DEAN TO PRESIDENT BUSH: "IT'S TIME FOR THE TRUTH."

[Khephra]

(Press release)

DEAN TO PRESIDENT BUSH: "IT'S TIME FOR THE TRUTH."
Friday July 25, 2003
By: Press Office

Former Vermont governor says American people should know the true intentions behind Bush administration's agenda (July 25, 2003)

Des Moines, IA--Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean made the following statement today while campaigning in Iowa:

"When George W. Bush ran for president three years ago, he promised us an era of responsibility in Washington--instead we've got an era of irresponsibility unparalleled in our history. A week after discovering that the cost of occupying Iraq will be double the original estimates, we found out that the nation's deficit is 50 percent higher than estimated just five months ago. In fact, during his two-and-a-half years in office, the President has misled us, the American people, on nearly every policy initiative his administration has put forth.

"Trust and credibility are at the very heart of the relationship between a government and its people. And that trust demands that leaders level with the people about what they are doing, the reason they are doing it and the consequences of their actions. The very soul of democracy is at risk when leaders are not straight and truthful with the people.

"By now, we all know that President Bush misled the American people on the rationale for war with Iraq. We now know that the Niger uranium claim was discredited, that evidence regarding aluminum tubes was highly questionable, and that the link to al Qaeda was virtually non-existent.

"Last week I asked sixteen questions about the war in Iraq that must be answered if the American people are to understand the truth around the rush to war and the failure to plan for peace.

"These questions are, however, only one piece of a far broader practice by this administration of misleading the American people and breaching the fundamental trust that they have placed in their elected leadership. This practice goes far beyond misleading the country and the world about the reasons for taking us to war in Iraq, this practice extends into the state of the nation's economy, its environment, its schools and beyond.

"Mr. President, today I call on you to level with the American people not just about the situation in Iraq but about the true intentions behind the agenda your Administration is pursuing:

· "You claimed that your tax cuts would create jobs. Instead we have three million fewer jobs in our economy than when you took office.

· "You claimed that we would only run deficits that were small and temporary. Instead, we now face deficits in excess of $455 billion--the largest in history--and red ink as far as the eye can see.

· "You claimed that your tax cuts would strengthen and stimulate the economy. Instead, we have record numbers of personal bankruptcies, home foreclosures, and an unemployment rate that is the highest in 9 years.

· "You claimed that the deficits were caused by the costs of 9/11, the war on terror, and homeland security. In fact, the cost of your tax cuts is three times the amount of those items--and your deficit forecasts do not even include the costs of the Iraq war.

· "You claimed that your education program would live up to its name and that No Child would be Left Behind. Instead, school districts all across the country, including in your home state of Texas, are dumbing down their tests to ensure that their schools are not labeled as needing improvement. No Child Left Behind turns out to be a huge unfunded mandate on local governments that now must raise property taxes or find other sources of revenue to meet their legal obligations under the Act.

· "You named your environmental initiatives 'Clear Skies' and 'Healthy Forests' when the truth is that Clear Skies allows more pollutants into the air and Healthy Forests is little more than a bill to reward the logging industry.

· "You claimed that national and community service was central to your vision for the country. Instead, you have sat idly by while membership in the program is threatened to be cut by 80 program.

· "And you visited soldiers wounded in Afghanistan on January 17th and had the audacity to promise to 'provide the best care for anybody who's willing to put their life in harm's way' when the previous day your Department of Veteran's Affairs cut off health care access to 164,000 veterans.

"Mr. President, it is time for the truth. It is time for the truth on Iraq but, more importantly, it is time to level with the American people on the true intentions of your administration. It is time to end the empty rhetoric and false promises. The issues at stake are too serious: the lives of our soldiers; the livelihood of our families; the health of our children; the future of our world.

"Let us instead work together to rebuild our national community-a community where we truly do not leave any child behind, where we preserve clean skies and healthy forests, and fulfill Harry Truman's dream of health care for all Americans. We must preserve the fiscal trust for our children and grandchildren and ensure that our seniors have access to the Social Security and Medicare that we promised them.

"Let's give people a reason to care about their government and to engage in politics again-to believe that their opinions matter and that their leaders listen. Let us work together to take our country back and to restore our lost idealism-to restore our moral force in the world community and to make this a democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people. We can do this, and we will-one voter, one supporter at a time. We will end the empty rhetoric and make the American people believe again."

The following information contrasts the administation's assertions with what the administration has actually done:

ECONOMY

ASSERTION: President Bush: "Government cannot manage or control the economy." (President Bush's budget message, 2/3/2003)

TRUTH: George W. Bush's administration cannot manage or control the economy.

ASSERTION: "This budget . . . is a plan to speed the return of strong economic growth to generate jobs" (President Bush's budget message, 2/4/2002)

TRUTH: Since January 2001, over three million jobs have been lost. (WSJ, 7/24/03)

ASSERTION: ". . . ur budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term." (President Bush, State of the Union address,1/28/2003)

TRUTH: "... by 2013 the deficit will reach $530 billion or 3.0 of Gross Domestic product, equivalent to $2,300 for each household in America. In addition, such a policy of amassing ever greater debt over the next decade will cause the cost of annual interest payments on the debt to soar to $425 billion a year by 2013. . ." (CBPP, $300 Billion Deficits, As Far as the Eye Can See, 7/8/2003)

ASSERTION: "Tax relief is central to my plan to encourage growth." (President Bush, Western Michigan University remarks, 3/27/2001)

TRUTH: During the first quarter of this year, GDP rose at a sluggish rate of 1.4% (NYT, 6/27/03)

ASSERTION: "Now, you hear talk about deficits. And I'm concerned about deficits. I'm sure you are as well. But this nation has got a deficit because we have been through a war." (President Bush, Canton, Ohio, remarks, 4/24/2003)

TRUTH: The CBPP reports, "Congressional Budget Office data indicate that in 2003 and 2004, the cost of enacted tax cuts is almost three times as great as the cost of war, even when the cost of increases in homeland security expenditures, the rebuilding after September 11, and other costs of the war on terrorism--including the action in Afghanistan--are counted as 'war costs,' along with the costs of the military operations and subsequent reconstruction in Iraq." (Richard Kogan, "War, Tax Cuts, and the Deficit," CBPP, 8 July 2003)

ASSERTION: "The minute I got sworn in, we were in a recession. And that's why I went to Congress for a tax package." (President Bush, Canton, Ohio, remarks, 4/24/2003)

TRUTH: Bush was inaugurated in January 2001; the recession began in March 2001. He did not inherit a recession. Moreover, the tax package he took to Congress was the same one on which he had campaigned. (National Bureau of Economic Research; Richard Kogan, "War, Tax Cuts, and the Deficit," CBPP, 7/8/2003)

ASSERTION: "The growth and jobs plan I outlined earlier this year will provide critical momentum to our economic recovery. For every American paying income taxes, I propose speeding up the tax cuts already approved by the Congress." (President Bush's budget message, 2/3/2003)

TRUTH: Ten recipients of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science said Bush's plan would not provide a short-term boost and would create long-term budget deficits. Franco Modigliani (MIT), who received the Nobel in 1985, called Bush's plan "preposterous." Daniel McFadden, the 2000 recipient, described the plan as a "weapon of mass destruction aimed at the middle class." (Blanton, The Boston Globe, 2/12/2003)

ASSERTION: "My jobs and growth plan would reduce tax rates for everyone who pays income tax." (President Bush, Radio Address, 4/26/2003)

TRUTH: "Analysis shows that 8.1 million lower and middle-income taxpayers, who pay billions of dollars a year in income taxes, will receive no tax reduction under the legislation." (Robert Greenstein, CBPP, 6/1/2003)

ASSERTION: "We have priorities at home as well--restoring health to our economy above all. Our economy had begun to weaken over a year before September 11th, but the terrorist attack dealt it another severe blow. This budget advances a bipartisan economic recovery plan that provides much more than greater unemployment benefits: it is a plan to speed the return of strong economic growth, to generate jobs, and to give unemployed Americans the dignity and security of a paycheck instead of an unemployment check." (President Bush's budget message, 2/4/2002)

TRUTH: During the first quarter of this year, GDP rose at a sluggish rate of 1.4% and 1.2% of mortgages were in foreclosure, setting a record high. The unemployment rate climbed to a nine-year high of 6.4% in June. Setting a new record, 1.6 million Americans filed for personal bankruptcy last year. (NYT, 6/27/03; USA Today, 7/10/03; WSJ 7/24/03; U.S. News & World Report; 7/21/03)

ASSERTION: In his 2003 State of the Union, Bush said, "We will not deny, we will not ignore, we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, to other presidents and other generations."

TRUTH: The White House released a deficit projection in July, 2003 of $455 billion. (Source: "White House Sees a 455 Billion Gap in the 03 Budget" New York Times David E. Rosenbaum 7/16/03)



EDUCATION

ASSERTION: In January 2003, Bush defended No Child Left Behind: "The main reservations we've heard in the year since we passed the reform have come from some adults, not the children, who say the testing requirement is an unfunded mandate on the states. Well, that's not true. We put up $387 million to provide for testing ...We demanded excellence. We're going to pay for the accountability systems to make sure that we do get excellence." (Official statements, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, 1/13/03)

TRUTH: The GAO released a report that the new testing will cost the states between $1.9 and $5.3 billion. (GAO Report, "Characteristics of Tests Will Influence Expenses; Information Sharing May Help States Realize Efficiencies, May 2003) The FY 2004 Bush budget request was only $387 million; Congress has already appropriated $771 which still leaves a shortfall of $742 million. (Congressional Press Release, 5/8/03)

ASSERTION: President Bush: "You don't teach the test when it comes to literacy. We went to a Title 1 classroom -- or a classroom with Title 1 students in it, where the teacher was using some of the most advanced thought about teaching reading, a balanced approach including phonics. You teach a child to read and he or her (sic) will be able to pass a literacy test. I don't buy teaching the test as an excuse to have a system that doesn't hold people accountable for results." (Townsend Elementary School, Tennessee 2/21/2001)

TRUTH: In Texas, the board voted to reduce the number of questions that students must answer correctly to pass third grade reading exams from 24 out of 36 to 20. In Michigan, officials lowered the percentage of students who must pass statewide tests to certify a school as making adequate yearly progress to 42% from 75% of high school students on English tests. And Colorado overhauled the grading system used on its tests, lumping students previously characterized on the basis of test scores as "partially proficient" with those called "proficient". ("States are Relaxing Education Standards to Avoid Sanctions from Federal Law," Sam Dillon, New York Times, 5/22/03)

ASSERTION: In April 2002, Bush praised Lucy Salazar, a volunteer with the Even Start literacy program: "One of the things I try to do when I go into communities is herald soldiers in the armies of compassion, those souls who have heard the call to love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself, and have followed through on that call; Lucy Salazar is a retired federal government worker. She teaches reading skills to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children -- incredibly important...And oftentimes, citizens such as her never get the praise they deserve. Lucy, thank you for coming and representing thousands of people like you."

TRUTH: Bush has since proposed cutting the Even Start budget by 20% (Associated Press, 2/4/2002)



HOMELAND SECURITY

ASSERTION: One program, the Container Security Initiative, which would screen cargo at foreign ports, was specifically endorsed by Bush last June. "The Customs Service," he told an audience in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, "is working with overseas ports and shippers to improve its knowledge of container shipments, assessing risk so that we have a better feel of who we ought to look at, what we ought to worry about."

TRUTH: Bush's budget provides no new funding for the program. (New Republic, March 2003)



HEALTH CARE

ASSERTION: In March 2001, Bush pledged to support children's hospitals: "This is a hospital, but it's also - it's a place full of love. And I was most touched by meeting the parents and the kids and the nurses and the docs, all of whom are working hard to save lives. I want to thank the moms who are here. Thank you very much for you hospitality...There's a lot of talk about budgets right now, and I'm here to talk about the budget. My job as the President is to submit a budget to the Congress and to set priorities, and one of the priorities that we've talked about is making sure the health care systems are funded."

TRUTH: Bush's first budget proposed cutting grants to children's hospitals like the one he visited by 15% ($34 million). His 2004 budget additionally proposes to cut 30% ($86 million) out of grants to children's hospitals. ("Caught on Film: the Bush Credibility Gap," House Minority Appropriations Committee)



ENVIRONMENT

ASSERTION: On Earth Day, in April 2002, Bush said, "Clear Skies legislation, when passed by Congress, will significantly reduce smog and mercury emissions, as well as stop acid rain. It will put more money directly into programs to reduce pollution, so as to meet firm national air-quality goals."

TRUTH: The Clear Skies plan would "generate millions more tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and allow three times more mercury emissions than current law." And according to EPA estimates, "the plan would have the effect of raising the amount of coal burned by power companies... potentially generating 50 percent more sulfur emissions and delaying by up to 10 years major cuts in sulfur emissions required by the Clean Air Act." (League of Conservation Voters 2003 Presidential Report Card)

ASSERTION: Pres. Bush: "With the help of Congress, environmental groups and industry, we will require all power plants to meet clean air standards in order to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury and carbon monox- carbon dioxide, within a reasonable period of time." (September 29, 2000 file footage, ABC News)

TRUTH: Ted Koppel reported that "... the original pledge was written off as sloppy work by a campaign speechwriter. The president was persuaded to drop a line restating the pledge from his speech to Congress. Two weeks later, it was officially dead."(Nightline, April 25, 2001)

ASSERTION: President Bush: "I have sent you a healthy forest initiative, to help prevent the catastrophic fires that devastate communities, kill wildlife, and burn away millions of acres of treasured forests. I urge you to pass these measures for the good of both our environment and our economy." (January 28, 2003, State of the Union Address)

TRUTH: "Bush's 'Healthy Forests' initiative likewise suffers from Orwellian doublespeak, felling Western forests to save them. Disguised as a measure for curbing wildfires, the plan invites logging companies to cut healthy trees in national forests while reducing public oversight. Ironically, the probable cause of recent catastrophic fires is global warming, a problem that most Republicans deny." (By Glen Scherer for salon.com January 6, 2003)



AMERICORPS AND NATIONAL SERVICE

ASSERTION: In his 2003 State of the Union address, Bush promised to expand AmeriCorps: "Our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities. We need mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison. And we need more talented teachers in troubled schools. USA Freedom Corps will expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 new volunteers." (State of the Union Address, 1/28/2003)

TRUTH: The funding of AmeriCorps is currently in conference as part of the emergency supplemental bill. Although the Senate has moved to restore/increase funding, the House is resisting such attempts. As it now stands, membership in AmeriCorps would be slashed by 80%. Throughout the public debate on the subject, Bush has not taken any action to persuade the House to increase or restore the funding. (David Broder House Senate Feuds end up targeting innocent victims, Chicago Tribune- 7/22/03; "AmeriCorps May Still Win Extra Funding; Associated Press,7/22/03)

ASSERTION: In January 2003, Bush praised the Boys and Girls Club: "I want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs across the country...The Boys & Girls Club have got a grand history of helping children understand the future is bright for them, as well as any other child in America. Boys & Girls Clubs have been safe havens. They're little beacons of light for children who might not see light. And I want to thank them for their service to the country. Part of the vision for America is that we have a mosaic of all kinds of people providing love and comfort for people who need help." ("George W. Bush Delivers Remarks on First Anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps," FDCH Political Transcripts, 1/30/02)

TRUTH: In his 2002 budget, Bush proposed cutting all federal funding for the Boys and Girls Club.

ASSERTION: In January of 2002, Bush had praised Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp while visiting Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta: Out of an idea came the desire to convince folks to teach in schools that are having trouble getting teachers. And she has succeeded way beyond what people thought a single person could do." ("Professional Educators, Politicians and Students Show Support for Teach for America Program in Atlanta," Minority Professional Network, 1/31/02)

TRUTH: On July 11, 2003, Teach for America (TFA) was notified it would not receive any funding from the Corporation for National Community Service, the agency responsible for AmeriCorps funds. TFA expected $2 million in grants and leaves TFA short 2,700 education awards for its teachers out of 3,300 corps members who will be teaching this year. ("Teach for America Shut Out of Americorps National Funding Awards," TFA web site, 7/15/03)



VETERANS AFFAIRS

ASSERTION: On January 17, 2003, Bush visited 5 soldiers injured in Afghanistan at the Walter Reed Medical Center. He praised Army doctors and said, "We should and must provide the best care for anybody who's willing to put their life in harm's way." ("Bush Visits Soldiers Mending from Afghanistan Wounds," Associated Press, 1/17/03)

TRUTH: The previous day, Bush's Department of Veterans Affairs announced it was cutting off access to its health care system for 164,000 veterans who were expected to enroll in the current fiscal year. ("VA Cuts Some Veterans Access to Health Care," Washington Post, 1/17/03)



HOUSING

ASSERTION: In June 2002, Bush visited an Atlanta housing project that used HUD's HOPE VI grants: "You know, today I went to the -- to some of the home -- met some of the homeowners in this newly built homes and all you've got to do is shake their hand and listen to their stories and watch the pride that they exhibit when they show you the kitchen and the stairs...They showed me their home. They didn't show me somebody else's home, they showed me their home. And they are so proud to own their home and I want to thank them for their hospitality, because it helps the American people really understand what it means." (Remarks by President George Bush re: Expanding Opportunities for Homeownership," Federal News Service, 6/17/02)

TRUTH: The President's 2004 budget cut all HOPE VI funding.



AGRICULTURE

ASSERTION: In April 2002, at the South Dakota Ethanol Plant, Bush said, "I said when I was running for President, I supported ethanol, and I meant it. I support it now, because not only do I know it's important for the ag sector of our economy, it's an important part of making sure we become less reliant on foreign sources of energy."

TRUTH: The plant had received $602,000 in 2001 under Clinton's Bioenergy Program. Bush cut the plant's bioenergy program in his 2004 budget. ("Ag Department Biodiesel, Ethanol Program May Be Renewed," Associated Press, 4/22/02)

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7147&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1301

[knowledgeispower]

1. Go Dean!

I REALLY hope Dean isn't trying to pull one over on us by pretending to be Bush's biggest critic only to pull an about face in the general election. He is a DLCer, you must remember.

[sfecap]

5. That must be why the DLC likes him so much, huh?

What bullshit.

[shance]

9. In the past Knowledge -

He used to be a member of the DLC - as if that has any significance. Most candidates have been a member of the DLC at one time or another.

To try and paint Dean as a DLC'er, is about as accurate a description as trying to call Lieberman a liberal.

[Emboldened Chimp]

12. Dean's criticisms do nothing but good

He's made it possible to go on the offensive against *. Remember when it was unpatrotic, even treasonous, to criticize the Little Usuper? Well, Dean has played a big role in changing that. He's bashed Little Boy Bush without fear and with good cause. Now others are joining suit, including the media. I hope Dean kicks more of *'s ass.

[Cha]

16. Give us a freakin' break! With Howard Dean we know what

we're getting. And it's NOT labels!!

Howard Dean can't be boxed in. That's one of the many things I like about him.

And yes I do believe Dean will continue to be one of "bush's biggest critics", if he can outdo us on DU2~

:kick:

[DagmarK]

18. Dean is NOT a DLCer. I am sick to death of the LIES you guys spread.

by "you guys" I mean the alleged dems on this board who do nothing but bash Dean but don't ever seem to rally for any other dem.

WTF? and go away!

[metisnation]

68. CIA plants

giving water to the opposition vote with your heart America!

DEAN 04'

[dArKeR]

59. Dean is NOT in the DLC

On Wednesday, the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) released a memo in which the DLC argued that traditional Democratic values are "an aberration" and that the thousands of grassroots Democrats inspired by Governor Howard Dean's message to "take back our party" are "activist elites" and not "real Democrats." Former DNC chairman Steve Grossman wrote to members of the Democratic National Committee in an email sent yesterday, criticizing the DLC:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5997


STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR DEAN IN RESPONSE TO DLC'S CHARGE THAT PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE "FRINGE ACTIVISTS"

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5994

[demnan]

2. I just skimmed the bottom part but

isn't this great? Isn't this just what we need to do to take back the White House. Thanks for posting this, khephra.

Got my Dean bumpersticker in the mail yesterday. I'm going to clean up the car and put it on this weekend.

[sfecap]

3. Wow! The Doctor is definitely in!!

Keep taking it to 'em Gov. Dean....don't let up!

[dave29]

4. Holy Jebus! n/t

N/t

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. Well said, Howard...

My check's in the mail.

[ozone_man]

45. I think that just warranted check number 2.

I've been holding back, waiting for him to rise in the polls, but I think he is ready for another contribution. I have never contributed to a presidential candidate before, but unusual times call for unusual measures.

[metisnation]

69. light on the truth

everytime I hear that one of the candidates puts light on the truth of what is going on in this country I put an Andrew Jackson in a jar for them. This guy is starting to rake in some serious dough. On Labor day whoever has the most money gets the entire purse.

[midnitemoleman]

7. Yes baby Yes, sock it to em'

I realy like Dean, now if Clark would just join him.

[w13rd0]

8. Lie...TRUTH!

Bush lie...TRUTH...Bush lie...TRUTH...over and over again...

Lie after lie, dang right it b time for some truth, go dean!

[meow2u3]

46. Let's make a chant of your LIES...TRUTH

Bush lies--and that's the truth....repeat until you're blue in the face. So the hell what if the Repukes can't stand it!

[tridim]

10. Dean certainly has his shit together

He's by far the hardest working candidate I've ever seen.

[DagmarK]

21. Isn't he just, tridim! How refreshing that we might have a prez

who isn't just reading his campaign speeches......but can actually speak to the issues.....and with great passion and clarity. It's a puzzle just getting through ANYTHING Bush says (unless it's a teleprompter speech...and even THEN!)

[JNelson6563]

11. Go Dean!!

We can all learn a lot from his campaign.

Julie

[gully]

13. This is the only candidate

that gives me chills! (In a good way)

[blm]

14. Good, he's following Kerry's lead from over a week ago....

All Dems should keep pounding Kerry's theme...IT'S TIME FOR BUSH TO TELL THE TRUTH!

[DagmarK]

23. BLM, did Kerry LIST all the lies he wants the truth on?

with cites and everything?

I kind of think it's important to put the facts of the LIES with the call for bush to get honest, don't you? Otherwise, it's just wanton and ineffective Rhetoric. Something I never got used to with Kerry.

Can't you start your own thread about Kerry's grand campaign moves??? Or is there really no substantive material and you have to hijack Dean's threads, over and over and over and over again?

And for that matter......when Kerry drops out of the race or loses the nomination, will you also LEAVE DU so we can get on with the business of beating Bush? That would be very patriotic of you.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

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

[DemBones DemBones]

37. I agree with you, blm. Telling other DUers to "go away" is rude

and childish.

Dean's July 25 press release that began this thread is not the first call by a candidate for Bush* to tell the truth. I don't know who was "first." As a supporter of Dennis Kucinich, I do know that DK introduced a House resolution calling on Bush* to show evidence of WMD. This occurred perhaps three or four weeks ago but of course got very little media coverage. A NYTimes article about the issue completely omitted mention of Kucinich's resolution and speech, even though the article appeared shortly after his action.

Candidates are not receiving equal coverage so DUers should be careful about saying their candidate was "first" on anything, or should not be surprised when someone corrects their assertion.

[blm]

39. It IS the media's fault

and we have to be more flexible in what we THINK we know if we're basing our assertions on the political largesse of the national media.

[DemBones DemBones]

77. It concerns me that the media

gives so much attention to Dean. I wonder what their motives are.

[DagmarK]

55. Dembones, it is the recitation of the actual LIES that distinguishes

Dean from the others. The in Bush's face calling him on his shit lies.

So, you say other candidates have told Bush to tell the truth? So that means that Dean's press release doesn't warrant a huge hip hip hoorah?

Well......how come when someone posts some of the other candidates' "Bush......you need to get honest" stuff.......that a bunch of people don't seem to come down on that candidates' ass? Oh, maybe it is because there is and has been a concerted and well orchestrated effort on the part of the DLC (and their little trolls) to trounce Dean. That's why. And my being rude about it is NOT the problem. I am being mild. The Dean bashers are THE most unpatriotic folks on earth today? Why? Because they are causing derision within the party......on purpose and ALL based on this redicilous lie about Dean supporters being MEAN to them. wahhhhh, I am weeping for them.

so yeah.....I DO hope when Dean gets the nom that these freeper-lites will take it somewhere else. They won't HAVE a reason to be here, will they?

[DemBones DemBones]

76. Dean supporters criticize other candidates every bit as much as

people criticize Dean. Unfortunately, some Dean supporters don't want to hear anything that might raise questions about Dean being the only Democratic candidate with anything to offer us. Are you guys setting up for a third party run if Dean doesn't get the nomination?

Your rudeness might indeed cause derision within the party. It might even cause division.

:evilgrin:

[Eloriel]

42. What we can't take is the not-so-benign LIES

Dean has always been in front bashing BUsh. Again and again and again Kerry has borrowed cover and rhetoric from Dean.

Eloriel

[DagmarK]

54. There is NEVER anything benign about any of your Dean posts

And MONTHS of you purposely deriding Dean and his supporters and disintegrating the integrity of the the dialogue has proven that.

It may be rude......but I DO so wish you would go crawl under that rock you came from and stay there. I have HAD it with you most assuredly paid DLCers who are here just to screw with Dean's support base.

kerry IS bushlite. Look at his record. When have you EVER exposed Dean with any truth???????

As the primary season goes on, you can expect to get exactly what you dish out, dear.

[blm]

75. I only use Dean's OWN words and actions...

and if that makes you uncomfortable, that's not my problem. I have never posted any lie or rumor about him and have never posted anything directed at him personally (looks, family, etc...)

That Eloriel cannot understand the exact definition of Pushpolling will never make me a liar.

[Khephra]

33. I may not agree with BLM on Dean issues

But I do agree with her here. That is rude.

[TrueBlueDem]

52. Remember folks, although only one candidate will be the nominee...

...we're all still on the same team.

[DagmarK]

57. Are we????????

This is the internet. People portray themselves as they wish. I WISH we were all on the same team....... but history has shown on DU that there are people who are simply here to take out Dean. THAT is rovian. And they aren't on any team I signed up for.

[robbedvoter]

64. This is DU - and I know some people better than others

I know blm well enough to defend her even if I don't support her candidate. You- I am working of figuring you out - so far not many good points.

[DagmarK]

72. And........you think I care what you think of me??

I have seen nothing but crap from BLM. So that's the company you keep. I don't need to take the time to figure you out. It's a given.

[Name removed]

56. Deleted message

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

[Khephra]

67. It doesn't matter whether or not I agree with Blm

Telling someone else to leave DU is rude. End of story.

But since you don't care what I think, why should I waste my time answering you?

[robbedvoter]

49. Whoa Nellie! Another expert in patriotism? Always stinks!

So, whoever disagrees with you is not patriotic? I wander where I heard that before!
Look, we are going to have disagreements over favorite candidates. Easy for me to say - I don't have one yet - but I am leaning to Dean (if nothing non-NRA shows up). Let's try to debate on facts rather than doing a Rove on each other.
Everyone here who wants * out is on the same side - try remembering that! It's OK to have enthusiasm for your candidate - but keep in mind - you may end up voting for any of them.

[DagmarK]

58. Whoever goes out of their way to foil the democratic process is

unpatriotic.

It's pretty simple.

[Speed8098]

61. You've used the word "freeperish

To describe a couple of posters that choose to disagree with you on choice of candidate, but your statements seem to be more "freeperish"
than any of the other comments I've seen.

This is NOT just YOUR forum. We come here to debate, not degrade. If I see it again, I will CERTAINLY alert the mods.

If you don't like that, then be a little more civil.

[DagmarK]

73. oooooooo, ya put me in my place speed.......

alert away........... whatever.......

LMAO

[robbedvoter]

63. Posting info foils Democracy-how? I need to know what every candidate

is saying - and when. blm ALWAYS supports her assertions with facts. Once again - there's a fine line between enthusiasm and fanaticsm - let's not attack felloe democrats for seing a different way of defeating bush than we are.

[DagmarK]

74. ALWAYS is a pretty concrete concept........

and I think you need to read a few more of blm's posts that appear ALWAYS in what are supposed to be positive dean threads. FACTS don't seem to characterize her attack tactics.

But hey...you've checked her out and stand behind her so I guess I should just take your word for it.

I believe that there are plenty of high-post count folks on DU who are anything but democrats.

This press release by Dean if posted as written by any other candidate would have been a short thread.....but full of "yeah! get on that evil bush" from people from every dem camp. But simply because it was produced by DEAN...........the little kerry trolls come out as they always do and have to degrade it. And I will call them on it.

This is the thing. The reason Kerry doesn't get specific about Bush's exact lies is because when a candidate does that, s/he is not only calling bush on his shit, s/he is also making a commitment to address those things should they win. Kerry, IMO, doesn't want to go on record to reverse the Bush crimes. That's why he can't get specific. That's a problem. Dean, OTH, is going on record saying he WILL do it differently. That is something to cheer about, not matter who you want for a candidate. That's what makes this press release all the greater. It is not fanaticism that drives the hip hip hoorahs......it's the fact that Dean is willing to go on record to do it differently. That should make EVERY dem happy. But noooooooooooooooooo, not on DU.....it's fodder to call Dean disingenuous. How rotten is that? And BLM is a ring leader.

[sfecap]

24. Could you post a link to Kerry's statements?

n/t

[Bandit]

26. LOL~ a good one Dean following Kerry~ Ha ha

I didn't see the thread that lists all of these concerns addressed by Kerry. Maybe you could pull it up for me. I'm sure Kerry is way out in front on this issue I just can't seem to find any evidence of Kerry saying any of these things. It's one thing to say Bush* must tell the truth. It's quite another to catalog all his lies in such an order of magnitude.

[blm]

38. Kerry didn't do it this detailed, I agree...

But, my point was that Kerry first said to Bush over a week ago "It's time to tell the truth". Dean's team picked up that theme and is running with it here.

Just because you don't hear much positive in the press doesn't mean it didn't happen.
http://www.johnkerry.com/site/PageServer

[Bandit]

41. If Kerry wins the nomination I will most definitely vote for him but until

then I want all of the candidates to speak out against this Cabal we have in power. I really don't care who follows who. The more the merrier but just for argument's sake I saw a thread here over a week ago about Dean questioning Bush*'s credibility and actually sent him a letter with sixteen questions asking Bush* to clarify himself. This was well over a week ago. Actually to be fair Kerry has been very tough on this administration also but it does seem to me, and I admit I'm a total outsider, that Dean has been way out front in the attack mode. I have no candidate yet myself so am wide open for convincing but so far by the way the candidates are conducting themselves I have to say Dean is getting my attention.

[Eloriel]

43. I didn't see what you're referring to

Care to point us to a more specific place than that general link?

Eloriel

[robbedvoter]

50. There are 3 statements on this theme at the link - just scroll

I don't support Kerry but this is ridiculous!

[CTLawGuy]

70. and dean was following Kerry's lead

when Kerry courageously voted against Bush's Illegal War Resolution....

oh wait.....

[DagmarK]

15. Bush has lied through his teeth about everything........

It's jaw-dropping to see the two-faced record in black and white.

I don't think that even the Dem Dean bashers can do anything but hail this rant......

""Mr. President, it is time for the truth. It is time for the truth on Iraq but, more importantly, it is time to level with the American people on the true intentions of your administration. It is time to end the empty rhetoric and false promises. The issues at stake are too serious: the lives of our soldiers; the livelihood of our families; the health of our children; the future of our world."

[Melinda]

17. The doctor's diagnose is spot on again!!

:loveya: Howard!!!

[deutsey]

19. YEA!

GO, DEAN, GO!

I'm organizing a Dean Meetup in August where I live. This stuff keeps me fired up through all the stress and strain organizing a big, public event like this causes.

And I thought the 16 Questions he asked last week was great! This is strong medicine, Doc...keep it coming. The patient may just make it after all...

:bounce:

[0007]

20. Thank you khephra

Dean & Clark in 04

[Cha]

22. Thanks, Khep! I gotta mark this and get back to work.

Looking forward to reading it when I come home. From a quick glance, though, it would seem, Dean is taking the initiative again and keeping the ball rolling on giving bush the truth which they deem as Hell!!

:kick:

[Khephra]

28. To everyone

You're welcome!

That was one of the most awesome press releases by Dean yet! It was my honor to post it.

[Dhalgren]

25. It's this kind of straight talk

that will up Dean's creds with Democrats of all stripes - as well as with many Independants. We all thought he had pulled out the stops before, but it looks like his spine just keeps getting bigger and stronger. Thank you Dr. Dean, for speaking the truth!

[nomorehate]

27. how Bush can lose

Try to look at this from a non-partisan perspective. What this list is made of is statements, for the most part, generated by organizations which, although they have credibility in certain circles, are staunchly partisan. You can't waive this stuff in the face of the opposition - they'll eat it up. This is meant to appeal to the politically uneducated, and unfortunately, most of those people don't vote. Here are the facts:

- The economy issue alone is not enough to beat Bush
- The whether he lied to justify the war issue alone is not enough to beat Bush
- The Democratic base alone is not enough to beat Bush
- The sum of these is not enough to beat Bush.

What can beat Bush is if the administration becomes so embroiled in the quagmire of public opinion that it does not attempt to move forward. To that end, the networks, as reviled as they are by both sides, serve a useful purpose.

[sfecap]

30. Partisan orgaizations like...

The CBO, the WSJ, the NYT, the WP, the Congressional record...

Yup, just a bunch of partisan orgs...

I'll bet those uneducated masses whom you refer to who've lost jobs, can't find work, saw their vet benefits cut, have no insurance, see their local and state taxes go up won't vote. Naaaa.

Now tell us how bush is going to win again? Please, just one more time....

[nomorehate]

34. We're on the same team

How can you not make the claim that the WSJ promotes a slanted conservative agenda, and that the NYT does the same for liberals? I'm not going to turn this into an argument about bias, one way or the other (that's been done to death), but you can't ignore that it's there. Did you read the whole list? You mention only five sources. There are dozens. I stand by my point.

And the thread was not how Bush would win, it's how he can lose.

You take me out of context to make an unjustified slam. That's a dirty trick. I said "politically uneducated." That umbrella covers a lot more than just the people who've suffered the most. There are plenty of meople (I'd argue a substantial majority) who don't take the time to educate themselves on politics. They don't care enough. Some will vote, some won't. But if they don't see that there situation has changed as a direct result of who's running governments, then it is extremely difficult to instill in them any sort of fervor.

Maybe the point I should have made is that the only way Bush will be unseated is if all who oppose him can get along long enough to stand behind one candidate without undercutting everyone.

[sfecap]

35. I think you grossly underestimate the American people...

They are smarter than you think...

People don't have to be political junkies to know which way the wind is blowing. You may think that Dean's statement only will be "gotten" by the politically astute, but I disagree. I think he is the ONLY candidate who not only speaks to the people, but gives 'em the facts. They can figure out the rest.

If I took you out of context, I apologize.

[stickdog]

48. A completely nonpartisan way of looking at it.

http://jeffords.senate.gov/~jeffords/press/03/06/06052003speech.html

In place of thoughtful policy we now have superficial and cynical sound-bites. Instead of confronting pressing national problems, our President lands airplanes while Rome burns.

While our troops search for W-M-D's in Iraq--we have found our own W-M-D's right here in Washington - at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. They are President Bush's weapons of mass distortion, or better distraction. The Bush Administration says one thing and does another to take the focus off the present realities.

Does he think we don't notice?

In Iraq, we have seen the inexcusable results of what happens when the Bush Administration says one thing and does another. Last fall, the President said UN weapons inspectors would be allowed to do their job, but in reality, he didn't give them the time they needed. I am pleased to see calls for Congressional investigations to determine whether the President manipulated intelligence information to build support for the war. Why the hurry to invade a country and use military force in such an unprecedented manner? Where was the imminent threat to the United States? And where are the weapons of mass destruction?

As he prepared to invade Iraq and win the support of other nations, the President promised the world that the US had a plan in place to rebuild that nation. But it quickly became apparent that there was no plan. While our military guarded the oilfields, we showed no compassion for the Iraqi people as we allowed their national treasures to be looted. All we see now is growing unrest with the US presence in Iraq. Every day we see more lawlessness, more upheaval and more US soldiers being killed. Is it any surprise that a recent Pell Research Center survey of 16,000 people from 20 nations shows a dramatic rise in distrust and skepticism toward the United States?

Does he think we don't notice?

His polls and famous advisors tell him to talk about compassion and job growth, and how he is helping Main Street. But that is all it is, talk.

In reality he adopts hard right proposals that favor those who need help least and neglect those who need help the most. In reality we are now in the longest period of continued job loss since the Great Depression. Since the beginning of this Bush Administration, 2.7 million private sector jobs have been lost and the number of unemployed Americans has increased by over 45 percent. In the first three months of this year alone, America has lost another half-million jobs. President Bush has said his tax plan is a "jobs growth package." But the only thing guaranteed to grow is the federal budget deficit.

He says one thing and does another. Does he think we don't notice?

We will be paying for his tax cuts with borrowed funds, money borrowed from our children and grandchildren who will be forced to foot the bill. And, according to reports, the Bush administration intends to ask for more tax cuts next year. The effect of these tax cuts will be enduring -- and enormously damaging. These tax cuts will widen the gap between rich and poor. These tax cuts help those who need it least and do nothing for those who need it most. These tax cuts provide a $90,000 tax cut for millionaires, while millions of parents with incomes under $26,000 will see no benefit from the increased child credit. This is compassion? Again, he says one thing and does another.

Does he think we don't notice?

President Bush is rashly piling up debt our nation can't afford even as he knows the really big bills are about to come due. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts a $300 billion deficit this fiscal year -- an all-time record. Some economists believe the deficit could approach $500 billion dollars in the near future. That's edging close to a troublingly high percentage of the economy. But the real problem is not this year or next. Rather, it's the long-term cost, combined with the budgetary hit coming just around the corner, when the baby boomers start to retire and put new huge demands on Social Security and Medicare.

The administration highlighted this problem in its own budget documents, describing the real fiscal danger as the 18 trillion dollar shortfall -- yes, trillion with a "T" -- projected in those two programs.

At the same time, it was recently disclosed the Bush administration shelved a report commissioned by its own Treasury Department that shows the U.S. currently faces future budget deficits totaling at least $44 trillion.

The Bush tax cut will threaten the country's long-term well-being by starving the federal government of revenue for essential services, such as homeland security, transportation infrastructure, education and health care. Our States are bearing the brunt of our dismal economic conditions, and these cuts will brutalize them.

One of the most disturbing effects of the economic downturn is the lack of state and federal funding for our educational system - where States are laying off teachers, cutting school days and eliminating early childhood programs - most of which have only just started. The President's advisors tell him to endlessly repeat "No Child Left Behind."

But in the 17 months since that policy became law, we've seen something very different. Too many children are being left behind. President Bush says the new law will lead to stronger schools. I say it is all part of a quiet plan to starve our public schools so this country can move to vouchers and private school choice.

As the President pushes tax cut after tax cut, his Administration still can not find the funding to fulfill the federal government's commitment to special education - where we still fall $12 billion short on a commitment we made to the States more than 25 years ago, to help them finance this federal constitutional mandate. According to school boards across the nation, the number one thing the federal government can do to support education is fully fund special ed.

While pretending to have compassion for our schoolchildren, the approach of No Child Left Behind is heartless. It chronically under-funds our schools, it sets unattainable goals for our teachers and it steals from schoolchildren the quality education they deserve. Once again, the Bush administration says one thing and does another.

Does he think we don't notice?

A recent New York Times report noted that combined budget deficits for 50 states are estimated to be between $52 billion and $82 billion, and the schools are taking the worst hit. In Oregon, 84 school districts closed their schools ahead of schedule - some by as much as a month -- because the money ran out. This comes at a time when schools are faced with mounting pressure to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind or face penalties.

Now we see that states are cutting back on testing standards to avoid sanctions. In the President's home state of Texas, the State Board of Education voted to reduce the number of questions that students must answer correctly to pass the standard test, to 20 out of 36, from 24, for third-grade reading. And Texas is not alone. Michigan's standards had been among the nation's highest, which caused problems last year when 1,513 schools there were labeled under the law as needing improvement, more than in any other state. So Michigan officials lowered the percentage of students who must pass statewide tests to certify a school as making adequate progress. That reduced the number of schools "in need of improvement" to 216. In other words, we are dumbing down our standards so the Bush Administration can say we have strengthened our schools.

Saying one thing, doing another.

[David Zephyr]

29. More Reasons Still For Democrats to Support Howard Dean

n/t

[young_at_heart]

31. He has my vote

I like the way he stood up to Bush about Iraq.

[silverweb]

36. Go, Dean!

Love that man!

:D

[musiclawyer]

40. Yes, Kerry was the first.....

to broach the "truth" theme. But as stated above the doctor is the one who ran with it, and articulated in a way that not only resonates, but reverberates. He's the guy. Everyone has to realize that and plan accordingly. That's it. .... It's the Federation v. the Dominion. Luke v. Darth. The doctor is the only one who has the cajones, the magnetism, the smarts, and lack of personality defects (in combination) to shine when it's mano a mano under the bright lights. Everyone needs to be prepared to back him, when the time comes, if not already. Otherwise you're providing passive assistance to the corrupt Dubya regime.

[Eloriel]

44. I don't think Kerry was the first at all

But I'd be glad to see your evidence of that.

As I said, again and again Kerry has come out AFTER Dean made it safe to do so.

Eloriel

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

51. Kerry voted 'FOR' the WAR !! (he knew the truth)

and he knew the truth of the matter when he voted for it
just like you and I knew at the time !!!

C'mon--we could figure it out--what was he figuring?(polls?)


Unless you'd like to assume that he didn't know---in which case I'd say he's pretty ill informed...you know, if the rest of us were holding up our signs on feb 15 (FEBRUARY 13, 2003- THREE MILLION people took to the streets in protest!!)

maybe Kerry didn't know what 3 million knew

and maybe he was NOT the first to call for the "truth"

[tomp]

47. sounds like dean's answer to clinton.

attacking on iraq (including niger) and everything else as well.

[Catherine Vincent]

53. I haven't decided which candidate I favor the most yet,

but so far Dean reminds me of Clinton. He has the fire in the belly. But the other poster is right, we are all on the same team. Whichever candidate gets the nomination, that is who I will support.

Anybody but Shrubnuts!!!!

[Chomskyite]

60. Can you imagine being Karl Rove and knowing you have to face this guy?

He's gotta be praying John Kerry will break out the Heinz Ketchup money early and knock him out of the primaries. There's no way in hell Bush would survive being thrashed like this, whether he has $400 million to spend or not.

[Le Taz Hot]

62. Wow!

Incredibly powerful in-your-face stuff! Our next projects are going to involve fliering and tabling and this piece will be invaluable for those two activities. In fact, we have a Dean table set up for next weekend's CDC (California Democratic Council) Convention which just happens to be in Fresno this year.

Thanks for the post on this, Kep, I rarely go over to the press releases but it's obvious I need to visit this section more often.

The Doctor is SOOOO In!

[4dsc]

65. He's got my vote

and I will be attending the Iowa caucus's in Feb..



DEAN in 2004!!!

[Le Taz Hot]

66. Just curious

Did you get any letters from any Meet Up members?

[KDLarsen]

71. MY God...

.. I'm starting to like this guy. If I could vote in the US, I think he would be getting mine :)