Kucinich on Energy Bill & Same Sex Marriage

Kucinich on Energy Bill

"The Energy bill, produced behind closed doors by the White House and the Republicans in Congress, is an early Christmas present to the nation's biggest polluters, largest energy monopolies, and bigwig political donors.

"The bill, rushed through the House with the ink still wet and before Members had a chance to fully review it, intends to roll back over 30 years worth of environmental safeguards and regulations. This legislation will return us in many ways back to 1970's. Our air will be dirtier, our water will be more polluted, we will be more dependent on oil, our electricity prices will escalate and we will be building more nuclear power plants. This bill will do nothing to encourage a sustainable energy future.

"The bill, which more accurately should be named the 'leave-no-special-interest-behind' bill, has over $140 billion dollars in tax give aways and direct federal spending to the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industry. With passage of this bill today, the House Republicans and the White House are simply rewarding the energy industry that contributed over $48 million to Republicans in the last election cycle.

"Our country has real energy needs. Unfortunately, this bill will do nothing to help address these needs. This bill is a sham, the effects of which will be felt for years to come."


Kucinich Applauds Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

"As a candidate for president who publicly supports federal legislation for gay marriage, I applaud the Massachusetts Supreme Court for upholding the civil rights of citizens in their state by ruling it is unconstitutional for the state to deny marriage to gay and lesbian couples. The historic Goodridge et al. v. Department of Public Health decision can light the way for equality for all Americans.

"The effort by members of the Massachusetts state legislature to push a Denial of Marriage Act is a divisive measure. There must be federal protection for civil rights issues. Gay and lesbian couples should have equal protection under civil law. No state has a right to abridge basic rights to privacy. Separate is not equal.

"The right to marry is a civil right that should not be denied. I support federal legislation for civil marriage between same-sex couples. Civil Unions do not provide equal rights to LGBT Americans. According to a 1997 GAO report, civil marriage provides at least 1,049 legal protections and responsibilities from the federal government, including the right to take leave from work to care for a family member, the right to sponsor a spouse for immigration purposes, and Social Security survivor benefits that can make a difference between old age in poverty and old age in security. Civil unions are a kind of limbo with regard to governmental functions performed by both state and federal governments, such as taxation, pension protections, and provision of insurance for families."

Thank you Dennis...you always have the courage to state your beliefs.....and don't hold back...

:kick: for Dennis

peace
DR

Keep it up Dennis.

You know, any discouraged democrat or progressive person who needs a shot of hope, courage, or determination should follow this man for a week.

:kick:

He is amazing in person. His vision and energy are contagious. People who have not seen him in person tend not to appreciate the depth of his support. He is a force that will not be silenced and should be with us for years to come.

He is right to applaud the historic MA decision. Leading candidates hedge and straddle, whereas Kucinich speaks the truth. Mere "civil unions" are separate but equal and will not stand the test of time.

http://www.kucinich.us/

"As a candidate for president who publicly supports federal legislation for gay marriage, I applaud the Massachusetts Supreme Court for upholding the civil rights of citizens in their state by ruling it is unconstitutional for the state to deny marriage to gay and lesbian couples. The historic Goodridge et al. v. Department of Public Health decision can light the way for equality for all Americans.

"The effort by members of the Massachusetts state legislature to push a Denial of Marriage Act is a divisive measure. There must be federal protection for civil rights issues. Gay and lesbian couples should have equal protection under civil law. No state has a right to abridge basic rights to privacy. Separate is not equal.

"The right to marry is a civil right that should not be denied. I support federal legislation for civil marriage between same-sex couples. Civil Unions do not provide equal rights to LGBT Americans. According to a 1997 GAO report, civil marriage provides at least 1,049 legal protections and responsibilities from the federal government, including the right to take leave from work to care for a family member, the right to sponsor a spouse for immigration purposes, and Social Security survivor benefits that can make a difference between old age in poverty and old age in security. Civil unions are a kind of limbo with regard to governmental functions performed by both state and federal governments, such as taxation, pension protections, and provision of insurance for families."

For months I've been a Dean supporter...

...But his hedging response to the Massachussets gay marriage ruling has made me deeply wary... He seems ready to sell gays down the river, the way Clinton did with DOMA and "Don't Ask Don't Tell"...

Clearly, he's already decided that "it's not time" for my basic equality yet. He can get more votes turning his back on me.

At least Kucinich isn't afraid to openly talk about what gays *really* deserve: not near-equality-under-a-different-name, but actual equality.

we'd love your support.

Its about civil rights.