Howard Dean inspires me: thoughts from a new American

[Padraig18]

As some of you are aware, I've only been a citizen of this country for 2 1/2 years, although I have lived here for over 10. This coming November I will cast my very first vote for a candidate for President of the United States of America, arguably the most important elected or appointed office on the face of this planet.

The monumental importance of my casting of this ballot--- yes, monumental importance, because the other 6.2 billion people who populate this planet will be affected by my decision, even though they have no vote--- cannot be understated, and I approach the exercise of this franchise with all appropriate solemnity. It is my duty to choose wisely, and for the best of reasons, rather than for the 'choosing the lesser of 2 evils.' Who, then, is most worthy of my vote?

Although I can and will support any of the 9 Democratic candidates for President, the process of choosing a candidate is bifurcated, so I must first choose which of those 9 candidates best reflects my deepest values and who best 'resonates' with me. That candidate is Gov. Howard Dean.

I believe in peace, social justice and the rule of law. I oppose the use of military force except in self-defense, or in the enforcement of international law, and so does Howard Dean. I believe that we have a duty to care for our fellow citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable among us--- women, children the poor, the physically- and mentally-challenged, those who are victims of discrimination based on color, creed or sexual orientation--- and so does Howard Dean.

In my 10 years of life in the United States, I have seen the results of 'politics as usual', and I am not impressed; after years and years of 'life' in our nation's capitol, fundamentally decent men and women have lost touch with their own constituents--- the millions of ordinary men, women and children who make up America. They mistake electoral majorities for unconditional approval of their choices, when in fact those majorities often represent little more than an electorate resigned to the acceptance of a somewhat-better mediocrity.

I support Howard Dean because he gives me something no other candidate does--- hope--- hope for a better future in which my voice will be heard and in which my vote will not be taken for granted. He has given voice to my dreams for both a nation and a world which not only can, but which must do better, and which must pursue policies and goals worthy of a great nation. He has spoken out clearly against an unjust, immoral and illegal war, as have I. He has spoken out against fiscal incompetence, as have I. He has spoken out for a social-welfare policy that is at one and the same time both fundamentally humane and fiscally-responsible, as have I. Finally, Howard Dean shares my anger at the 2000 coup d'etat that represented the first 'shot across the bow' of the Constitution's recognition of our right as sovereign people to a government of, by and FOR the People.

This is why I will support Howard Dean this primary season. Thank you.

:)

[La_Serpiente]

1. wonderful post

from which country did you immigrate?

[Padraig18]

3. I'm Irish, by birth.

:hi:

[polpilot]

31. Publish this in all the major newspapers and Dean's popular vote goes

to 75%. I believe that the sentiments expressed in your post will seep into the pores of all Americans who respect your issues here and Dean will be swept into office by a landslide.

Dean '04...

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Welcome to the boat

and congratulations

Here is the thing, we are now faced withthe most important election
in the history in the US, or at least this modern period

As a new American you understand this... probably better than many native born Americans... I know I am as well, I voted for gore (for the first time) in 2000 and it was FRUSTRATING to see that vote denied by the USSC

[Padraig18]

5. Indeed!

I witnessed that attack on our most sacred right, and I harbored no illusions that that was exactly what it was.

[moz4prez]

7. buddy, you should know that our most sacred right is to reproduce

n/t

edit: nothign

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Well we both took an oath

(incidentally the same taken by the military)

So we know what it means, and we will uphold this oath... regardless of where this takes us...

[Padraig18]

12. My oath was sacred.

As a Christian, the oath was not only a solemn promise to my new nation, but a bond consecrated by God himself:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. In acknowledgement whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature."

My vote will be cast in defense of my Nation and against those I believe to be her domestic enemies--- the Unelected Fraud and his coterie of usurpers.


:)

[T_i_B]

4. Wish we Brits had somebody who can do this

Instead we have to put up with Phoney B:liar.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-931400,00.html

FROM his desk in a converted textile mill overlooking the Merrimack River in New Hampshire, Matthew Bethell has a front-row view of American political history unfolding. As a volunteer in Howard Dean’s Democratic campaign war room, Bethell is one of hundreds of students who have ploughed through winter snowstorms to help propel the mercurial former governor of Vermont into a seemingly unbeatable lead in the crucial opening primary of the 2004 presidential race.

Bethell, 20, a lanky Cambridge university undergraduate, has come further than most to do his bit for Dean. He read a British newspaper account of the outsider’s electrifying surge to Democratic prominence and decided to see for himself if reports of Dean’s high-energy, internet-powered, anti-war candidacy were for real.

“I originally planned to come for six weeks of the summer, and I think it was on the third day that I first thought about staying on,” Bethell said. He has become the only British volunteer — also known as a “Deanie baby” — working full-time on the campaign.

Bethell said he had not been disappointed by Dean’s knack for energising supporters who have never voted in American elections before. “He’s rejuvenating a spirit in American society that I just can’t imagine in Britain. Could you see a British person inviting 15 of their neighbours around to discuss a political candidate? Dean makes it happen all the time.”

[Padraig18]

30. I admire the British *people* greatly

Like many nation, you have been poorly-led throughout much of your history, however; politicians everywhere are expedient, and avoid addressing problems in an effective manner when a palliative manner will suffice. I think you know which problem I reference, in particular.

Let us hope that a Howard Dean will emerge in the UK, and soon; the British people deserve a leader who is worthy of them. :hi:

[moz4prez]

6. I think your enthusiasm and involvement in the political process are

really very admirable. My mom decided to not seek citizenship in the feeble hope that she'll some day be eligible for dual citizenship in Yemen and America. She loves the security and liberalism, hates the popular culture. My dad came here 40 years ago when most Indian immigrants were either highly-educated professionals or SPIES.

Immigrants are some of the most patriotic and hardworking people in this country!

and I always keep an eye out for your posts!

:hi:

[Padraig18]

40. Thanks!

My granny resisted citizenship for almost 20 years, until Bill Clinton ran for President, and talked about the value and importance of immigrants to America, an immigrant nation itself; he inspired here to not only become a citizen, but to attend a GED class and get her high-school equivalency.

Ain't America GRAND, as Gran says? :hi:

[murielm99]

9. Great post!

I have a couple of friends who came here from Chile, after Nixon helped overthrow Allende. They did not become citizens until Clinton ran, because they wanted to vote for him.

I often listen to their opinions on politics, because it gives me a fresh viewpoint. I will watch for your posts.

[Polemonium]

10. Great post

He inspires me too.:party:

[Padraig18]

11. Thank you, all!

:hi: :D

[Le Taz Hot]

13. Padraig!

I didn't know you were a new citizen and this will be your first American election! How cool for you AND us!

And isn't it amazing that this new American citizen seems to be well read and informed on the issues that effect this country and the world and so many of our native borns are -- wait -- isn't "Survivor" on next?

Tell me Padraig, are you going to have at least a small celebration after your first US vote? If not, maybe you can consider it. I mean, this IS a monumental event! :hi:

[Padraig18]

17. Yes, I will be celebrating!

I see visions of victory....champagne.... Guinness flowing like water... Bushmill's and Jameson's.... :party::toast::hi:

[HFishbine]

20. PARTY!!!

At Padraig's house!

[Padraig18]

21. Aye!

:D

[cthrumatrix]

14. well said...and the others prefer to bash....I think we know why.

[Turkw]

15. good for you, we should be inspired by the candadates we support

I'm glad you are, I know I am. We can disagree on how to do it or who to do it, but makeing America a better place is what this is truly all about. You elevate the level of debate here, and I applaud you for it.

[Padraig18]

16. Thank you!

:hi::dem:

[jonnyblitz]

18. very good post.

as usual.

[Padraig18]

41. Thanks!

Why don't we have a 'blushing' icon? :P

[jonnyblitz]

55. i know there is one..

on my yahoo messenger (blushing smiley). no need to blush tho Paddy!! I should do a "why a damn near socialist like me is damn near about to become a full fledged Dean supporter" story..heehee. :hi:

[PassingFair]

65. Go for It!

Jonny, we're all ears!er...eyes!

[jonnyblitz]

66. naaah

too lazy tonite! :hi:

[HFishbine]

19. For all DUers, 18 - 24, who can write:

A contest for 18 - 24 year-olds for a chance to speak at the national convention. We have some pretty articulate young adults here. I'll bet some of you could make it. Check it out:

http://www.democrats.org/convention/contests.html

[KittyWampus]

22. That Was A BEAUTIFULLY Written Post- Thanks!

Congratulations on becoming an American. And it's wonderful of you to share your excitement and sentiments with us.

Here's to Democracy and Padraig :)

:toast:

[Padraig18]

23. Here's to reclaiming our sovereign right to self-governance in '04!

Thanks! :toast:

[janx]

24. Padraig, this is great! Your first vote in such a historic election.

Beautiful post.

And I always admire your sense of humor on this board.

[Padraig18]

25. Thank you!

If I couldn't laugh (even at myself, some times), I should die. The power of humor is under-appreciated.:toast:

[TeacherCreature]

26. Thanks Paddy

Thank you for this positive post. I always love reading about other people true thinking and how they came to support one candidate or another.

[Padraig18]

28. I thought long and hard about who I would support.

I was leaning towards supporting Sen. Kerry, who has an admirable record on civil rights and the environment, among other things, but his IWR vote removed him from 'the mix', so to speak; that saddened me, frankly, because there is much to admire about Sen. Kerry.

[Scott Lee]

27. Ireland's most precious export is Her people

And you have just proven yourself another jewel in the crown of Eire.

Bless your soul, Padraig. I am proud to call you a comrade.

[Padraig18]

29. Thank you, too, comrade!

:toast:

[PBinOregon]

32. Fantastic Post

Great way to start the morning, I have to say. Thank you for it!

[Padraig18]

33. You're quite welcome.

Thank you, too! :hi:

[slinkerwink]

34. great post!

:hi:

[Padraig18]

35. Thanks, darlin'!

:hi::hug:

[candy331]

38. Very well spoken

An inspiration to me and I hope to many other persons born in this country who are disenchanted and have disengaged from the political system altogether. Thank you!

[Padraig18]

39. Never, never, NEVER give up!

The history of Ireland has taught me that, if nothing else; victory comes not to those who merely want it, but to those who will fight for it without surrender! This great nation is looked upon by peoples scattered across the face of the globe as the 'last best hope for mankind', a citadel of all that is good, decent and true about man and his eternal struggle to advance.

Help me take our nation back, that it may yet again become 'that shining city on a hill'!

:hi:

[dave29]

36. Fine post, sir

:toast:

[Padraig18]

37. Thank you!

:toast:

[nancyharris]

42. Very thoughtful post, however

I don’t quite understand why, if you are opposed to the war in Iraq, you intend to vote for someone who will continue our military presence in Iraq after he is elected.

[Padraig18]

43. simple:

Because we have to remain. As much as I would like to just 'pick up and leave', that is not a viable option, and never will be. The UN will not pick up that 'football' and run with it, and any hope that it will is unrealistic, IMO.

:)

[nancyharris]

44. Why is pulling out of an unjust war not a “viable” option?

How can the Commander-in Chief of our armed forces publicly oppose the war yet keep American soldiers in Iraq? How would you feel if you were stationed in Iraq and you knew that your CIC opposed your presence there yet was unwilling to withdraw your presence? Would you risk your life if your CIC publicly denounced your very reason for being there? Why should anyone, other than the Iraqis themselves “pick up that football”?

[TLM]

45. Why shouldn't we clean up the mess we made?

I disagree wtih DK's position we should just pull out and leave the Iraqis to recover from what we did.

It would be like Germany after WWI. We'd be priming Iraq to develop into a nation that would be hungry for revenge against us.

No, we have to clean up this mess before we go.

[no name no slogan]

48. But that's not DK's position...

Seriously, DK is NOT for just pulling up stakes and leaving Iraq in a vacuum. The US exiting Iraq is dependent upon getting a TRUE, MULTILATERAL force into Iraq, and removing US control from Iraq's government and economic affairs.

Unfortunately, most people are not aware of DK's true position, and have only heard (or choose to believe) the soundbites we get from the media.

From his website (emphasis mine):

Bring US troops home as UN peacekeeping troops rotate into Iraq: The goal is to bring all US troops home in 90 days, but in any case, to bring them home as quickly and as safely as possible with a planned and orderly withdrawal.

As soon as practicable after this address, the UN Security Council would ratify a new resolution on Iraq that would deploy a multinational force under UN mandate to keep the peace in Iraq while the interim Iraqi government receives UN support and a new Iraqi government is elected. It is my hope that within one month, the first UN troops and support personnel will arrive in Iraq, and the first US troops will be sent home. UN peacekeeper troops and Iraqis who are commissioned as police and military will replace the US (at a rate of two UN peacekeepers for every three US troops). In place of the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority, the UN will open an office to provide administrative support to the Iraqi Governing Council, which will direct the repair to infrastructure damaged by US invasion in the immediate term. In two months, the UN will begin to conduct a census of the Iraqi population to lay groundwork for national elections. At the same time, new temporary rules for the election will be promulgated, guaranteeing universal suffrage on a one-person, one-vote basis. During the transition period, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the American and UN force commanders for a turnover period will settle the question of who commands the troops. The MOU will specify who is to be in charge in case an incident happens during that period. These might be local agreements such as have been used before or they might be for the entire area of operations. By the end of month three, all US troops will have returned home.

In no way is this a "cut and run" position: quite the contrary, it ensures US involvement in a peaceful transition to Iraqi self-government, and keeps big oil interests from meddling in Iraq's internal affairs while it elects a new government.

I did not mean to hijack this thread, but I had to clarify a misunderstanding. :)

=================================================

VERY GOOD post Padraig! IMHO, Naturalized citizens tend to make better voters because they know more about what's at stake with every election. Nice job! :D

[Padraig18]

46. "You break it, you buy it."

It's no more complicated than that, IMO.

[Scott Lee]

47. the ONLY reason I can see for a US nonmilitary presence there.

To fix what we fucked up. It's the honorable thing to do.

[nancyharris]

49. Apparently Vietnam has offered no lessons.

A president Dean will have to go to Congress every year to request funds for our military presence in Iraq. Do you think Democrats should authorize more spending year-after-year-after-year for what will then be “Dean’s war” instead of “Bush’s war”? American soldiers will continue to die on a daily basis. Do you think their lives are worth the price to further an outrageously foolish concept like “bringing democracy to Iraq”?

Please take a moment to view the names on the Vietnam War Memorial wall and ask yourself if continuing this war is worth it.

[Scott Lee]

62. You're talking to a war opponent.

Also, if you read my comments carefully, you'll see I said a NONmilitary presence in the country, for the sole purpose of cleanig up our mess. Rebuilding buildings, giving aid and helping reestablish infrastructure we destroyed. No guns and tanks - just rolled up shirt sleeves and the honor to make it right.

I'm sure you see the difference bewteen that a continued military quagmire.

[nancyharris]

71. I don't quite understand

"<I said a NONmilitary presence in the country, for the sole purpose of cleanig up our mess.">

Do you think that the war will suddenly disappear after the election? All the soldiers can go home? Are you saying that a President Dean will remove our military and replace them with non-combatants?

[jmaier]

50. Padraig,

A well-written and moving post. It was a pleasure to read.


:toast:

[Padraig18]

52. Thank you!

:)

[mzmolly]

51. Excellent Padraig.

:toast: This is one for the editorials and the official blog.

[Padraig18]

53. Awww...

Thanks! *blush* :)

[janx]

54. Did you forward it to the DFA blog? Would you? Would Padraig

mind? (I guess I should be asking HIM, directly, instead of rudely asking you in his thread...)

[Padraig18]

56. Umm.. it would need a bit of cleaning up first.

There's some typos, etc., in it, because I wasn't even through my first cup of tea this morning when I posted it. Other than that, I'd have no objections. :)

[janx]

57. Clean it up and post it!

The campaign would love it!

[Padraig18]

73. OK, I'll do it.

:)

[Padraig18]

58. Kick

:dem:

[madfloridian]

59. Thanks for an inspiring read.

:toast: for a great post.

[Padraig18]

60. thank you, as well.

:toast:

[Padraig18]

61. Good night kick!

Night, night, all. Sweet dreams! :hi:

[RetroLounge]

63. Wow! You need to send this to the newspapers LTTE's!

"I support Howard Dean because he gives me something no other candidate does--- hope--- hope for a better future in which my voice will be heard and in which my vote will not be taken for granted. He has given voice to my dreams for both a nation and a world which not only can, but which must do better, and which must pursue policies and goals worthy of a great nation. He has spoken out clearly against an unjust, immoral and illegal war, as have I. He has spoken out against fiscal incompetence, as have I. He has spoken out for a social-welfare policy that is at one and the same time both fundamentally humane and fiscally-responsible, as have I. Finally, Howard Dean shares my anger at the 2000 coup d'etat that represented the first 'shot across the bow' of the Constitution's recognition of our right as sovereign people to a government of, by and FOR the People.

This is why I will support Howard Dean this primary season. Thank you."

[cally]

64. Great post

It's wonderful to be inspired by your candidate. I can't wait for the victory party in November 2004 when Dems win big. I keep telling those who are so disillusioned in this country that they don't plan to vote that we have a responsibility to the world to elect a good President. Our country has so much power that those of us with the right to vote need to vote.

[Padraig18]

74. For all of his faults and foibles, Gov. Dean is correct about one thing:

We do have the power to take America back! :)

[UrbScotty]

67. WTG, Padraig!

And a belated welcome to America, MY FELLOW AMERICAN!!!

[Padraig18]

75. thank you.

:)

[ozone_man]

68. Very inspiring.

And I thought I already was. You've taken me to the next level.

[Padraig18]

76. When he announced, something just 'clicked' inside me.

I'm quite accustmoed to listening to politician's announcements/pronouncements without really hearing what's said, but when I listened to Gov. Dean, what he said just resonated with every fiber of my beliefs. :)

[ima_sinnic]

69. congratulations, Padraig!

. . . and we are fortunate that one as articulate, sensible, and compassionate as yourself has aligned with Dr. Dean.

:toast:

on edit: I agree with a much earlier poster: send this as a letter to the editors of newspapers, please!

[Padraig18]

77. Thanks!

I may do so a bit closer to the primary election.:)

[WillyBrandt]

70. Good work-- from a Clark supporter

Very beautifully put. In writing, movingly, about what supporting Dean has meant to you I feel more hopeful about our politics.

You've always been extremely civil towards Clark supporters, and it seems to be simply reflective of a good soul. If Dean does get the nod, posts like yours will make it easier for me to make the transition from (if I can use nicknames) disappointed Clarkie to fervent Deaniac.

Thank you.

[Padraig18]

72. Thank you.

Gen. Clark has done much with his life that is worthy of admiration, and I will not be part of the 'gang up on Clark because..." crowd. At this point, there is aprroximately a 50-50 chance that he, and not Gov. Dean, may be our nominee, and I will be a proud supporter if he is. I believe that DU tends to be polarizing, and added to that mixture are a small number of 'usual suspects, loudmouths and hot heads', whereas in real life I have found very little animosity between any of the candidates' supporters.

Best of luck to you and Gen. Clark, and may the best man win. :hi: