My condolences to her family and people in her district; there isn't a stretch of time that goes by (especially when seeing how shitty much of national politics is) where I don't wish Barbara Jordan was still around.

My condolences to her family and people in her district; there isn't a stretch of time that goes by (especially when seeing how shitty much of national politics is) where I don't wish Barbara Jordan was still around.

Thank you for posting this. I lived in Stephanie Tubbs Jones' district for many years and had the pleasure of hearing her speak on several occasions. She was a true inspiration for me. Her words and energy helped me to believe in the American political system at a time when I had great doubts in it. Her work helped me to realize the power of standing up for economic and social justice, and her leadership helped me to realize that we can each make a positive difference in the world. She was a dynamic leader whose sheer presence had the power to energize an entire room. It was a true honor every time I got to vote for her. She will be sorely missed.

For such an important person in politics, I am very upset with the New York Times for not having this on the front page, or even on or near the top of their Politics/Washington section. After it was confirmed that she had passed away, I went to nytimes.com and was very upset to find that the mention of her death was pretty much the LAST link on the page.

So, I just want to give a big thanks to all of you ladies at Feministing for knowing that real news deserves to be shared upfront when it happens.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones will be greatly missed, but let's hope that she will be modeled after for years to come.

I work closely with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Here's a bit more about Tubbs Jones in an email they sent out.

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is saddened by the sudden loss of a trailblazing advocate and champion of social justice issues, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. On May 18, 2008, the Rape Crisis Center had the privilege of honoring Tubbs Jones at our Sing Out benefit at the Cleveland Play House, where she passionately (and successfully!) challenged the audience to make additional donations to match her own just-announced contribution to support women, children and men who are survivors of sexual violence. Tubbs Jones received this distinguished recognition at Sing Out for her life’s work on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence as a prosecutor, judge and United States Congresswoman.

In Congress, Tubbs Jones’s outstanding track record for legislation protecting and advocating for victims included:
? Reauthorization of the historic Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)in 2000 and 2005
? Advocating for the creation of the 2005 Sexual Assault Services Program within VAWA, the first stream of federal funding dedicated to rape crisis programs
? Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act
? Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims’ Housing Act
? Stalking Prevention and Victim Protection Act of 1999
? Date-Rape Prevention Drug Act of 1999
? Protection of Women in Prison Act of 1999

On behalf of the Center’s staff and board, our sincere condolences are offered to Tubbs Jones’s family, many friends, staff, colleagues and constituents. We are grateful for the Congresswoman’s career and legacy of service.

Heartsick about this loss. My wife and I met the Congresswoman at an animal rights function in 2007; my wife sat next to her during dinner and was absolutely charmed. (I assume the feeling was mutual.) She was a devoted feminist and a great believer in ending cruelty to animals as well; her work to end vivisection and encourage healthier (plant-based) eating is one of the little-remarked aspects of her vast and impressive legacy.

Much too soon.