Kucinich is the only choice

[redqueen]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2004/February/08/edit/stories/04edit.htm

By GABRIELLE STOCKER

Don Miller wrote in a recent editorial: "Who besides Dennis Kucinich is going to grab local hearts, minds and March 2 primary voters?" He follows this with, "Because even died-in-the-progressive acolytes of The Man they call ‘Dennis’ — familiarity breeds ... — must concede he’s got no chance."

This presumptuous attitude reflects the atmosphere of fear and futility which the current administration has been fostering since its inception. Once again, many voters are paralyzed by the belief that they must vote for the lesser of two evils rather than for the only candidate, Dennis Kucinich, who demonstrates a clarity of vision, clarity of purpose and clarity of communication for a government which is on the side of its people.

(...)

While so-called pundits are placing bets on how much longer so-and-so will remain in the race, Dennis Kucinich has pledged to continue through the Democratic National Convention in July. His articulate, perceptive comments in debates and speeches have evoked standing ovations and have noticeably raised the level of the other contenders’ campaigns. Thus, it is vitally important for voters to continue to support his positive and pragmatic agenda throughout the Democratic primaries.

A primary is not the time to compromise. I urge local voters to think positively and to vote for Dennis Kucinich on March 2.

[LWolf]

1. Great letter.

And they actually printed it! My local republican paper did not print either of the letters about Dennis I labored over, checking word counts, etc.

Preaching to the choir, where I am concerned. Dennis has my california vote. I'd love to see a strong showing here in CA.

[angryinoville]

41. Yesterday's Boston Globe...

featured the homes of all of the candidates. Kerry's of course, was the most expensive at an estimated 6.6 mil. value. Coming in at the bottom was DK, whose home in a Cleveland neighborhood was valued at 26K! Talk about being one of the people. I'm from the Cape. That won't even cover the down payment around here. He's still in it. Go DK!

[LWolf]

60. I saw that.

His home is almost as modest as mine. Although, in so cal, mine costs more.

[quispquake]

2. He did 15% up here in Maine yesterday!

I was glad to see a good turnout for Kucinich yesterday...

[IrateCitizen]

3. Hey, is Maine becoming the new "People's Republic"???

What's with you all up there? I mean, Clean Elections, public health care -- and now, giving the biggest turnout yet for DK!

I don't know if people are looking, but it seems like Maine is rapidly becoming one of the most progressive (and level-headed) states in the union!

[quispquake]

52. Maine is an interesting state...

--1st woman senator (Margaret Chase Smith back in 50's)
--Only state to go to Ross Perot in 92 elections
--Went for Jerry Brown in '92 Democratic caucus

Among what you mentioned (although the public health care hasn't hit yet...seriously waiting on that one!)...one of the reasons I came back up here!!!

[Endangered Specie]

4. Hes a great guy but...

Even IF he did win the Primary, Bush would crush him, he's too good for the average American voter's intelligence.

I hope he stays and Congress and makes a difference for as long as possible.

ANd no, a primary IS a time to compromise, you need to pick someone who can beat Bush.

IMO: 'Getting the best democrat' is not as important as 'getting A democrat' in the whitehouse.

[IrateCitizen]

5. :sigh:

ANd no, a primary IS a time to compromise, you need to pick someone who can beat Bush.

So tell me, when IS the time to vote your conscience? When IS the time to act to ensure your issues are aired? When IS the time that an election actually becomes about issues rather than being a high-school popularity contest?

As a progressive and die-hard DK supporter, I'd love to hear your answers. If it weren't for DK being in the race -- and his steadily increasing support -- much of the "rush to populism" taken by the media-anointed "front-runners" never would have happened.

Compromise is only viable if you feel it will, in the end, make things better than they are now. Personally, I don't feel that abandoning the most progressive voice in the race will make a net win, even if the Democratic nominee wins in November -- because there will be no reason for progressive voices to be heard. The net compromise will STILL pull the "center" further to the right -- just not quite as far as would occur during consolidated Republican rule.

[bryant69]

15. What about this argument

Dennis Kucinich, as good a person as he is and as much as I might agree with his views (although in truth I find I agree with Edwards at a far higher percentage, but lets assume I agreed most with Kucinich) won't be able to govern and implement those views.

If he won in a landslide he'd have a shot at implementing a third off his platform, but i don't find many even diehard Kucinich supporters who think that's likely (I think the election will be close no matter who we put up).

Instead if he gets the White House it will be in a squeaker. Which means he won't have a mandate, and I don't know if he'll have either house of congress. So how is he going to get anything done? His programs, for the most part, are not going to be popular with centrists or conservatives. so how does he get them passed? How does he make any changes?

If he had run a more successful campaign--if he had one even one or two of the primaries, than I could have more faith in his ability as a politician to get things done; to sell his programs to centrist democrats (at the very least). But he hasn't.

So I'd rather support someone who has a shot at implementing his program, even if it isn't 100% of what I might want. If that makes me a sellout, consider this; these are real peopel who don't have health care. These are real kids who's schools are failing. The way I see it, I have a responsibility to elect not just the person with the best program, but the person who has the best chance of getting that program enacted.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Kanary]

18. Just one small part of what you're saying

Try looking at it from the other side.... look how much Dennis has accomplished WITHOUT PRESS notice.

Yes, I wish he had more votes. But when I look at how far he's come just by person-to-person contact, it's quite amazing.

And, since it's Monday, I'm going to be nice and not mention where Dennis has placed vis-a-vis Edwards in the last two races. Without press coverage.

Kanary

Kucinich 2004!

[IrateCitizen]

19. Reactive vs. proactive

That's the primary difference, I believe, between my argument and the one you propose.

So I'd rather support someone who has a shot at implementing his program, even if it isn't 100% of what I might want. If that makes me a sellout, consider this; these are real peopel who don't have health care. These are real kids who's schools are failing. The way I see it, I have a responsibility to elect not just the person with the best program, but the person who has the best chance of getting that program enacted.

What about knowing that, during the primary season, the media will try to hand-pick our "front-runners" for us? What about knowing that, with the process taking place like this, the media will do everything it can to ensure that true alternative visions are NOT heard? What do I do then, if I honestly do not see any of the other candidates truly proposing things that will help those whose kids' schools are failing, or who don't have health insurance?

Will I support them regardless, or will I continue to support the most progressive candidate in the race -- in the hopes that, even if he ISN'T nominated, at least some of his ideas are given enough airing that they are picked up in the party platform?

If I don't see the other candidates' programs as being a net positive in the end analysis, why would I support them at this stage in the game?

[bryant69]

20. Well that's a fair point

I don't really understand someone who says that Kerry or Edward's platforms are a net negative for America. I've made a pretty thorough study of all of the platforms for the website (the candidate review section along the side --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com ), and I saw a lot I like in all the platforms. All the candidates for example have a plan on health care and they all have a plan on education.

But I do understand the argument that by supporting Kucinich you hope that his issues will see implementation, at least in part, by whoever we finally nominate.

[redqueen]

22. All plans are not equal n/t

[IrateCitizen]

24. Personally, here's my reason for seeing things that way

I see the real problem in the United States not as George W. Bush, but as a deeper, darker problem -- a deep-seated national disorder that I refer to as the "triumvirate" of militarism, mass-consumerism and rapacious greed.

The reason I see only Kucinich's program as a net-win is because I see him as the only candidate who is willing to even MENTION these issues -- let alone stare them in the face. The other candidates pretend that they don't exist. I mean, what other candidate has proposed drastically reducing our military expenditures? What other candidate has pledged to make labor and the environment cornerstones of their trade deals? What other candidate has voiced the need for a nearly spiritual renewal of our priorities, and the need to rediscover how interconnected we really are with each other and our planet? What other candidate is calling for the US to truly act in a spirit of cooperation with the rest of the world, rather than seeking to maintain a position of "dominance" in relation to it?

I can understand if you don't see things in the same way, and that's your right. But for me, Dennis is the only one who speaks to these issues and greater beliefs that I have. That is where, IMHO, he stands out to me as being head-and-shoulders above the other candidates. He also, sadly, confirms to me that America may not be ready for such a vision right now, in its current state of fear mixed with arrogance. Perhaps it will take a bit of the arrogance to be removed before people are willing to eschew fear for hope in mass numbers.

[bryant69]

44. Spiritual Malaise

I see the real problem in the United States not as George W. Bush, but as a deeper, darker problem -- a deep-seated national disorder that I refer to as the "triumvirate" of militarism, mass-consumerism and rapacious greed.

This struck me as a curious statement. How exactly is Dennis Kucinich as president going to put a stop to or even make a dent in mass-consumerism or rapracious greed. I can sort of understand his statements on the Military, but don't see that as a positive.

The other interesting line was this one. "What other candidate has voiced the need for a nearly spiritual renewal of our priorities, and the need to rediscover how interconnected we really are with each other and our planet?

It's not that I don't see this as a good goal, it's just beyond the power of the President or the Government. I mean I don't want the President preaching to me, whether from President Bush's Fundamentalist Christian Perspective or from Dennis Kucinich's perspective.

Bryant

[rucky]

46. How do we get off this path if we don't talk about it?

I LOVE those quotes - thanks for pulling them out of the vault. We need a strong leader who can put us on the right path. Don't tell Bush, but one of the greatest powers of the Presidency is that the President sets the tone. All of our great leaders (and many of our not-so-great) realize this. MLK preached. JFK preached.

[IrateCitizen]

49. Answers

How exactly is Dennis Kucinich as president going to put a stop to or even make a dent in mass-consumerism or rapracious greed.

It all begins with a slight change in conscience. People in the United States have become increasingly isolated as our standard of living has "improved". Our kids are on ritalin, and we're on Prozac. Productivity has gone up exponentially over the last 20 years -- but so has the average work week. When I read the speeches by Dennis Kucinich and read his policy statements, what I am struck by is the attitude of reinvigorating the role of government toward fostering a "we're all in this together" kind of attitude. That attitude is much, much different than the "I've got mine, screw you Jack" that seems to have taken over much of the national conscience. It's an attitude that is based in the belief that we're much better when we're concerned with the common good as opposed to self-interest bordering on selfishness, to the exclusion of almost everything else.

I can sort of understand his statements on the Military, but don't see that as a positive.

Do you honestly not see cutting some of the tremendous waste in Pentagon spending as a positive? Do you not see concentrating more spending on the actual people in the armed forces as a positive? You don't agree with his idea of reducing our unbelievable military "footprint" around the world? Do you think we should continue to spend more money on our military than the next 25 nations of the world COMBINED?

With regards to these matters, I see Dennis as a visionary in much the same way as the late, great Senator from Wisconsin -- Robert M. "Fighting Bob" LaFollette. All of LaFollette's actions sprung from one central belief: America can never live up to its ideals while corrupted by the influence of corporatism and militarism.

I mean I don't want the President preaching to me, whether from President Bush's Fundamentalist Christian Perspective or from Dennis Kucinich's perspective.

OK, then let me take this out of a spiritual context and put it in a more grounded one (perhaps what I should have done to begin with). It can be summed up with two basic ideas:
1. Everything we need to survive comes from the earth. Therefore, it is in our best interest to do the best we can to take care of it.
2. Everyone lives "downstream" from someone else. Therefore, we're all affected -- directly or indirectly -- by the actions of others, and they are affected by ours.

[bryant69]

50. OK

Allow me to repeat my question.

How is Kucinich going to accomplish this "We're all in this together kind of attitude" It's not like you have to convince me that we should all be good people--I already believe that. I'm just not sure that it's within the president's power to make us all be good people.

I think we should spend enough money on the military to protect us. It's a dangerous world; it woudl be nice to think that Kucinich is going to take power and people around the world are going to realize we are good guys; but that's not likely.

As for your third point; it's not that I don't agree or understand, I don't know how you enforce it. I support good environmental policies (one if the good points about John Kerry, for example).

Is it fair that the United States consumes much more of the worlds resources than other nations? Well probably not; but what could Dennis Kucinich do about it, if he was president?

[redqueen]

51. Some would say that our greedy mentality

was fueled in part via Reagan's leadership, which validated that mindset.

Is it so hard to believe we could have a president like Kucinich, who could do the polar opposite?

It's not for me.

[IrateCitizen]

54. Two words: BULLY PULPIT

I'd also choose another word: LEADERSHIP

I agree with you that it's not in the President's power to force everyone to be "good". Nor should it be. But it is well within the President's power -- by the nature of his office -- to influence people. Despite the fact that I found the man's policies to be abhorrent, Ronald Reagan was a master at this. Judging by the response of people who have actually seen and heard Dennis Kucinich speak, he's got that certain "something" that can inspire people. I'm not saying it's a fix-all. I'm saying its a badly needed first step.

There's a big difference between trying to influence people to move in this direction, and simply affirming the further drift toward isolation and selfishness.

With regards to the military, what do you feel is "protecting" us? One-half of all of the budget excluding social security and medicare? More than the rest of the world? Twice as much?

Dennis is not advocating dismantling the military -- he's advocating cutting it about 20%, in order to get rid of Pentagon waste. I mean, if the biggest threat we supposedly face is al Qaeda, why in the hell are we pouring money into fighter aircraft and large naval vessels and star wars? Additionally, why in the hell do we need permanent basing of troops all over the globe? They must be there for some reason other than to protect our shores.

Like I've said before, all of this isn't an end-all, be-all. It's a first step toward really reducing militarism on a global scale. If the US were to take the lead on this (instead of being the world's leading exporter of arms and violence), other nations WILL take notice and follow our lead.

With regards to the environment, much of this ties back into the first point. It's also important to dispel the myth that what happens upstream of you doesn't affect you. We currently live in a world in which our planet is going downhill in a hurry. Time is short, to say the least. We not only need environmental regulation -- we need a shift in the way in which we view the environment. While I laud the way that Kerry has pushed alternative energies and efficiencies -- he's been someone on the front of that issue for quite some time -- it also has to be pushed in a way that highlights that it is both necessary AND beneficial to us in the long run. That's the difference with Dennis, IMHO.

With regards to your last question on energy consumption, he could take us in a positive first step toward a DIFFERENT direction, rather than simply going along the same path.

[bryant69]

58. What's intersting

Is that this conversation has turned to why it's better to take half a loaf as opposed to a full loaf, which was not my initial point. I didn't mean to suggest that I don't think Kerry or Clark or Edwards or Dean are lacking in my opionion. I think that Edwards in particular is an inspiring speaker, and could inspire people away from this path of selfishness. Kerry and Dean and Clark have also given speeches I felt were inspiring (as has Kucinich of course). When I go into the voting booth I will vote for who I think is the best man for the job (It probably won't be Kerry, but it's not likely to be Kucinich either).

If the US were to take the lead on this (instead of being the world's leading exporter of arms and violence), other nations WILL take notice and follow our lead. That's an enormous gamble you are asking me to take, and not one that there's much historical evidence for.

I didn't mean that that last question should be based just on energy consumption; it goes back to materialism. What sort of government pressures or incentives should be used to encourage me to cut back on my Television consumption for example? Or the number of CD's I buy? or the number of steaks I eat (not to imply that I eat steak a lot, once or twice a day is enough for me)?

[rucky]

21. Here's the trouble with that:

The art of negotiation: Ask for what you want, not what you expect to get. Then you're starting from a position of power. Maybe in the end - after going back & forth with the opposition - you'll get to the middle, but that's no reason to start there.

You don't do this in business negotiation. The GOP doesn't do this. Democrats do do this, and it hasn't been working for them - we've been compromising our platform away before the fight even starts. So if the GOP is unwilling to compromise, and we have to deal with them in Congress, we shouldn't be going to them with a watered-down platform, because what could we afford to lose from it?

[Mairead]

29. Yes, Dems have been combining the worst of the old and new styles

of negotiation.

Old style, beloved of trades-union negotiators: demand more than you ever expect to get, and then settle for what you really want after a dogged battle.

New style, pioneered by the Harvard Negotiation Project researchers: go in expecting that both sides will get 99% of what they really need, and discuss how to make it happen.

[redqueen]

30. Were those harvard folks dropping acid?

What were they thinking?

I'll take the old trade-union style, TYVM. :)

[MaddogTerp]

37. Never!

This isn't about voting your conscience, it's about winning!

It doesn't matter if our front-runner-guy is Bushie Lite, it doesn't matter if he is just as much a corporate-owned tool as the repukes are, just as long as WE WIN. Even if our guy doesn't do anything different than Bushie does, we just want to win!

Right?

No?

Okay then, stand strong and stand behind Dean & Dennis (the candidates who are independent and on-message, regardless)!

[redqueen]

6. IMO a candidate who actually opposed bush with his votes will win

much more handily than a candidate who opposed bush only with lip service, and who voted with bush more often than not.

Incumbent - believed lies & started a war

vs.

Candidate a - believeed lies & voted for war

or

Candidate b - did not believe lies & did not vote for war


Whis candidate offers the clearest alternative to bush?

[tinanator]

7. no Bush wouldnt have a chance, unless he faces an enabler

It takes fairly deficient logic and a rampant ignorance of fellow citizens/Republican voters reactions and feelings to suppose that Kucinich has no broad appeal. Yesterday at a Kucinich delegate selection, one former Bush voter was in attendance. I have already heard from two other Republican/Bush voters that Kucinich sounded like the best. These are not anecdotes I sought out, they are just the proof in the pudding of my gut feeling all along. Kucinich has absolutely the most genuine and easily supportable positions out there. It wouldnt be the first time the Democratic faithful were taken for a ride by the party. At this point I sincerely believe that the leadership's center of power is behind Bush, and has been since the middle of 2000. You have a choice. You can support the truth. Or you can watch them put up a false fight.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. With all the phonies out there, genuineness appeals

I hear very little negativity towards Dennis, except for some single-issue pro-choice voters who can't forgive his past record. Most really like him, but they think Kerry is more "electable."

I think DK's life story and integrity would be very appealing to the general public, indeed, a refreshing change from the usual blow-dried, media-coached Ken dolls who are usually presented as political candidates.

[cheezus]

26. single-issue pro-choice voters who can't forgive his past record

While I'm certainly not a single issue voter, his past anti-choice votes had troubled me. Then I saw him on CSPAN answering a question about his reversal on it, and he won me over with his answer.

Basically, he's a catholic and believes in the sanctity of life. I'd wager that even the most pro-choice people here would concede that abortion, by itself, isn't a *GOOD* thing. He took a pro-life stance until he talked to a woman who showed him that abortion is a civil rights issue. Dennis said that as soon as he was able to see it in those terms - that women can never expect equality while at the same time there are discrimitory laws - he switched sides on the issue and is very pro choice.

[IrateCitizen]

27. Not just that, but the consistency of his beliefs

You can't lump him in with the same "anti-choice" zealots on the right side of the aisle, because even though he was mistaken on his votes on reproductive rights, he was also staunchly anti-death penalty and anti-military aggression.

[Kanary]

8. Yet again with the fear

We seem to be so used to fear, that we don't know how to kick the habit.

Kanary

Kucinich 2004!

[goodhue]

10. no

DK would crush Bush.
Wake up!

[RichM]

12. Dennis's problem wouldn't be Bush; it's the Dem Party Establishment.

If the entire machinery of the Democratic Party was moved solidly behind Dennis - if it was used to carefully explain to the public why what he's offering is a better deal for 98% of the population, in exchange for concessions from the top few percent; and if this courageous truth-teller was let loose on Bush with anything like equal media time, he would do wonderfully. The American people do not really WANT to be manipulated through fear & plundered all the time, and have all decisions made to benefit the financial elite at the expense of the rest of us.

The main obstacle to Dennis' ascension is the deep rottenness of the Democratic Party itself, that would NEVER tolerate a candidate this progressive. America would not be teetering on the edge of corpo-fascism were it not for TWO ingredients: both the repulsiveness and class aggression of Republicans, AND the complicity & spinelessness of Democrats. This latter condition is the real obstacle.

[Kanary]

14. you make a good point

And what you're saying illustrates why it's time for WE, THE PEOPLE to get back involved again, and keep riding herd on those who are representing us, and KEEP making noise until we have the leadership we need and deserve.

And that is exactly the power of Dennis.... this isn't just a campaign for one man... it's a campaign to change the overall structure of our whole system.

Enough is enough.

It's up to us.

Kanary

Kucinich 2004!

[corporatewhore]

17. DK attracts reagan democrats libertarians liberal democrats old school

conservatives and greens. I dont see how bush could beat that coalition

[tinanator]

55. absolutely right

Everyone is on board the DK express. Except for the "centrist" Democrats. Lets steamroller those dinosaurs on our way to 1600 Pennsylvania!

[RichM]

11. Some tidbits from Dennis's appearance in SF Saturday night...

There was a rally downtown at Kucinich headquarters -- the same Mission District locale used by the recent Matt Gonzales for Mayor campaign. (Matt is the Green City Supervisor that was narrowly defeated in December in the mayoral runoff.) On stage with Dennis were Matt, the author/activist Michael Parenti, & Medea Benjamin (co-founder of Global Exchange). There were roughly as many Greens present as Democrats.

Dennis had just flown into SF from Detroit. I talked with a guy at the event who had been on his plane. He said Dennis flew coach class, had no entourage, wasn't even recognized by anyone on the plane (except him), & that Dennis had been so exhausted he just slept all the way.

He was in SF for maybe 4 hours, then got back on a redeye to fly to Maine(!)

Appearing onstage for a one-hour panel discussion with the others, Dennis appeared a bit tired, but happy. He looks like he's enjoying the whole campaign ordeal, despite its grueling demands (physical & other). The good news about Washington State had just come in. As the discussion progressed, he appeared close at one point to saying something openly critical about the state of the Democratic Party; about how grievous a thing it is, that the party is actually on the verge of nominating a pro-IWR candidate. However, he shifted course slightly & completed his thought without mentioning anyone by name, & didn't dwell on the woes of the party. He emphasized the positive message of hope of his own campaign, instead.

There were many hundreds of people present at the locale - the place was packed, SRO. The vibes were enormously friendly & tolerant - recalling, in a way, the feel of last year's antiwar marches. When he initially moved to the stage from the back of the hall, everyone was chanting "Den-nis, Den-nis, Den-nis!" He clearly understood that it was OK for him to be tired & recharging his batteries, so to speak, in front of this Bay Area crowd; that it wouldn't matter; that we were solid for him anyhow.

A very good event, all in all. It's not going far out on a limb to predict that DK will do well in the Bay Area on March 2.

[redqueen]

13. While I'm glad he didn't 'go negative' on the party

It's just so damn depressing that he justifiably could.

Somebody needs to, quick, before we become any more corporatized.

[corporatewhore]

16. hes the only one who could win the old school conservative vote

becuase hes is anti patriot anti free trade pro decriminalisation

[rucky]

28. Even if they don't agree 100% with his platform,

they admire honesty, integrity & character.

those intangibles that Dennis oozes of.

[corporatewhore]

31. i have a few libertarians and two oldschool cons in my local kucinich 4

pres group

[wuushew]

23. I will be voting for DK in the Wisconsin Primary

I simply cannot vote for another candidate in good conscience.

[info being]

25. Don't be surprised if there are a bunch more like you...

I went into the WA Caucus thinking I'd be alone in my support of DK. To the contrary...we actually controlled the process.

[no name no slogan]

47. I know that feeling, but NO MORE!

On my short street of 22 houses, there are THREE Kucinich lawn signs-- and none for ANY other candidates!

And interestingly enough, all three went up independent of one another! NONE of us had talked about presidential politics before the signs, but now we're busy organizing our precinct.

So far, I've only seen one other window- or lawn-sign in my neighborhood, and that one's for Dean. Either way, we're going to get our voices heard at our caucus in March-- Minnesota will DEFINATELY give at least 15% for DK!

:D

[tinanator]

53. Do it!

spread the wisdom. We are obligated to supplant the dearth of functioning media in this country. Always make the point that the media and corporate power structure does not want this candidacy heard. That alone may be more than enough reason for the average voter to get behind Dennis. It has fallen into our lap, as all other issues of peace and social justice have. It is simply our job to do.

[no name no slogan]

63. We're going to do well-- better than expected, IMHO.

My neighborhood is inner-city, not-quite-gentrified, and VERY liberal, with a strong anti-establishment streak to boot. It is also about 30% GLBT (although my immediate neighbors are closer to 50% GLBT). I know of only ONE Republican in the vicinity, and he's my next-door neighbor, and he's very moderate (his wife is a Democrat).

I've learned that my neighbor two houses down spent January in Iowa organizing for DK (he, like myself, is unemployed). He's also started doing more stuff locally, too. And I'm doing a lot of state-level stuff, including maintaining our website (www.minnesotaforkucinich.com).

I'm going to take picture of the three signs in a row and post them here tomorrow-- it's a pretty cool site! :toast:

[info being]

56. Just be ready for the over-70 pro-Kerry crowd

That was the extent of his support in my district.

[tinanator]

59. Our #1 delegate is 75!

He is a dynamo for DK all the way! All it takes is a modicum of wisdom :)

[bobthedrummer]

42. Dennis will be getting the votes of my wife and myself on Feb.17th

Also dozens of other people that we have talked to in our neighborhood.
I believe that DK will do well here in Wisconsin.

[info being]

57. Just don't let anybody talk you out of it

I had to really battle to get 1 delegate for him in WA. I could have easily caved, but wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

[ChiefJoseph]

32. Clarity of communication?

"...the only candidate, Dennis Kucinich, who demonstrates a clarity of vision, clarity of purpose and clarity of communication..."

"Spirit merges with matter to sanctify the universe. Matter transcends to return to spirit. The interchangeability of matter and spirit means the starlit magic of the outermost life of our universe becomes the soul-light magic of the innermost life of our self." -- Dennis Kucinich.

Clarity of communication? Come on. Who talks like this?

[redqueen]

33. Smart people.

I know, they're rare. :)

[ChiefJoseph]

34. Smart people who don't get elected President, to be precise.

No one who lets such things pass through his lips is ever going to be elected President. And rightly so. He sounds like a weirdo in that sentence.

Adlai Stevenson was plenty smart. Look where it got him.

[OhioStateProgressive]

35. it's not weird, it's poetic

and until we embrace the realm of art into what exists as reality, we will sit with wonder and confusement as to why society continues to rot from the inside out

"All alone, or in two's,
The ones who really love you
Walk up and down outside the wall.
Some hand in hand
And some gathered together in bands.
The bleeding hearts and artists
Make their stand."

we are making our stands

[Desertrose]

36. I know many who speak those words...and

when you think about it...where has the "old way" gotten us...to exactly where we are now. It is time for a different perspective...

Nothing weird about what he has said.

(and seeing your avatar...please do not confuse spirituality with religion...entirely different thing...one can easily be one without having to be the other....happens quite a lot really.)

Peace
DR

[rucky]

40. Vaclav Havel is a better comparison

poet. president.

[hippywife]

65. He only sounds like a weirdo

if you don't understand the context of what he was saying and why. This speech was given at an international peace conference in Croatia sponsored by:

http://www.epiphanet.com/~praxispeace/nav0.html

He was talking about how we are all connected to each other, to the earth, and to all of creation. This is what must be understood if we are ever to attain peace...we are all part of creation.

When the peace walkers for Dennis came through Tulsa, we took a journey through the Greenwood District which was destroyed by the Tulsa Race Riots of 1921 and is being rebuilt. All along the way we stopped at important landmarks and read exerpts of Dennis speeches.

As we concluded our walk, our final destination was after dark in a city park under a giant statue of an Indian brave astride his horse with arms outstretched and his gaze to the heavens. We chose this speech as our final tribute to the man who had drawn us together from all walks of life. As we stood with our arms linked and listened to these words spoken by Jonathon under the stars of a very cold night, they were truly moving.

Peace is not possible without the spiritual desire to move us toward it.

[IrateCitizen]

38. Do you have another line, Chief Joseph?

Because this is the second time I've seen you pull this same quote up, and it's getting a little bit played out, to be quite honest.

[redqueen]

39. When you have nothing substantial to criticize

I guess you just dig up whatever's available. :)

[ChiefJoseph]

43. It bothers me that much.

It's just so pretentious and wacky, I can't get over it.

[redqueen]

45. Well let's be fair then, tell us who your candidate is

So that we can find their one quote which means more than their policies or records.

[ChiefJoseph]

48. I was for Dean, now I'm for Edwards.

[goodhue]

61. kick n/t

[LibDemAlways]

62. Dennis is the only candidate whose stands on

the issues I consider most important - NAFTA, Iraq, Universal Health Care -
mirror my own. He has my vote in the March 2 primary.

Dennis Kucinich is the conscience of the Democratic Party.

[revcarol]

64. What state are you in?

Hope everyone is working super-hard for the man who is working super-hard for US.