Non-clinical first impressions of Election 2004 from a non-expert

[bobthedrummer]

I made a decision long ago to support and vote for Dennis Kucinich.
I'm delivering my vote to him on February 17th in the Wisconsin Primary.

As a Kucinich supporter I've been through the same flamethrowers and ridicule that used to abound here at DU and other politicial websites.

I am an independent voter, I do not belong to any political party, yet I have worked and voted for Democratic candidates and issues all my political life {I'm 54}.

I have worked for open housing, the right to organize a union, for RFK, loyally opposed Vietnam and Iraq wars. I've voted in every election since I turned 18, I've done volunteer work and have always promoted progressive political causes to help form a more perfect Union as a patriotic American under the Constitution.

I have been shot at as an American citizen, a civilian, 7 times.
Some of those shots that missed me were fired my way because of the fact that I've stood up to the fascists in our country since I was 15, a couple of the shots were forms of racism-which IMHO we all battle still, today.

I am politically aware, I know my rights and I'm not surrendering our nation to BFEE. I have been looking at Howard Dean as an alternative candidate to Dennis Kucinich, it has been announced that if Dean doesn't win here in Wisconsin he will withdraw.

I pledged early as an independent voter that I will vote for whoever the Democratic Party fields-ABB.

But I may have to hold my vomit as this process reaches it's conclusion. Sadly, money still talks despite McCain-Feingold.

In the meantime there are major cracks and issues to take heart in on both sides of the Atlantic in regards to the selective intelligence chosen by Bush over the work of the CIA and other traditional intelligence organizations as the basis for going to war with Iraq-Bush lied, people died.

I don't think that Bush has any idea as to how much he is loathed by Americans that are going to vote him out and clean up the messes he's created by giving the PNAC crew the leading role in his administration-plus he wasn't elected in the first place--that is why getting a good turnout is going to take Bush out.

I wish I could do more than vote for Dennis Kucinich-who everbody agrees has many good ideas about the direction our nation should be heading, but he is "unelectable"--we lose another battle for the soul of America then, but the war continues to get Bush out.

And we will win that war together in November when we vote for the Democratic Party's Presidential candidate-but the election process of 2004 has already made me sick:puke: many times over and it's another 12 days before I even get to cast my vote in the primary.

Anyone else getting sick out there?

[MoonRiver]

1. It makes me sick too.

I can't believe how destructive we are toward each other. There are so many * enablers who are nothing more than, IMO, true believers, much like the fanatics on the far right. I am a progressive. I am a vegetarian, animal rights proponent, dedicated environmentalist, and anti-globalization believer. Even though I support General Clark, I have NO problem with John Kerry being our nominee. The most important thing is restoring sanity and normalcy to this country by getting rid of the BFEE.

Clark and Kerry are much more liberal than Clinton was!!!!! This is apparently not enough for some though. WHAT THE &%$# do these people want? A lilly white candidate is not going to magically appear and sweep the presidency. Anyone who has been in politics long enough to legitimately run for president has inconsistencies and negative voting or legislation in his/her history. Perfection is impossible, but seems to be mandatory for some!

:crazy:

[mmonk]

2. yes

and tired.

[silverlib]

3. Absolutely sick, but still the optimist

As posted here on DU some time ago, we have an entire and wonderful cabinet among the Democratic presidential candidates. I wish I had the link.

I, like you, will cast my vote for DK in the Texas primary - so I feel your pain. Molly Ivans once said, "Vote your heart in the primary" and for any Democrat running against Bush in the final election, which is where I stand today. I hope which ever candidate wins against Bush, and I really think we will have a winner, picks every other candidate for a cabinet position (to include the VP), and announces his cabinet before the election. There is a place for each one of them. We have a great variety of specialists and think what this could do to further draw voters together!

I feel you sickness, but I also read optimism in your post. Thank you for all you have done and I do think you have made an amazing difference. I'm a year younger than you and only wish I could catch up with your successes in one year.

[ewagner]

4. Great Post Bobthedrummer!

I've been trying to figure out why Dennis is considered un-electable. His ideas are certainly the heart and sould of the Democratic Party, and, as I consider myself a good Wisconsin Progressive, I don't see any of his ideas as too far off the mark.

I think Dennis may be the long-term future of the party though. I don't think mainstream America is ready for his ideas, but I do think that in the not-too-distant future, those ideas will be the vision for the rest of the country.

Maybe Dennis is about 8 years ahead of the rest of the Country.

[bobthedrummer]

9. You nailed it ewagner-Dennis Kucinich is what I recall favorably

in my perceptions of the Democratic Party, yet he gets marginalized {amidst some lip-support} as some kind of far-left lunatic for articulating a vision that isn't farout at all to most citizens.

Perhaps we are the vanguard, as you suggest. But we aren't fringe element people at all, more like populists that love a fighter like Dennis.

[redqueen]

5. Yes, I'm definitely getting sick

of hearing the truth about our 'Good Democratic' candidates.

Face it, people. We're not much different than Republicans. This is why our party is spiraling the drain. We can point to lots of differences and say 'but, but, but...' but when the chips are down, the evidence is there for all to see.

It's sickening and saddening that people are so cowed by the spin they eat drink and breathe, that they refuse to do anything to change it.

[MoonRiver]

6. WTF?? No different from Repukes???

Can you honestly say this country would be in its current condition if Gore had been allowed to serve the presidency he won?

[redqueen]

7. Read it again. n/t

[MoonRiver]

10. I understand. I do think the pols are getting it, but we can't expect

miracles over night. Bottom line is that we are facing a REAL AND PRESENT DANGER. This danger is not philosophical or political. It is in our faces and threatens the survival not only of the American democracy, but the entire world. If a mugger is pointing a gun at you, will you only allow the most politically correct to rescue you (I mean 'you' as a generalization)? This is the situation I really believe is confronting our nation. We HAVE to get the farrightwing out of government, ASAP.

[bobthedrummer]

11. I don't think you are overstating the danger to US all,

saywhat.
It has happened here IMO.

[redqueen]

13. I agree that we have to get rid of the bush junta ASAP

I just happen to think we should do it with Kucinich. :) I think he is electable, and I think it's a damn shame that we're being herded towards the pro-PNAC candidates (DLC candidates).

I will probably vote ABB. But after that I'm done with this party. I'm tired of being used like a sheep... scared into voting for the 'lesser evil'.

I'm tired of supporting the 'us too just not as much' Republicrats.

[democratreformed]

8. Redqueen, I am fixing to damn myself

by agreeing with your sentiment. I am beginning to have those feelings about our party as well. When was the last time that someone with great political power actually did something to lift up the little guy? I really am pondering this question. When will the people have any real power and say-so?

[redqueen]

14. As soon as we stand up and take it.

:)

[hippiegranny]

12. I respectfully disagree with you

We are totally and completely different from the repukes. Each and every one of this year's Dem candidates is MILLIONS times better than that little pissant, frat boy, AWOL, dry-drunken war monger that was installed in OUR house by his cheating, dishonest, evil family and hangers-ons.

Remember who the real enemy is. Keep your eye on the end goal. BUSH MUST GO.

[redqueen]

15. Most of the Dem candidates are only twice as good as bush

Only one is infinitely better, IMHO. :)

However, I do understand who the real enemy is, and I despise the candidates I may be forced to vote for, for cooperating with and aiding them them far too many times.

[bobthedrummer]

16. I think the DLC is partly what is making me feel this way about Election

2004-not totally, of course, but the DLC is a definite contributing factor.
It's a shame IMO.

[Mairead]

17. bump for an excellent basenote -- Bravo!