Speeches
A Mother's Approach to Peace
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Sponsored by:
The Peace and Justice Committee
United Methodist Women of the Church
Thank you so much for inviting me here today to learn from you and to take strength from you. I look forward very much to the discussion period following my remarks.
And, thank you, Pastor Christianson for an introduction that is steeped in memory and love and friendship - the friendship that existed between you and my parents, and cemented by our mutual admiration and joyous appreciation/celebration of my sister Judy's skill playing the piano.
You should know that I have a pin that shows I didn't miss Methodist Sunday School for eight years. I am indeed fortunate; that instruction and discussion has stood me in good stead. I am certain that it is why I believe so deeply that we can create a world of peace.
The Positive Impact of Women in Politics
Thank you so much for inviting me to speak on a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. I am so happy to be here with you today. For almost all of my 63 years, politics has been an important part of my life-as a child growing up in Park Rapids and Little Falls to the years I spent in the legislature on to my quest to be Minnesota's governor and now with you today. I have never once looked back with any regret and wouldn't change anything, except maybe the outcome of the last primary election! I also want all of you to know that I am not sad or disheartened about my race for Governor. I carried important issues forward and I think we have made our mark and pressed our points. I am thrilled at the election results both in Minnesota and nationally; I believe - at least I hope - that the citizens of other nations have a received a message from the American voters. The voters have finally awakened to the grave mistakes made by this administration, mistakes that will take an enormous amount of work from which to recover. My sister is a concert pianist in Istanbul, Turkey; every week she sends me the editorials from that country's newspapers.
A Safer World
Senator Becky Lourey
Duluth's Rose Garden Anti-War Rally
November 12, 2006
Thank you for gathering together today. It is important that, in this time of hope, we keep our voices strong. The American people have spoken loudly and decisively - sending a message to President Bush and to the rest of the world that we will fight the crimes of terrorism, but we must do it in a way that makes us safer, in a way that makes the world safer. And while we feel hopeful, hope is not enough, nor is it enough to anticipate a change of course in Iraq. We must keep ourselves as fully informed as possible during these times when so much information is protected. We must keep our voices strong so that they can be the "wind beneath the wings" of the new members of Congress and all of the newly empowered members, both Republicans and Democrats. The voters have democratically given them this power to seek change - and without being called unpatriotic.
Duluth Gay Pride
Thank you, my friends. It is so good to be here today – coming together in a great place and coming together in our beliefs in social justice. This is great to see so many of you again. We were together earlier this year when I attended Gay Pride in Minneapolis.
So it is getting to be a regular thing. And that’s just as it should be. It is sad and a shame that so few of our statewide candidates refuse to reach out for social justice in its entirety. I hope all of you agree that the only way we can achieve real justice and equality in this state and in this entire nation is if you stand up and demand it. Some of you might be saying, “Well, maybe we can live with just about anyone but Tim Pawlenty. We can live with a Democrat in the Governor’s mansion who will silently bow his head, or just look away when the attacks on liberty come, and keep coming from those who are most intolerant.”
HHH Fiscal Policy Speech
Becky Lourey
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
Center for the Study of Politics and Governance
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Aug. 23, 2006
St. Scholastica Graduation
Senator Becky Lourey
College of St. Scholastica
Fall Baccalaureate Commencement
Reif Gymnasium
December 18, 2004
Noon
Introduction
It is a tremendous honor to be here with you today. Commencement is truly a beginning. One could think of this moment as the completion of your work, the attainment of your degree, the last step in your intense, exhausting dedication and pursuit of knowledge. But it isn't - it is a commencement because you have completed your preparation for a new chapter in your lives.
And I get to share this moment with you! And I get to do it here, at the college you have chosen, the College of St. Scholastica whose guiding principles are based on the Benedictine Values.
Values I hope I am living by - the values of Community, Hospitality, Respect, Stewardship, and the Love of Learning.
Another reason I feel a close connection to this institution is its strong commitment to health care -- an area of St. Scholastica excellence.
Those of you who have chosen a career in health care will be meeting a huge future need.