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October 14, 2007 at 14:48:24
Election Lessons and Why Kucinich Ought to Be the Next President by Jamie Santi Page 1 of 2 page(s) |
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Standing short at 5'7" tall, Dennis Kucinich has always been the favorite target of political jokes from left and right in the media. But no matter how funny looking he seemed to be to others who even consider him as a hobbit from Lord of the Rings, Dennis Kucinich has a lot more to offer than his looks. Election lesson number 1: "Don't judge a book by its cover." I have never met Kucinich in person. But whenever I see or hear him speak in a short time in a debate, I can feel that he is honest, passionate about serving, and speaking from his heart. If you still don't know, he is the only candidate who has always been consistent on his stands on issues especially about the war in Iraq. The consistency in his words and actions is what sets him apart from the top three (Clinton, Obama, Edwards). He voted against the war from the beginning and consistently voted against funding to continue this war, which was based on lies. But that's another story. Election lesson number 2: Electability should not be a factor
Note: Just imagine, if you just vote for him and not think twice anymore, he surely is darn electable!
Election lesson number 3: Look for a leader with a vision
You and I have heard from every candidate talking about change. But none among the top three are truly for change. They are now even saying that the war in Iraq will continue until 2013. They are sounding more like Republicans (with the exception of Ron Paul), which why I believe if anyone in top three were chosen today, they will probably lose to the Republican or it will be a tight race. But Kucinich is different. Here are his plans for America:
National Security
Kucinich will bring an end to the war in Iraq and bring the troops home. He will let a UN peace keeping force to stabilize Iraq and the middle-east region. He will have a change in policy and promote "Strength through peace." He will stop the use of unilateralization and pre-emptive attacks. Instead, he will use diplomacy and peaceful initiatives to create a safe and secure America as well as a peaceful Middle-East. He will also create a Department of Peace, which would address and handle issues about violence like abuse and hate crimes. The Department of Defense will remain (and ensure security in our borders). He will use war as the last resort to solve international crisis.
Note: We, humans, must learn that the barbaric ways of the past should be over. How many wars should we be into just to learn that we're all losers in war? It is possible to have peace in this world, if only we let it begin with ourselves. So, let America step up through Kucinich.
Healthcare
Kucinich is the only candidate who supports a single payer, "not for profit" health care system. He co-authored HR 676 US National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act). None of the other presidential candidates support this move. Others criticize him, free health care now (really now)? I tell them, if not now, when? It's about time for everyone to have the right to access health care.
Economy and Immigration
Kucinich will withdraw the US from NAFTA and WTO, which he believes as the cause on why jobs are being displaced overseas that is affecting the low to middle-working class of America. He will create a new fair trade agreement that will protect Americans' jobs as well as other countries. Therefore, countries like Mexico will also create opportunity for their citizens and a reason to stay at home. He supports giving a path to legalization to some undocumented immigrants because America is built upon immigration.
Environment and Energy
Kucinich considers his administration as a "Works Green Administration." He will move America away from its addiction to oil by promoting alternative energies especially solar and wind technology. This will not only create millions of new jobs for the working middle-class and improve the economy but also promotes the protection of the environment. A carbon tax emission (like what other candidates are proposing) is not enough to solve the urgency of climate change in our planet. Using alternative energy will speed up the process of healing the global environment.
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| 6 comments |
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Inform the voters
If these elections were run on the Issues, I can't imagine Dennis K. losing. I'm always amazed at how many people don't even know who he is, let alone that he's running for President. My fondest hope is that he follows through on his 'Impeach Dick Cheney' campaign. He'll put impeachment back on the table....where it belongs...and it would put Dennis K. in the spotlight...where he belongs. The filing of a formal 'Bill of Impeachment' would (maybe) drive Ms. Spears off the front page; and I agree that Dennis is very persuasive--and impressive--in person. He knows what he's talking about...and he does not bullsh_t ...two traits that are readily apparent to anyone observing him. Alas, we don't get to observe much of him! Why, I still haven't heard whether he wears an American flag pin or not! by Bill Tower (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 35 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Oct 15, 2007 at 12:36:49 PM
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Reply: Sorry
Sorry, but we must have a president who is capable of reading and understanding the US constitution. That leaves-out Kucinich. by M. Bennett (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 109 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Oct 15, 2007 at 2:18:20 PM
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Reply: Kucinich MUCH smarter
>>> Sorry, but we must have a president who is capable of reading and understanding the US constitution. >>>> Oh yeah? Since when....? by Bill Tower (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 35 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Oct 25, 2007 at 9:40:35 AM
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Kucinich
M Bennett, Kucinich does understand the Constitution. You're probably the one who doesn't understand it. by Ty (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 888 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Oct 15, 2007 at 5:29:39 PM
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Comments on article
I would like to make a couple corrections to the article. In your article you stated government should be for all not a majority few. I believe you meant minority few not majority few. A few is a small minority not a majority. Also the phrase not for profit should not have been put in quotes as quotes change the meaning of the phrase. Other candidates proposals for a carbon tax have nothing to do with fighting global warming and climate change. Carbon tax would be a regressive tax thats about redistributing wealth from the poor and middle classes to the superwealthy elites. by Ty (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 888 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Oct 15, 2007 at 5:45:19 PM
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GREAT ARTICLE
You nailed it! Thanks for a great article! by Meryl Ann Butler (70 articles, 82 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 722 comments [29 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 1:47:17 AM
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