Wesley Clark Society being formed

[mikehiggins]

On Yahoo a notice was posted regarding the formation of a Wesley Clark Society. Two of the earlier DraftClark folks are involved.

There were several factions behind Clark (no, I don't mean the Clintons).

There were the "star-struck" who really were overawed by Clark's resume.

There was the segment of the ABB faction that thought none of the other candidates was worth the powder to blow them up with (that was the faction I was in, by the way).

There were those people who signed on along the way because they liked what Clark was saying, or at least what they were able to learn about what Clark was saying despite the media blackout.

Most of the folks shifting to Kerry/Edwards/Dean, IMHO, belonged to the ABB faction who are now left without a candidate of our own and are signing up with a lesser guy in hopes of seeing Bush returned to that village presently missing its idiot.

The WCS will hopefully provide a home for the rest, during the campaign and beyond. We will see.

I don't have a URL for their operation as yet, but I'm sure it will be forthcoming in due course. In the meantime, I urge all Clark supporters to keep their options open.

The fat lady hasn't sung yet.

[LuLu550]

1. when you get the URL

please send it to me by e-mail.
Thanks

[PatGund]

40. same here

Thank you

[Bucky]

71. Why not just post the url for this Wes Clark Society when you get it?

I'd join

[Tim_in_HK]

2. Me too please n/t

[dsewell]

3. URLs

They have reserved the domains "http://wesleyclarksociety.com" and "http://wesleyclarksociety.org", but there are no active websites yet.

Now let's just hope the Wesley Clark Society doesn't start feuding with John Hlinko's resurrected www.draftwesleyclark.com! (It would be just like old times...)

[mikehiggins]

6. I don't think a fued is in the offing

but there are always ego problems to contend with down here in the grassroots.

That's another reason the pros hate us all. We insist on thinking that we CAN think, instead of being just interchangeable cogs in their fantasy machines.

If I might suggest a slogan for all future Clark endeavors?

FUCK THE PROS!

I might also add, without meaning to be offensive to any of our Romany readers, that when you hire a Gypsy to resurface your driveway it is always wise to keep in mind that he is a gypsy, and that his loyalties are to his culture, not to his employer.

Political pros are almost invariably gypsies, and that is something everyone should have kept in mind from September on.

So it goes.

[JanMichael]

4. For what purpose? Don't get me wrong, I liked Clark as a candidate...

...however a "Wesley Clark Society"?

To do what? You lost me.

[Tom Rinaldo]

5. Yes, me too, I think,

Although I am confused. I think I belong to every faction except number one. I joined the Draft Clark movement before he ran AND, ultimately, I am ABB because it is THAT important.

So yes, I want to further Clark's vision, his values, his movement, and his career. I will continue to identify myself with Wesley Clark. So I want in. But Clark is endorsing Kerry today. If he can back Kerry for the sake of the country, I certainly can too. If something happened to destroy Kerry's candidacy (and I am not a ghoul hoping for that, that is simply too dark for me), I hope somehow the party would see fit to turn to Clark.

Meanwhile there is work to be done inside and outside of the race for President.

[mikehiggins]

8. I don't think there is a conflict

I do think it is important to maintain a grassroots presence behind Clark even if/as he endorses Kerry.

In a perfect world, as that ad on tv suggests, Wes Clark would be heeded and welcomed because he is a really nifty keen guy and quite smart and telegenic to boot.

This isn't a perfect world, and most especially the political parts.

If Clark does not retain a constituency that is identified as such (and lots of people do identify themselves as such, considering the responses the DNC fundraisers are getting from Clark supporters--can you say "largely negative"?) there is absolutely NO reason for anyone to pay attention to Clark at all once his endorsement is delivered.

The revival of DraftCLark, the establishment of ClarksArmy on Yahoo, and things like WCS alert the pols that this isn't over, even if this campaign has been halted. This country does need a higher standard of leadership, and it has to come from the grassroots up.

Let a thousand flowers bloom!

[BootinUp]

7. Struck with something

I don't think I fit in any of your categories. Sure the resume was a big part of what interested me enough to look closer, but really its the whole package that struck me. So please don't call me star-struck.

[mikehiggins]

11. Wouldn't think of it, dude

You are one of the cooler heads around here.

"star struck" simply refers to the people who see Clark as a celebrity and are, to one degree or another, fans.

ABBers tend to be people who see Clark as a much more likely candidate than any of the others.

The third group is where you appear to fit in; folks who buy the total package.

[BootinUp]

14. "...one of the cooler heads..."

heh ;) not today I'm not. Hence why I lashed out at you bro. No I am not cool with things. I guess since this was the first time I contributed to a campaign, it's kinda personal.

Hopefully I'll be more worthy of that comment soon though.

As you noted, there are several groups forming, I guess I might have to register on Yahoo so I can join over there too. Just want to keep in touch with all the Clarkies, its a great group of folks.

[mikehiggins]

22. You could stop by these guys

http://groups.msn.com/WesClarksArmy

Not the old Clark's Army (I got that wrong, by the way) but a new group starting up for the same reasons.

They are like life preservers for people to cling to until the fog clears and we can see what is going on.

Hopefully, as time goes on, everyone will join up with Hlinko or the WCS people and we can develop a working structure to keep the idea of a higher standard of leadership alive.

[Crunchy Frog]

35. Mike, I tried to register at that site

but it wouldn't take my email address. What do I do? Please PM me.

[BootinUp]

36. See this thread and PM knight_of_the_star

he started the MSN group and should be able to help.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=314972

[corporatewhore]

9. So you guys really are raisin an army for that coup

[mikehiggins]

12. Darn that Jon Stewart! Darn that Samantha Bee! That was all

supposed to be "off-the-record".

Can't trust any imbeds.

[sadiesworld]

10. What's wrong with using a resume to hire someone...

seems pretty standard to me. The American people should have looked at W's a little more closely.

[Nashyra]

13. I don't consider my self star struck

I was struck that such an intelligent and actually quite humble man was willing to take on this endeavor. I started investigating Clark after seeing a post on him here at DU. I am a mother of a draft age son so I did some research and decided to provide monetary support to the draft movement and became one of the original 700 to put our money where our mouth was to Draft and support Clark. I ultimately had the pleasure to meet Mr.Clark, his wife Gert and his son Wes Jr. they were probably the most polite and attentive people I have ever met. The repect that Clark showed my dad as a Korean War vet will never be forgotten. I have been a flight attendant for 25 years and used to do the LA to NYC flight for over 5years straight and have met my fair share of "famous" people and beleive me I am not star struck, most people who are "stars" do not shine unless there is a camera around. Clark was most outstanding when he was one on one and no one was watching. PS Sean Connery was my favorite and he was also the most kind to all of us on board. Great pictures with 007

[DakotaDemocrat]

15. Its a great idea!

Count me in. This would be a great way to...

1) Support local, state and national candidates. Cultivate good prospects to run.

2) Advance our agenda. Open government, higher standard of leadership, accountability, etc.

3) Support causes that advance this agenda. Non-profits, community organizations, etc can get assistance from this.

4) We can direct the General to talk about specific issues.


I'm starting to think there might be a legacy from this run. I'm in, let me know what to do...

[incapsulated]

16. Well, I'm in

Whenever this gets together. I would like the ex-Clarkies to be their own little faction in the Party.

[Adelante]

30. That's the ticket!

I'm pretty much joining all of these groups. My expectation is that Wes is going to be pulling us back into a force again and I want to be ready to go. I wish I was rich. I would buy our old house, the Clark '04 site, so we Clarkies can focus on Clark's program in all of its aspects.

[DancingBear]

17. Count me in

Please keep in touch w/regards to URl, etc.

BTW, there are several groups (yahoo and others) that have recently formed that are Clark related. I tnink it may be of benefit to list them here on DU for those that may not know of them. Agree?

PM me if you think it is a good idea. I'll provide the ones I know of, although I am sure you probably know them all as well.

[mikehiggins]

18. It is a little difficult to keep up to date on that

Maybe as time goes on we can winnow (NYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!) them down to a handful, like maybe a think-tank to examine issues and an action organization to support candidates, etc.

Let's just hope we don't have the beginnings of another DLC here.

THAT would be irony to the nth degree.

[DancingBear]

19. Probably so

For now, I was just thinking of the "chat" related ones - yahoo stuff, Clarktopia, etc.

[mikehiggins]

23. Here's one

http://groups.msn.com/WesClarksArmy

Not the Clark's Army group but a new one gaining members in a hurry.

[tishaLA]

20. Please let me know too

I plan to support Clark in whatever he does and I want to help in whatever way possible.

[Bread and Circus]

21. Hlinko's comments

Well, the campaign is over. But it's been an amazing ride, and together -- we have made history. We in the draft movement have shown that the people really can make a difference -- and really can take back our democracy. And we have shown that the people no longer have to settle for the candidates who choose to run -- they can draft their own.

Well, the campaign may be over, but this movement is far from over. will continue (stay tuned, and come back for updates).

But first things first -- there was one man who made this all possible -- General Wesley Clark. He has thanked us for all we've done, and now it's time for us to thank him. It was your letters that encouraged the General to enter the race, and now we ask that you write one more -- to thank him for answering the call of duty.

[mikehiggins]

24. kick

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. Please post the url when you do have it.

My options are WIDE open. I'm not going anywhere.

[mikehiggins]

77. Apparently the organizational work is going on as we speak

This seems to be something bigger than simply another forum like on MSN and Yahoo. These guys seem to have higher ambitions of becoming an ongoing, high profile vehicle to push our point of view regarding Clark.

More as it becomes available.

[Kat45]

26. I think there might be several groups forming.

I joined the Wes' Army group, and the Clark volunteer/grassroots group in Mass. is starting a group. What you're talking about sounds like yet another group. Man, Clark really got a lot of people passionately involved; it's too bad it didn't translate to the general public. (Actually, it might have if certain folks weren't so determined to call the primary over before most of us have had an opportunity to vote.)

[tishaLA]

28. Yeah I went to the Wes Clark's Army group last night

for the scheduled chat, and there were only a few of us there! Where was everybody?

[BootinUp]

29. fell asleep

listening to some music from the 80's. I was too depressed to talk about politics anyways. Slowly comin out of it :)

I guess they rescheduled it for Sunday at 8pm right?

[kerry-is-my-prez]

33. Didn't know about it. Wish someone would have posted it and kept it kicked

n/t

[NV1962]

43. Seething at Microsoft's incompetence and malice

That's where...

[Leilani]

27. Please include me on your Clark list

Still a Clark supporter; I may not get to vote for him, but that doesn't change my feelings about Wes.

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[1971]

32. How about "Wes Clark Democrats"?

"Society" sounds too high-falutin' for me (and like he's already in the past).

I've read on the Clark blog of "Clark Democrats" and "Wes Clark Democrats", and there are several Wes Clark groups on Yahoo!.

Clark's 'army' is not gonna fade away either!

[BootinUp]

34. might have a point

XXXXX Society - guys usually dead right?

:spank:

[mikehiggins]

37. John Birch Society

John Birch was definitely dead when that one started up.

Used to be one of the most radical right wing groups this side of the Nazis. Under Bush I think they're now moderates.

I think the WCS is supposed to be more a think-tank kind of operation or a clearinghouse for ideas and stuff.

More as it becomes available.

What I think is that we need to form into cells as quickly as we can and then coalesce into larger and larger groupings until we become a viable faction within the party.

I also don't think we need to spend a whole lot of time bullshitting about parliamentary procedure or any of that lah-dee-dah stuff. Once there is enough interest we'll have to involve lawyers and stuff to make sure we don't run afoul of the IRS and the FEC but that isn't all that difficult to do.

It will be important to keep the ambitious people in check, the ones that'll be looking to profit from this. Ambitious people who want to work to make the group(s) succeed are another story. Professional politicians should be avoided at all costs.

We're grassroots, not AstroTurf. We have to be cared for, not just walked on.

More to come

More to come.

[Adelante]

60. John Birch Society - Eeekk!!!

I'm old enough to remember that one. Stinky. Maybe you could find another example? :hi:

[stickdog]

38. Re-Draft Wesley Clark! (nt)

[BootinUp]

39. stickdog - are you serious?

or is this sarcasm. You were always one of the strongest critics of Clark and Clark supporters. Please explain...

[stickdog]

44. All things are relative.

I'd like to win in November please.

[BootinUp]

45. Perfectly understandable

That pretty much sums it up for me too.

:toast:

[jpgpenn]

41. Keep us posted!

[MoonRiver]

42. Send me an e-mail and I'll join. I have problems with MSNBC groups.

I think I was a member once and even though I ask them to send me my password, which is different from the one I usually use, it doesn't register with them.

[mikehiggins]

46. Yeah, there seems to be lots of trouble with MSN groups

Hopefully, there'll be a website up soon but they'll need an ISP that provides for chats, etc. I'd set one up but I'd have to put on the old thinking cap again to learn how to do the more sophisicated stuff.

Anyway, people are talking, which is good.

I haven't been able to contact the WCS people for some reason.

[Alinsky]

47. Former Clark supporter

I had supported Clark I even gave $100, to him, and I did not even watch him play the last quarter of the football game. Think about it if the media can make Kerry presidential material in one day it could just as well made Clark look presidential.

And when he endorsed a politician (Kerry) that has been voting the Republican ticket while he has been in Congress, I can as of now in no way support a Clark society unless it renounces its Republican democratic platforms and adopts liberal democratic platforms such as

1. Welfare for all in this country
2. No to the death penalty.
3. Ban all hand guns
4. Ban all hunting
5. Dismantle all Nuclear Weapons
6. Cut the military budget by 95%
7 Create a Department of non-violence and change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of Non-violence
8. Create a non-violent, Army, Navy and Air force and Marine Corps
9. Forgive all International debt.
10. Close down the CIA to stop international terrorism and move all spy operations to the US ARMY.
11. Free health care for all
12. Tax only the rich and repeal tax for the middle class, the middle class poor and the poor.
12. Make all corporations illegal like they were up until the late 19th century when a court order made them legal with the same rights a citizens.

13. Ban all lawyers from the courts and ban all lawyers as judges in US courts as it was when America first became a country because no one trusted lawyers. Does anyone other then the Republicans trust them today?

14. Legal aid for all poor people.

15. No corporate ownership of the media.

16. No overseas control of the US media.

17. Outlaw all wars. No wars overseas

[jpgpenn]

48. "they could just as well make Clark look presidential"

With an opening comment like that you quickly rendered the rest of your comments moot.

Clark doesn't need anyone to make him look presidential. Start by looking over his life's work!

[Alinsky]

50. I agree

I made that point in another article that the Republican propaganda machine (the media) could just as well made Clark look presidential,and they still could up until to last primary. But with the Democrats having this be not critial of my brother democrat which in fact in the end (and the end is here Bush is the unofficial winner in 2004).

The Republican leadership is just wondering how many they can have jump ship for the next victory in 2008.

I'm sure the Republican leadership is already picking 3 or 4 new Supreme Court judges for 2004 as we speak.

[Guava Jelly]

49. outlaw hunting jesus

I live in Kansas City ks there are alot of deer here more here now then there was during the time of the indians.
They get hit by cars left and right killing deers and people in the process.
I myself dont own a gun or hunt But hunting is a necessary Evil.
I love animals i have two cats and a kitten on the way that i am rescuing from a test having to do with flea and tick medicine.
Besides Jesus himself couldnt get elected if he backed 1/5 th of your laundry list.

[mikehiggins]

51. Alinsky? Hey, Saul? Is that you?

Loved your books. Sort of surprised at your post. The Alinsky I remember was a leftie-pragmatist who was more interested in getting results than making speeches or issuing manifestos.

The man who came up with the franks & beans pre-opera chowdown in Buffalo was more concerned with what was possible to do in this world than with someone's fantasies of a perfect society.

[mmonk]

52. It may be run through

kintera.org. Donation links are going through it.

[mikehiggins]

53. The only references I located on Kintera were about the campaign

itself.

Any more info?

[mikehiggins]

54. This just in, apparently, posted on Yahoo Clark list

"During a conference call to state organizers, Clark said he wanted to keep his supporters as a unit. He asked that the databases be kept. He wants his people to support Kerry as they feel comfortable, but he doesn't want them to fold into the Kerry campaign. Buttons are being planned: Clarkies for Kerry, or something to that effect. So let's stay together."

Ahem.

So the old guy (me) is right again. And I figure this stuff out for free! Imagine what a guy like me could save a campaign in consultant costs.

Grassroots, not Astroturf!

[BootinUp]

55. great news! n/t

[Adelante]

61. Whew!!

I am so happy to hear this news. :cry:

[Leilani]

70. Which Yahoo Clark group is that?

I went to Yahoo & found 291 Clark groups. I'd like to join the group to keep Clark supporters together.

Thanks!

[mikehiggins]

74. Two I belong to are

wesleyclark2004, which was one of the original DraftClark sites, if not the main one. I'm not sure about that but they've been around since the beginning

UnitedForClark which you see posted all over DU. It seems to be pretty new BUT it has had over 700 posts already so its growing.

And, of course, wesclarksarmy on MSN groups.

There are plenty more, and that is good. Eventually we should coalesce into fewer groups, i.e. one thinktank kind of operation and one action group, but that will be down the road a bit.

Clark reportedly has said he would like those people who are still supporting him to continue identifying themselves that way, even if they are volunteering to work on Kerry's campaign (or Dean's or Edward's or Kuchinich's or Sharpton's). If you think Clark had anything of value to say, you should consider staying together and standing firm. Without his grassroots backing, there are very few reasons to expect people will seriously listen to Clark in the future.

There are lots of bright guys in politics. There aren't many who bring thousands of volunteers and the ability to raise millions of dollars along with them.

"Grassroots is not Astroturf. We will support you but don't try to wipe your feet on us."

[hope42mro]

56. WCS a fantastic idea!! Clarkies luv Clark now and forever!!

I wanted him to be President because I thought he would not only beat Bush, but beat him down into a pulp. Nobly and respectfully of course (mischievous snicker):evilgrin:.

He inspired so many apathetic people to care about politics. He is nothing short of a god send to the Democratic party. He is a godsend to all Americans(like me) who questioned whether America could still produce Historical Heroes.

By creating a society that champions such a remarkable person we will be championing all he stands for: Scholarship, Bravery, Patriotism, Faith, Family, Diplomacy, Military force only with UN approval.

Sign me up for the Wesley Clark Society! I'm totally in!

Here's to drafting our leaders:toast:

[arewethereyet]

57. what is the mission ?

I have no idea what they would seek to do ?

[BootinUp]

58. easy

Promoting the democratic party, Wes Clarks vision for America, and just keeping Clark supporters active in politics.

[hope42mro]

59. Follow his lead, I suppose

A group of people who admires one person would listen to what he says and then practice what he preaches.

A Wesley Clark society could also be a place for non-democrats who admire the general to hear his viewpoint on democratic issues.

In the end it may just be a gathering of people who share the same viewpoints. Community bonding was always what Clark championed in the first place.:grouphug:

[Capn Sunshine]

62. Why does this remnd me of the Ellen James society?

and look out for the purge when it comes, it's not like all of you aren't on the list

[DemCam]

63. Because you're for Dean?

Right off, that would be my first guess.

[mikehiggins]

65. Ya got me on that one, Cap What is/was the Ellen James Society?

An inquiring public wants to know.

And the way my insides are working right now, a good purging wouldn't be a bad idea.

Valentine's Day hint: don't buy spaghetti and meatballs from a place you've never dealt with before, no matter how much your friends swear by it.

Happy Valentines Day to all on DU.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

67. It's a Reference From John Irving's "World According to Garp"

I believe it was a group of feminists (or lesbians, I can't remember clearly) who were fanatical enough to cut their tongues out in protest over a brutal rape where the rapist did that very thing to his victim.

DTH

[mikehiggins]

68. I remember the group now.

That was a very heavy concept and I thought it a real dig at the left at the time (yeah, I thought in such terms even then).

The idea of cutting out your tongue in protest of someone's cutting out someone else's tongue sounds bizarre, especially since doing that removes the one tool you can most use to fight crimes like that.

Sort of like voting for Nader in 2004.

Whatever the value of the symbolic act (if there was any) it still cripples your ability to achieve the real goal.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

66. Most of Us Are Loyal Democrats

We fell in love. Now we're falling in line. And frankly, I have no problems with that.

DTH, Who Certainly Will Not Be Purged

[mikehiggins]

69. It is very easy to belong to the Wes Wing of the Democratic party.

All you really have to do is to want to reestablish the two party system in America.

The GOP is the party of the selfish.

The Democratic party should be the party of those who would help their fellow men (and women) for the good of all.

[Piperay]

64. Interested too...

I guess. I'm just not grasping though what the goal is but I love the General so I'm in. :-)

[roguevalley]

72. Already in the army. Want to stay with the group. He's the most hope

I've felt since Kennedy.

[robbedvoter]

73. This is for actual Clarkies only - the cause continues

Join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitedForClark
....this is a
gathering place of organizational strength for all Clark supporters who
want to continue to gather and interact while supporting any and all
future decisions from our General.

Please join and feel free to suggest things we can all do to make a
difference in the spirit of New American Patriotism. This is meant to
be a fun group. Feel free to vent, rant, and share. No excessive
civility demanded but a sense of humor a must.

Above all, we will be United for Clark and will share ways where we can
best do good for this country in the times ahead as New American
Patriots and Friends of Wes within the Democratic Party while waiting
for his star to rise again.

May it be soon!! :O)

Thanks!
Alexandra
Clarkrocks

P.S It's a good idea to pick the no mail delivery option - we'll be very active.
If you want to switch, go here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitedForClark/join
Robbedvoter

[mikehiggins]

75. I joined as well. Also Wes Clark's Army and WesleyClark2004 eom

God bless Wes Clark.

[BootinUp]

76. We're gonna do this