Reply #12: Koochstock 2004 Blew Minnesota Away! [View All]

[dpbrown]

There was amazing energy at the "Rally for Peace, Justice and Jobs" as Lydia mentioned and I won't go into very deeply. Dennis packed rallies to bursting in Virginia and Duluth - over 800 came to see him in Duluth, and that was AFTER a schedule change that gave volunteers only THREE DAYS to organize a venue for him there.

Dr. Patch Adams is a true national treasure. What a guy! Now I know why he was such a perfect figure for the movie about his life with Robin Williams.

The House of Balls party was amazing for the number of young people who were in attendance. Young, interested, intelligent, inspired Kucitizens.

There were snacks provided, chips and stuff, and I think the beer was free (though I'm not a beer drinker and couldn't find any water).

The House of Balls is a sculpture studio tucked into a large former warehouse on the corner of Washington Ave. and Third Ave. North in Minneapolis.

As Dennis, and several other people, were coming from the NLG dinner, the snacks were mostly gone by the time we arrived. Everyone assembled in a large hallway behind the studio, linking all the businesses. It was a great setting, nicely lit, with an opening that made a natural stage area.

Dennis took a low-key approach (after no fewer than FOUR events in Minnesota getting in front of nearly 4000 people personally), talking about his gratitude for the Minnesota campaign, and how important it was for all of us to believe in and harness our ability to create change. In this intimate setting, with everyone about six feet away from Dennis, he thoughtfully entertained questions and comments, and delivered inspiring answers to everyone.

He pointed out, as an answer to one question, that though he gets only 1% of the national media attention, he's gone from 6% in New Mexico, to 8% in Washington, to 16% in Maine, and he's come in third twice already.

I came away from this day even more inspired by this man who has:

a) codified the progressive platform,
b) inspired thousands to participation, and
c) done the most of any politician in my lifetime to making the Democratic Party a viable second party.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all people everywhere who support this great man and his vision for a post-W world, and to those volunteers that make these things happen.

Fear Ends
Hope Begins
Kucinich 2004

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota