A personal message from Dennis.....

Kevin asked me to post this for y'all...
Peace
DR


A personal message from Dennis Kucinich
by K Spidel
Sat Mar 20th, 2004

As some of you may know, I work as a Sr. staffer on the Kucinich Campaign. Below is a message the Congressman crafted last night on his way from Alaska to the NYC Protests in which he will be addressing the masses there. Please read the below message as to why we are still in this game.

Peace,
Kevin Spidel
National Political Field Director
Kucinich for President, Inc.
http://www.kucinich.us
Diaries :: KSpidel's diary ::
My commitment remains steadfast, stand by your principles

A personal message from Dennis:

I'm still on the road, and many people are wondering why.  The answer is as simple as it is profound:  because this is such a critical moment to let Americans know they can still voice their concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party. We already know which way the nomination is going, but we have to ensure that the Democratic Party goes in the direction of peace, health care for all, fair trade, and civil liberties. And the way for the Democrats to win in November is to make sure that our party has the broadest reach.  That's what this campaign is about.

There are 16 primary elections between now and the 9th of June. During that period of time I intend to continue to rally Democrats everywhere around the growth of our party, around our ability to inspire people's practical aspirations for peace, around the urgent need that, in November, we not simply offer the people of America a Democratic version of the Republican war in Iraq.

We have the opportunity within our movement, within our party, to win the affection of the American people with our courage and our determination to offer real alternatives. That's how you win elections. So my commitment remains steadfast, and I need your commitment as well. I need you to continue to back this effort to get the word out, to give the Democratic Party a deeper meaning, and to keep having a deeper conversation between now and the convention about who we are as a party. You are the only ones who can help make that happen.

I'm going to be on this trail, I'm not relenting. I made a commitment a long time ago to this nation and to this party that the Democratic Party will not just be relevant, but will stand for courage and for faith in democracy. This campaign, which has had its ups and its downs, is about a consistent commitment. That commitment, as we move towards the convention, can only make us a stronger party, and make our nominee that much stronger as we demonstrate the willingness of the Democratic Party to expand to the fullest.

There are those who have expressed concern over Ralph Nader's candidacy. You know and I know that it is our campaign which will keep faith with all those who are wondering what the Democratic Party is doing. That it's our campaign that continues to attract Greens, and members of the Natural Law Party, and Libertarians, and Reform Party members.

We need to continue to bring people into the Democratic Party and the only way we can do that is to demonstrate that there are Democrats out there who stand by the principles that this campaign is based on. By doing that, we will have the credibility and the legitimacy to ask people to stay with us through November. That's the kind of commitment I have to this party. That's the commitment I have to victory in November, and that's the commitment I have to this nation.

But let's not just "keep this together"; let's strengthen our effort. Continue to help our efforts in organizing as we move through the next 16 elections. Continue to help fund this effort that has always been dependent upon people such as yourselves. Continue to help speed this forward as we demonstrate this capacity of the Democratic Party to address the broad based concerns of the American people.

We know the direction of the nomination is pretty much a settled matter but we must show, as we move towards our convention, that the Democratic Party remains a vibrant party with a capacity for growth. That it remains a party committed to peace. That it remains a party that committed to health care for all, to civil liberties, to fair trade, and to all the things the American people care about.

That is the message of this campaign. The message is alive and vibrant. It pulsates with the fondest aspirations of the American people. You are the ones who can keep it happening, and your help continues to be needed.

So thank you. Thank you for being with us. I look forward to continuing this important work - together.

Dennis Kucinich

edit for link-
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/3/20/161418/162

continue to work for us, to speak for us, to be steadfast in his commitment for change, for a kinder, healthier, more prosperous nation, I can continue to support him and the agenda for as long as it takes.

On his way to NY, where he is out with the demonstrators today, adding his voice and support for world peace and for bringing our troops home.

stronger. He wants to help Kerry be a stronger nominee.

True blue. A real patriot with a commitment to country and humanity above all else.

I think his speech in Boston will be the beginning of the movement that makes him the future Speaker of the House.

Speaker of the House. I would like that as much as president. Speaker Kucinich :).

He's not a Bush style lying liar!

Give em Truth, Dude!



Kerry :toast: Clark

...My respect for the man still hasn't peaked. :thhumbsup:

to send me a field contact list asap! LOL

Only half kidding, I lost all my email from a certain point on and can't get a response.:evilfrown:

:hi:
check your email..:)

Peace
DR

I'm proud of DK and I'm glad he's standing up. We're not the JK fan club, we're the Democratic Party...and if we of all people don't believe in the principle of every voice being heard then by God no one will. Keep sluggin' Dennis!

We've taken some bashing here, and your generous comment means a lot!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Kanary

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

:toast:

I've already contributed my miniscule amount for this month.

We are not worthy of such a fine leader. Of course, I thought that about Wellstone, Bobby, and Bernie Sanders.:evilgrin:

Seriously. DK is either the future of the Democratic Party, or the voice that will show us the way to something better. Right now, DK is the only hope I have for the future of our party.

DK is a voice that cries from the wilderness, as John the Baptist, or the prophet Isaiah.

We could have chosen better...

and imperalism!!!!

Dennis is so unique that it's difficult, if not impossible, to come up with words to describe just what he's made of, and what he is giving to us all.

I think the future will show us that we are missing out if we don't, SOON!, gather behind this wonderful man, and let him lead us to some much needed change for this nation.

Kanary

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

I am so pumped about our upcoming DFL county convention, we Kucitizens will be there in force, and I've pretty much got a lock on being a delegate to the state convention! PLUS, being on our county's resolutions committee, I already know that the MOST resolutions that were turned in at the caucuses were all straight from DK's platform! :D

sw

good for you sw...:hug:
and a delegate...oh very cool! We gotta get that platform in ( as much of it as we can)

:loveya:
DR

All through 2001 I saw everyone on DU bemoaning our fate under bush*. Well, I decided to DO something. I jumped in and got involved in our local party organization starting with the caucuses in 2002. I realized I couldn't just post on DU, there's a real world of DOING something out there.

It may not be much, but it has staved off a whole lot of despair and ennui. And now, with a truly inspirational Democratic candidate like Dennis to work for, I couldn't be happier about my decision to get involved in the party! :bounce:

sw
:loveya:

:hug:

I know....I actually found myself heading up the DK group in my town....I am not sure where I'll go from here...getting caught up on important life things that I let slide for about a year....recoup my energies for a bit......still workin gofr Dennis as much as I can ....

Dennis sure is inspiring...I've done more things because of and for him than I ever dreamed....

sw & DK :yourock:

:loveya:
DR

YOU are one of the lights in this dark world! Whatever you do, I know it helps make this world a better place!

:loveya:

sw

:hug:
sw, you are one special woman!

have you checked out Spiralhawks latest thread in the MR...massive medicine wheel MAy 8...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=111x20377



:loveya:
DR

:hug: back to ya!

sw
:loveya:

Yes, people overwhelmingly want what Dennis is speaking up for. I'm glad they have to courage to at least pass the platform! Wish they had voted en masse for the man himself!

You would be a great delegate, and I'll keep sending some warm fuzzy thoughts your way!

Kanary

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

:loveya:

I'm a lifelong Democrat from a family of lifelong Democrats. And for the first time in YEARS, there's finally a REAL Democrat to get excited about!

sw

While all is going to hell around me, I still have reason to celebrate.

That's more than *something*... maybe it's even "ALL".

Kanary, who's with Dennis..... to Boston and beyond!

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

As soon as I read "we not simply offer the people of America a Democratic version of the Republican war in Iraq", that's it for me with Dennis.

What a crock of BS. I like the guy to some extent and find his followers to be genuinely nice people, but it's time to call a spade a spade.

Cutting and running in Iraq is not the solution. Bush blew up the country. So do we leave Iraq and its people behind to become a humanitarian disaster?

Isolationism is not the answer either. Do we leave NAFTA and watch the economies in Latin America, Canada, US, Europe and Asia go in a tailspin and start a disastrous trade war? Hoover tried that in the 30's.

Would "universal healthcare" a la Kucinich-style ever get passed in Washington? No. It's ludicrous to even get in a realistic discussion about how his policies would ever pass.

If Dennis would get off his high horse and look at what Kerry's solutions are and face reality that his campaign has been a failure, the Democratic party would be much better off.

It is time to grow up and offer solutions that will work realistically.

I'm a Democrat. Why shouldn't MY viewpoints count too? Or would you prefer that I drop out of the Democratic party as well?

No one can stop you from showing up and pissing in a Kucinich celebration thread. But if you think that you're going to win any support for YOUR candidate by doing so, you are sadly mistaken.

In fact, I'm going to go make another donation to KUCINICH right now.

sw

I like Kucinich fans like anyone else but have to honestly say that his policies are not realistic, imo.

I suspect a lot of Kucinich fans will vote for Nader. Whatever....

doesn't mean that we automatically vote for Nader...sheesh....:eyes:

why the hell would we want Nader anyway? Pretty damn obvious he won't win...also not obvious that Keerry will win....

What exactly do you propose for someone to do if both (all) choices are not even closee to what they want or stand for?? I'm curious...

Peace
DR

You can like Kucinich and his polices and give him money or whatever. Vote for him in the primaries if you can. He's in last place with 23 delegates. He's not going to have much say in the convention with that amount.

You and I probably agree on most things. I marched against the War for instance.
I also understand Kerry's position on the IWR vote. I've done my homework on all the candidates and picked Kerry as my candidate last June when it was all laid out on the table.

I hope you don't go for Nader, if only because of the obvious reasons.

Cutting and running in Iraq is not the solution. Bush blew up the country. So do we leave Iraq and its people behind to become a humanitarian disaster?

You are obviously not familiar with DK"s plan to ge tus out...it is NOT cutting and running...it is finding a solution that will allow us to get our troops out and clean up the mess we caused. No way would Dennis let those people suffer any more than they already have.

Isolationism is not the answer either. Do we leave NAFTA and watch the economies in Latin America, Canada, US, Europe and Asia go in a tailspin and start a disastrous trade war?

Not what he is saying and not what would happen...We were trading with these countries BEFORE NAFTA & WTO were enacted...these agreements only benefit corporations and not the people who are directly affected. They also have built in clauses that PREVENT them from being changed or modified...so we are to keep things that don't work & harm so many so the Corporate biggies can keep their profits?( and weren't you just all concerned about the people in Iraq that bush blew up? where does that concern stop?)

Would "universal healthcare" a la Kucinich-style ever get passed in Washington? No. It's ludicrous to even get in a realistic discussion about how his policies would ever pass.

You appear to have no real knowledge of his policies, how he plans to enact them and what most people in this country want and sorely need.


Dennis is not on a high horse- he is the most practical and caring political person out there....Kerry's solutions continue to benefit big money and corporate interests and if you can't see that...maybe you need to consider growing up and looking at the larger picture.


You want the war to continue & most likely a draft? Well then -Kerry's your man. You want people in other countries working for pennies on the dollar in horribleconditions...more outsourceing of American jobs? Then again...Kerry is probably your man...

Please don't give me your pronouncement that Dennis Kucinich 's campaign is a failure and turn around and try to tell me that Kerry has real solutions.for me...because it is patently untrue...Kerry offers me ( and many many many others) NOTHING!

Peace
DR

too many typos- had to edit

I've examined Kucinich's policies thoroughly.

As far as Kerry's plans for Iraq are, they are actually quite similar to many parts of Kucinich's ideas. Perhaps if you knew Kerry's solutions, you would agree.

As for leaving NAFTA and the WTO, pointing out that we used to trade without them before is not getting it. We trade that way now. Kerry is for mending, not ending NAFTA trade policies.

Kucinich's ideas on universal healthcare that takes the profit out of healthcare is insipid at best. Do you want to have a fight for universal healthcare that has absolutely no way to get passed or have affordable healthcare through reasonable and timely means, as is evident with Kerry's solutions.

Face it. Kerry is the nominee. He's not perfect, but you have two choices. Bush or Kerry.

If you want to vote for Nader (which it sounds like you would by your comments), take off your mask and tell us that you'd rather not vote for Kerry and would rather hand your vote to Bush.

It's that simple.

you are way too black & white my friend....

If you want to vote for Nader (which it sounds like you would by your comments), take off your mask and tell us that you'd rather not vote for Kerry and would rather hand your vote to Bush.
It's that simple.

Hell, of course I'd rather NOT vote for Kerry...but did I say anywhere that I would vote Nader instead? Why do you assume that because I dislike both options that I would pick a third...and just what mask do you mean?
What exactly are you trying to say here?

as far as NAFTA- it is a fact they cannot be MENDED... there are clauses within that do not allow them to be changed? DK wants to end them and renegotiate a FAIR trade agreement.

I will certainly look over Kerry's Iraq plans, but going by what he has STATED...I am NOT impressed...sorry.:shrug: its a continuation of what we have done under bush...its all about the big money....if that works for you then Kerry is your man...but he is not mine...sorry.

Peace
DR
edit after the usual typo edit to make sure it is clear that when I say I will certainly never ever vote bush and even tho I am not remotely pleased with Kerry- I WILL vote the dem to get bush out...clearer now I hope.

I'm a Democrat. I'll vote for the Democratic nominee. That doesn't mean I have to like who he is. I'll be voting to get bush* out of office -- period.

But I'm NOT going to stop working to see that the principles of non-violence and anti-corporatism that Dennis represents get paid some attention WITHIN the Democratic party.

sw

I prefer non-violence and anti-corporatism in politics. I wish you the best in your efforts.

showing up in a Kucinich thread saying, "He should drop out".

sw

When Kucinich insinuates that Kerry would "bring the Democratic version of the Republican war" that he is full of....whatever.

I didn't realize that Kucinich threads were so territorial.

I didn't realize that Kucinich threads were so territorial.


LOL what the hell did you expect? you come in trashing DK -telling him to drop out....and then ask us to face reality? really pretty funny dude!


and BTW...he is NOT full of ...whatever....he's right.

:shrug: maybe its you who needs that wee touch of reality.
:evilgrin:
DR

I know. It's a conspiracy!

Uhh,we actually do realize that DK will unfortuantely not be the nom and that he has fewer delegates...we don't need your little reality check for that.

So the point of your post is...to...what...put us in our *place*? well, thanks but no thanks...we supporters of Kucinich are not going away...there is much more work to be done as scarletwoman has already stated.

Sorry, we don't like Kerry...deal with it...just like we'll deal with the fact you seem to have to trash DK & his supporters to make your postion more palatable or for whatever reason.

Things will be borne out in Nov. I just feel Kerry is not the best choice to beat bush. But if JK loses, you can't blame those of us who will suck it up & vote dem anyhow....you may get our votes but I doubt very strongly you will ever get any of us to see him as someone we admire the way we admire Dennis.

Again...thanks everso for sharing here.....

Peace
DR

So who is? Lemme guess. The guy with 23 delegates?

One can dream.

at the senate/state convention level my friend. FAR more than 23 I will tell you that...

Or haven't you noticed over the years that Democrats involve us in wars just as readily as Republicans do.

As for Kucinich threads being "territorial" -- I merely pointed out that your posting "He should drop out" is inconsistent with you "wishing me the best".

And as for your "wee bit of reality" -- slavery and women being denied the right to vote were once "reality" also. "Reality" changes all the time, which is why some of us prefer to work toward what could be, instead of merely resigning ourselves to what is.

Gandhi faced the "reality" of the full weight of the British Empire fighting to maintain its control of India. He "faced" it straight on, and then went ahead working to change it.

I'm all for "facing reality", I just don't intend to stop there and not try to change it.

sw

You're soooo right about "reality", scarletwoman! We've been told to "face it" and "accept it" for eons, and those ofus who maintain our sense of integrity still insist in our right to express ourselves, and our deepest desires. Oh wait... that's also the "American ideal". :)

It's healthy to draw boundaries, both personal and political, and insist that others respect them. We're here on DU precisely because for too long, spineless Dems allowed the Republicans to obliterate our boundaries. We gathered here to honor those boundaries as right and just. I suspect the Republicans also see that as "territorial"....... but what is healthy is to be preserved.

The same with those of us who see the value of a candidate who speaks the original viewpoint of the Democratic Party. He is setting forth boundaries within which the Dems have traditionally operated. It is indeed healthy for us to be listening to him, to respect his views, and to do what we can to give his platform the strength it needs to succeed.

In turn, setting our own boundaries, and resisting efforts to denigrate our choices, is the essence of health. It is the spirit of the Democratic ideals to respect those boundaries, and to understand the difference of opinion is to be appreciated and protected. Calling us "territorial" is the antithesis of healthy debate, and only weakens the party. It is sad that such devisive attacks are even allowed here, but sadder still that it's necessary to point out the anti-Democratic nature of these attacks.

Rock on, scarletwoman! You speak the truth! :hi:

Kanary

Another Delusional Diehard for Dennis!!

Kucinich 2004!

His program would only make our already overly expensive medical system more expensive; when it already is the most expensive..
Why you think it impossible to implement..US Steel and the AMA has already endorsed DK's plan..Only the likes of the power of Aetna's lobbyists prevent it from happening. Do good references.
Insipid..YOu have not traveled very much...Should see how the rest of the world operates...

The Iraqi's will not know the difference between a Kerry American Marine or a Bush U.S. Marine..They are both hated as imperialistic lepers usuring their resources.. Kerry in office would be greated with the same Iraqi hatred as Bush receives.
You think a change of presidents' changes the face of occupation.
The only way out is to change the face of troops to a more international flavor before Iraq will be tamed.
Last Friday's Baghdad protests...Huge crowds.Fehemently anti american. Do you not know the history of resistance to British occupation.Kerry will inherit that same whirlwind.It is Kerry who hasn't a clue and too timid to face reality.
Way to go DK..Keep speaking the truth no matter how hard it is to teach history to Americans..
Do we not recall how LBJ got cought up in the Eisenhower/ Dulles VietNam legacy..Why is Kerry any different..

Do we not recall how LBJ got cought up in the Eisenhower/ Dulles VietNam legacy..Why is Kerry any different..

perfect example...and then there is the corporate tie ins in the mix -perhaps much more now than then...

Way to go DK..Keep speaking the truth no matter how hard it is to teach history to Americans..

Love it! absolutely LOVE IT!

Peace

DR

the Residency of George W. Bullshit.

With all due respect.....what a crock of shit. You don't have to look too deeply to see that the so called "realistic" status quo is not working and is rapidly taking our nation down to third world status.

It's time for our country to grow up. Growing up means innovating, improving, changing and maturing. Democrats buying into corporate republican propaganda is only going to get us nothing but the same old corporate horseshit that has already all but destroyed nation.

...that photograph!

You can't help but :loveya: him.

As it has been said already on this thread, my respect for DK never stops growing. He was my favorite 2 years ago and he is just leaving all others in the dust! :)

GO DENNIS!

in this campaign only shows how much class and caring and smarts he truly has....the movement continues!!!!

DK :yourock:

:hug: TWL

Peace
DR

I want to be like DK when I grow up.

:loveya: