued influence of, and service to, this country she loved and that she worked tirelessly to move towards its promise and away from its darkest days of peril.

She has done the hard work of living. May she now realize the bounty of eternal peace and joy.

From this shore where I reside, I look out on a dark sea, and I witness a blazing star ascend from the depths of life lived well, to rise, rise, rise, and offer direction and hope for better days ahead for us all. This star now illuminates my night sky like so many others that have gone before. The star of Stephanie Tubbs Jones" burns brighter than ever and it cannot be extinguished for she blazed a trail of infinite lessons and blessings of hope and love.

Shine on sister!

[Ecoutez]

This is written so eloquently and expresses my deep condolences in the same manner I would for this beautiful Queen. I know her spirit is indomitable.

[Project4NuBostonTeaParty]

So sad we lose too early the ones we most need.

I don't cry much these days, but I'm crying tonight. She was one of those rare, brave Democrats who always made me proud. She (and Dennis Kucinich) far outshines anyone in Congress with uncompromised integrity and total commitment to the People.

She leaves a huge void in a Congress that has become increasingly unbalanced toward power and money interests.

Rest in peace, Stephanie, and know that you are widely loved and sadly missed.