"Frank Zeidler, last Socialist mayor, dies"

[mark414]

MILWAUKEE - Frank Zeidler, a former Milwaukee mayor who was the last Socialist to run a major American city, has died. He was 93.

Zeidler died late Friday of congestive heart failure and diverticulitis, hospital spokesman Gregg Hartzog said. He led Milwaukee from 1948 through 1960.

Born in Milwaukee on Sept. 20, 1912, Zeidler was part of the Socialist Party's city stronghold, which was fueled by German immigrants who flocked there. The party had thousands of members, a congressional seat and control of the mayor's office for nearly a half-century, ending with Zeidler.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060708/ap_on_re_us/obit_zeidler

as a native wisconsinite i can tell you that this is a man who stuck up for his beliefs and worked hard for change until the last days of his life...he will be greatly missed...this country would be a much better place if we had more people like frank zeidler

EDITED to add a link (and a better story) from the Milwaukee paper:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=459264

[acmejack]

1. My respects to Mr. Zeidler.

I couldn't agtree more with your finale, "this country would be a much better place if we had more people like frank zeidler."

[Vidar]

2. RIP Mr. Zeidler.

[ClassWarrior]

3. He was a great man.

And I had the honor to meet him once. Still sharp in his 90's.

:patriot:

NGU.

[htuttle]

9. I saw an interview with him on public access a few years ago

He was asked at one point about Joe McCarthy, who was on his rampage in Congress during one of Ziedler's terms as mayor. "Didn't you worry as a Socialist mayor in McCarthy's home state?", he was asked. "No," Frank replied, "We all knew Joe was full of crap back in Wisconsin. He didn't dare come here and pull that sort of stuff..."

:rofl:

[mark414]

4. oh lord a kick out of respect for a great american

show some damn respect!

[IndianaGreen]

5. RIP Comrade Zeidler

this country would be a much better place if we had more people like frank zeidler

How true!

[Just Me]

6. Wow, what a story!!! RIP, dear Sir. eom

[mitchum]

7. Rest In Peace, Brother

[Terran1212]

8. We'll soon have a socialist in the Senate with Bernie Sanders

And he'll serve the legacy of others like him well!

[Thaddeus]

10. A truly good American

I'm so sad I never had a chance to meet him.

[Thaddeus]

11. Here's a link to a Democracy Now Interview with Frank Zeidler

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/21/1410236

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Minstrel Boy]

13. Hey, you:

BOO!



"Yes, I am my brother's keeper. I am under a moral obligation to him that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality but by the higher duty I owe myself. What would you think me if I were capable of seating myself at a table and gorging myself with food and saw about me the children of my fellow beings starving to death."

[tanyev]

14. Lots of colors are being revealed.

Welcome to DU.

[wicket]

15. Yo rainbowfish!

I can smell your stench a mile away, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. :hi:

[Posteritatis]

16. 'Cause everyone knows socialism and communism are the same... (nt)

[Thaddeus]

17. The now-vanquished Rainbow Fish

was merely giving voice to the ignorance that prevails in U.S. society regarding the socialist tradition...