XPost: alt.politics.liberalism, talk.politics.guns, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh XPost: talk.politics.misc

Rightists are shooting innocent politicians and their families. Maybe
it's time to shoot rightists.

Hundreds gathered Saturday morning at Minneapolis' Basilica of St. Mary for
the private funeral of Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog, Gilbert.

Gov. Tim Walz and Robin Ann Williams, a close friend of the Hortmans, spoke
at the service, which was a traditional Catholic Mass said by Father Dan Griffith. Walz also served as a pallbearer.

"Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history – and I'll always remember her as a close friend, a
mentor, and the most talented legislator I've ever known," Walz said in his eulogy. "For seven years, I've had the privilege of signing her bills into
law. And I know that millions of Minnesotans will get to live better lives because she and Mark chose public service."

Melissa Hortman was remembered for her leadership, sense of humor and
strong commitment to doing good work to improve the lives of Minnesotans.

"Her mission was to get as much good done for as many people as possible,"
Walz said. "That focus on people is what made Melissa so effective. She
knew how to get her way, no doubt about it. But she never made anyone feel
like they'd gotten rolled at the negotiating table."

Mark Hortman shared his wife's passion for helping others, Walz said, the
two having met at a mentorship event in Washington, D.C., more than 30
years ago.

"...There's a part of the story that belongs only to those of us fortunate enough to know the people behind that legacy," Walz said. "It takes place
at CR's Billiards, where Mark loved to shoot pool on Monday nights. It
takes place in the garden, where Melissa fussed over her lilies like they
were wayward members of the caucus. It takes place in the kitchen, where
Mark fed his sourdough starter and Melissa mixed margaritas and baked cakes
and Gilbert begged for scraps and the sound of laughter filled the air."

The governor encouraged people to learn from the way the Hortmans lived to honor their legacy.

"Maybe this is a moment when each of us can examine the way we work
together, the way we talk about each other, the way we fight for the things
we care about. A moment when each of us can recommit to engaging in
politics and life the way Mark and Melissa did – fiercely,
enthusiastically, heartily, but without ever losing sight of our common humanity," Walz said. "But let's not do it because of the way Mark and
Melissa died. Let's do it because of the way they lived, and the way they
led. With joy and passion. With respect and empathy. With purpose and humility."


Griffith said the Hortmans would regularly open their Brooklyn Park home to guests, adding they referred to it as the "Hortman Hotel."

"Everyone was welcome," Griffith said. "I can't believe how Melissa and
Mark lived community with that degree of intentionality. It's a beautiful thing."

In her eulogy, Williams added that the evenings Mark and Melissa Hortman
spent with their friends "held a sacrosanct position" on their calendars.

"We are buried in sorrow right now, but I do believe that we will
experience joy again. And Mark and Melissa would not want it any other
way," she said.

Colin Hortman, the son of Mark of Melissa, gave the prayer alongside his fiancée. He recited the Prayer of St. Francis, a copy of which he says
Melissa Hortman kept in her wallet.

Among attendees were former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who were invited to the funeral by Walz on behalf of the Hortmans' children.

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