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February 8, 2008 at 08:33:12
Is Dennis Kucinich Getting McKinney'd by Kevin Zeese Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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Former Presidential Candidate Who Advocated Peace and Impeachment Facing Well-Financed Challenge at Home On the Hill some call it being McKinney’d – the treatment Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney received when she was in Congress. Twice, rather than protecting the incumbent, the Democrats put up well funded challengers against her. Now, it looks like Dennis Kucinich may be facing the same treatment in Cleveland. There is a report circulating the web that before the Nevada primary Kucinich was visited by representatives of Nancy Pelosi and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the right wing Israeli lobby. They told him that if he would drop his campaigns to impeach Cheney and Bush, they would guarantee his re-election to the House of Representatives. Kucinich threw them out of his office. See, http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2008/02/371899.shtml. Kucinich has aggressively challenged the Democratic Party leadership in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail on the issues of war, civil liberties, impeachment and big business control of government. He’s even refused to pledge to endorse the party’s presidential nominee. 
The Democratic leadership has insisted that impeachment was off the table since taking control of the House in 2006. Congressman Conyers, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, has even refused to investigate whether President Bush and Vice President Cheney have violated the law. But Kucinich pushed the issue. He introduced articles of impeachment against Cheney, then against Bush and he brought the issue up on the House floor. He pushed and pushed to try to make sure the president and vice president were not above the law.
On the campaign trail he didn’t let Senator Clinton or Obama get away with campaign peace rhetoric in the Democratic primary while they voted war funding with no strings attached in the senate. He pointed out that their rhetoric was not consistent with their actions. He pushed the issue of all troops being removed; while Obama and Clinton parse their words carefully making it clear they will withdraw only some of the troops and neither promising a complete troop withdrawal even by 2012.
And he pierced the veil of campaign rhetoric of Democrats who call for “universal health care” but put forward plans that will enrich their donors in the private health insurance industry.
On issue after issue Kucinich pushed against the Democratic Party leadership – now, it seems he is paying a price.
In Cleveland, Kucinich is being challenged by several candidates. The one that is getting the most attention and funding is City Councilman Joe Cimperman. He’s served on the council for ten years and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from real estate interests to challenge Kucinich. He’s been saying that Kucinich focuses too much on campaigning for president and not on the district. The Mayor of Cleveland and the Cleveland Plain Dealer has endorsed Cimperman.
Kucinich, who has been focused on the presidential campaign, has very little money in the bank (reportedly only about $30,000). He’s been putting out fundraising appeals (see, e.g., http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LehCxhHPXQ8) and has a fundraiser planned with Sean Penn.
Back home the issue of right wing Israeli lobby funding is becoming an issue. Cimperman put out a press release that urges Kucinich to refute a report in the People’s Weekly World Newspaper that said the “Kucinich campaign charged” that Cimperman’s effort to unseat Kucinich was financed in large part from “a right-wing pro-Israel group.”
Cimperman has been somewhat theatrical in his campaign. He’s been putting up signs “Where’s Dennis?” and describing him as a “Missing Congressman.” Cimperman took the poster to Kucinch’s office and delivered a copy on videotape. See http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pd-8nwj7GWY. Kucinich responded by asking Homeland Security to investigate the filming of government property. Cimperman responded with another video calling Kucinch a hypocrite for violating his privacy while railing against government intrusion into people’s lives. See http://youtube.com/watch?v=lJsC99FDdeQ&feature=user.
No doubt if Kucinch had kow-towed to Nancy Pelosi, been less aggressive in his comments in the presidential debates and agreed to endorse the Democratic presidential nominee, the Democratic Party would be discouraging opponents and coming to the aid of an incumbent who has been in the House since 1996.
But elected officials like McKinney and Kucinch who challenge the Democratic Party line – who think for themselves and feel a responsibility to fight for their constituents and challenge corporate power – are a hindrance to the party leadership. They get in the way and let the public know what is really going on. So, they must be either tamed or made an example of.
If Kucinich gets McKinney’d you can be sure the message will be received. Those, like Congressman Conyers, who’ve been around for awhile (Conyers has been in the House since 1965) know better than to step too far out of line. So, Conyers has remained silent on Bush’s law breaking – protecting his committee chairmanship by being afraid to use it. Conyers has been tamed but Kucinich hasn’t. So, Kucinich needs to be taught a lesson that other members will learn from. The growing revolt of the “Out of Iraq Caucus” needs to be kept impotent. Knocking out Kucinich will prevent others from too loudly disobeying leadership.
Kucinich has faced tough battles in Cleveland before. When he was mayor he stood up to corporate interests that wanted to take over Cleveland’s public utility and survived a recall election. And, Cimperman is not the only challenger, there are several, so the anti-Kucinich vote may be sufficiently divided for the congressman to retain his seat.
If he doesn’t Kucinich may find new political opportunities that give him a bigger platform. Perhaps he will leave the Democratic Party with whom he has had so much disagreement and join Cynthia McKinney in the Green Party (see http://www.runcynthiarun.org/) – a party whose platform is consistent with his. If so a McKinney-Kucinich ticket could be an interesting development in the 2008 election year. The Democrats may regret their punishment of both McKinney and Kucinich.
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| 34 comments |
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Perhaps it will be for the better
It's wonderful to have Dennis in congress, but who knows, if he, for example, started a foundation, what kinds of great things he could accomplish. He's a very smart man who, I am sure, if he loses his house seat, will land on his feet and come out ready to do more significant work. I hope he can keep his seat, but I'm 100% certain we won't lose him as a strong activist and advocate if he leaves congress. by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 8:44:29 AM  (0+)
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Reply: DK is no Democrat
by today's National Democrat Party standards - and good for him. I agree it may bode well for We the People if Dennis Kucinich left his totally corrupted party. The grassroots revolution is on, and we need all the able leaders we can find. Next, let's yank Ron Paul into grassroots leadership. He certainly is no Republican based on today's Republican standards. If I had a vote that actually counted, in an electoral system that was actually fair, I'd put Cynthia McKinney down for President and bring DK, RP and Naomi Klein into her cabinet. by Rady Ananda (182 articles, 374 quicklinks, 49 diaries, 1718 comments [201 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 12:50:05 PM (0+)
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The Kucinich's new project...
by Cheri Roberts (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 435 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 9:26:14 AM (0+)
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Yes Kucinich will be an activist if he is defeated but . .
Yes, Dennis will continue to fight for peace and justice if he is defeated in his re-election bid but that is not the point. The point is that the Democratic Party destroys those -- or attempts to destroy those -- who push too hard for peace and justice. When they McKinny'd McKinney (twice) and now go after Kucinich it is a message to the progressive wing of the party -- don't pust to hard against corporate-government or you will be removed from the corporate-government. It is not a good message for politics in America. Where would the impeachment movement be without Kucinich in office? Who will progressives go to as a reliable advocate inside the government? And won't those progressives who remain behind be weakened by the McKinneying of Kucinich? by Kevin Zeese (102 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 62 comments [13 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 9:41:20 AM (0+)
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Reply: so... how do we respond?
The dems invited many of the leading progressive media to a summit meeting last week. They want to work with us. That must mean they walk a two way street, not just us helping them. What can we do to send them a message? by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 9:54:23 AM (0+)
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Reply: How to respond to the Dems
The best response is to say -- you are the media and you will report. You will report the truth -- their top two candidates have empowered Bush on the war, they've empowered banks and finance on bankruptcy, they've undermined civil liberties with the Patriot Act and approving NSA spying. You will report the truth about how Dennis Kucinch is treated, how the Out of Iraq Caucus is ignored. And, you will let the public know they have more choices than just the Dems and Repubs. You cannot be captured by either political party but must remain independent. When they do good -- report it; when they do bad -- report that as well. Do not let the Democratic Party capture you or you will not be independent media any longer, you will be an arm of the Democratic Party. KZ by Kevin Zeese (102 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 62 comments [13 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 10:26:29 AM (0+)
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Reply: A Summit Meeting?
Summit meetings imply an exchange of ideas for the purpose of finding common ground. The Democrats were not proposing a summit meeting. They were asking for a meeting so they could "sell their products" to a hostile segment of the media. Was the Democratic Party planning to make any concessions to progressives at this summit? Of course not. Was the Democratic Party going to allow real progressive journalists to question their presidential candidates during a televised debate? Of course not. Was the Democratic Party going to acknowledge they are doing all they can to block the emergence of third parties? Of course not. Was the Democratic Party going to admit they shouldn't have held public debates unless all "ballot qualified" candidates, e.g. Kucinich, had an opportunity to participate? Of course not. Was the Democratic Party going to admit we cannot afford both guns and butter and that they refuse to put any limits whatsoever on "defense" spending? Of course not. There is no "summit meeting." The Democratic Party has no intention of catering to progressives. They want our money; they want our votes; they want us to shut the hell up. Just like the corporations that fund them, the Democratic Party seeks to profit at the expense of the American people. by welshTerrier2 (7 articles, 3 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 105 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 11:39:55 AM (0+)
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Reply: We must let them know 100%..............
we will continue to use all of our might and resources to fight and "Take Back America"...............if we get another Bushco....we immediately push for Impeachment again..............sooner or later the dam will break........... The people cannot take this sh*t forever...........I figure when gasoline hits about 6 to 8 dollars a gallon and believe me, believe me that will happen just as soon as the election is over................even the worst couch potato will be about ready to lynch them all.................... by Ernest (0 articles, 8 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 221 comments [40 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 9:36:20 AM (0+)
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Reply: Summit Meeting Call
Rob: Go and let the Democrats know exactly the degree of irritation there is out here. Meanwhile, loosing Kucinich from Congress is not an option in my book. I really don't care who controls Congress, so long as the actual people in Congress are people of sound moral character and who understand what their job is. We don't need a Congress with fewer Kucinich's, we need a Congress with more like him. At least he stands up for his principles (and actually has some) and believes in the rule of law. What is it we get from Nancy Pelosi or John Conyer's, political rhetoric and double speak. We don't need that and we don't need people like them in Congress. Until that message is received load and clear by Dems that We The People want our government back and we are willing to fight, donate and speak up to achieve that end, we are going to get more like Pelosi and Conyers, not fewer like them and lose the real principled individuals like Kucinich when we need them most. by Peter Wedlund (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 211 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 12:41:04 PM (0+)
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"McKinney'd"
I'm glad for this article. I knew there was more than met the eye for Dennis's departure. I am still bewildered as to WHY he threw his support to Obama and not Edwards even though he gave a reason, the reason makes little sense the more I read and educate myself on Obama. I just posted on a thread the other day that I was voting for Cynthia and when ppl asked me who I was voting for, I said the Green Party. Kucinich SHOULD join her and THEN ppl like me and other Liberals (and Conservatives) that don't agree or are aware of this Government tyranny evolving, will have a place to go to vote their conscience. Dennis and Cynthia would make a great ticket. I am even considering registering another Party. I am currently registered democrat; however, I can't even condone the policies of Pelosi, Hoyer and most of the DLC. The Democrat sheeple are almost as bad as the Republican sheeple. Both offer nothing but rhetoric, procrastination, more Gov surveillance, less freedom of protest, bigger military spending, no real healthcare plan--more rhetoric--and more constitutioanl violation. Both parties pale in the truth of the RULE OF LAW and rarely abide by it. Dennis, on the other hand, never wavered from his course for his candidacy. He never changed his philosophies when the media found out what the ppl REALLY wanted and then waved to that side. It has been like a meter on Corpstream media except the Corpstreams make certain the constitution and Liberties are never brought up. Israel is not a Democratic Government. Spying is their trademark. I guess those of us that support Dennis and or Cynthia must be a threat to them as well. For those that want to read up on the Khasars (Russian immigrant Germany Jews--Israeli Gov), go to Benjamin Freedman's speech at the Willard Hotel, 196?. It will enlighten you to the difference between our Jewish friends and the ones running the state of Israel. Nancy, Nancy,Nancy, how low can you stoop? I guess you showed us now, didn't you? Bullying an "honest" congressman, priceless. I certainly hope to help online campaign for the Green party. I put forth all this energy signing petitions online. Possibly putting forth that energy towards the Green Party can move it upward. I'll think about your question posed, Mr. Kall. I agree, we need to get up, stand up and take our country back. It's getting brutal out there... by shirley reese (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 592 comments [98 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 12:00:57 PM (0+)
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Read my last article for an answer to motivating the Dems
I wrote an article about this. The dems will not be listening to us unless we make our demands very public. Not behind closed door meetings with a select few. http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_elaine_b_080206_don_t_get_caught_by_.htm My article may not be as eloquent as some of the other writers, but the point is clear. Tim Carpenter stated that we must step off the sidelines and demand that the democratic candidate for president pay attention to the peace and justice movement. The only way that can happen if we make it happen. Not just be a few, but by many, many people being involved in meetings and discussions openly so that we set the terms of the debates, not them. by Elaine Brower (21 articles, 3 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 24 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 12:28:30 PM (0+)
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Reply: How about holding protests outside of recruitment centers?
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_kevin_go_080208_stand_in_solidarity_.htm Or anywhere else deemed to be fit for opposing this illegal war. Any conversation on this illegal war and then torture will lead to calling for impeachment. When the people are out on the streets angry and demanding impeachment, we will get what we want. If business as usual cannot go on, we will triumph. by Kevin Gosztola (302 articles, 146 quicklinks, 81 diaries, 1082 comments [77 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 2:59:37 PM (0+)
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McKinney's take two
I can't help but come back to this article. It's not like I didn't know there was corruption in DC and congress and the Executive, I did. However, this report on Dennis and the "applied pressure" from AIPAC and Nancy, says more than just repressing him. They said they "could guarantee him the congressional win" if he dropped the Impeachment talk. If they can guarantee "wins", then they can certainly guarantee "losses" and if they can just guarantee!, then our voting system is certainly corrupt, no ends and butts. That's proof right there. The Presidency must be already decided most likely. Your vote is just a wave in the air. Democracy and the 15th Amendment is about as worthy as a penny thrown in a wishing well. One thing, can the ppl of California EVEN vote her out? Or can she just Now I know why they had to put that UFO thing in the debate. They will make Dennis out to be a whacko and, if ever, he can expose their hell bent bribery threat, it will be passed off as though he were just a crazy man. Not to hard to figga these fools out. What to do. Corpstream media isn't going to pass this info on. I hope Mr. Kall that you can get other online media sources to print this. Where is DemocracyNow, and Bill Moyer? This is hot stuff. This makes Agnews bribery look micro. Bruce Fein(a conservative Republican) that actually wrote the CLinton impeachment articles had an Impeachment wagon going. Guess they squashed his pursuit? His site is dormant, last time I checked. (American Freedom Agenda). Bush named something almost exactly like it, probably to detour ppl from Mr Fein's site. I doubt they are done with Dennis yet. He has more on them NOW, then he did with just impeachment legislation. I'm surprised your site is still up!. I'm sorry that I am so pessimistic and untrusting of this Government. I would love to have it the other way. As far as that summit, don't trust them on that meeting either. They meant no good. Now, if we can just apply some of that Pelosi pressure and find out when Bush is declaring Martial Law. I'm almost sure they have a date for that. Back up all your files Mr. Kall. I urge ppl to Push your states to do as mine did, and ask your State Bar Association to make a resolution declaring "Restoration of the Rule of Law". It's a start. Soon we will see the true patriots and the psuedo patriots of this country revealed. by shirley reese (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 592 comments [98 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 2:59:59 PM (0+)
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McKinnying Kucinich and the Progressive Voice
As a strong supporter for Kucinich based on his stance on ending the war, single payer not for profit health care, and ending free trade agreements, I want to see him remain in Congress now, since progressive voices in the Congress are few and far between. We cannot afford to lose another voice to the corporate oligarchy. I believe the Democrats will continue to march towards the right while calling themselves liberal, but their voting records show the truth. You can't spin voting for funding an illegal war of agression in Iraq and call yourself a peace candidate and a party of peace. It's time for progressives to abandon the democrats as another part of the corporate government which thrives on war, for profit health care, and business favoring free trade agreements. The working families need to wake and understand that our voices are not being taken seriously by the DLC controlled Democratic Party. I will continue to fight the party on the grassroots level to become a voice for working families instead of the big money corporate players throwing money at their campaigns. by Dave Peter (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 26 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 3:17:04 PM (0+)
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Dismayed!
Iam dismayed after reading the 14 comments posted before me. When are you going to quit ranting and get yourselves elected or appointed democratic precinct committeepersons. That's how you take over a party. Have you learned nothing from the Republicans over the last 30 years? It can be done, so do it. Yes, it will take a while, but almost everything that's worth anything does take time. Even those who are my age, 73 can get it done by mentoring someone in their 20s or 30s. I know, its easier to go to sleep. Fine, do it and wake up to find yourselfe in a nightmare. by Kenneth Briggs (186 articles, 88 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 142 comments [6 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 4:48:57 PM (0+)
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Reply: I'd love to...
corporate america still has me chained to a desk at 7pm on a Friday night. My conscience would be clearer if I could retire and become an activist. For now, I can only thank you, and give you my word that if I make it to retirement, I will follow your lead. We owe a debt of graditude to all true patriots like you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! by Digitboy (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 26 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 8:56:55 PM (0+)
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Reply: Yes, I did that myself a few years ago in Florida...
... I even ran for the chair of the county party and got quite a few votes. I became a District chair and all that which you see in my bio. Progressives, if they have the numbers, and a lot fewer numbers are necessary than you might think, could take over the DNC in as little as two to four years. First step is to take over a majority of the county DECs in a majority of the states. Once you do that , the hard part is over. The county DECs choose the people who vote at the state level, and then the state folks choose their representatives to the DNC who vote on things at that level. If you do this concurrently with a good PR campaign to sell progressive values to the nation, you have really done the right thing from both ends. by Steven Leser (255 articles, 58 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 2147 comments [63 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 3:40:00 AM (0+)
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Thank You Kevin
Wonderful article and I am spreading it everywhere. It looks like the corporate democratic party just officially declared war on progressive politics. They declared war on us. Rock On Cynthia McKinney by Michael Cavlan (15 articles, 0 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 538 comments [131 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 5:15:04 PM (0+)
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"Working with" the Dem Party?
Such power structures as the Dem Party that has trashed McKinney and Kucinich ignore grassroots efforts .... until a grassroots effort shows clout that can no longer be ignored. Then comes the friendly overture, in this case a "summit". Pardon the cynicism of an old timer who, as an environmentalist, has seen such overtures at state and regional level since the 60s. "Working with" means conditions and concessions. There is a real threat to the "free market" Dem Party in the form of the rage out in the land, and they want to bond with it so as to neutralize any danger to their interests. A Pelosi-AIPAC attempt to squelch K's impeachment effort. How absolutely classic. I didn't know whether to laugh or punch the wall. How to respond? In poker, you don't show your hand. Let them talk, you listen. Then walk away and say you'll think about it. And let us all know what they said. by Bill Willers (11 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 50 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 5:29:22 PM (0+)
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Reply: Its much more simple and less dramatic than that...
see my message above about taking over. by Steven Leser (255 articles, 58 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 2147 comments [63 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 3:43:10 AM (0+)
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What do we tell the Democratic Party?
Tell them that if they want to be the Republican Lite Party, if they want to silence and cast off their elected progressive representatives and candidates, if they want to ignore the outrage of their progressive base crying out for justice- tell them Goodbye! The Green Party platform embraces Kucinich's plans for the country while the Democratic Party would not field FDR or JFK in 2008. Why waste another minute or dollar on them? They have already had their "summit" with us and shoved us off the cliff. Perhaps things have to get worse before they can get better. If the Progressives march out to join the Greens and the Democrats lose, the mayhem that will ensue may be just enough to wake the sleeping masses who will realize they have been duped by both parties. What are we giving up by leaving the Democrats anyway? Like Dennis is so fond of saying-"That which is crooked cannot be made straight" by Vinny Colletti (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 12 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 7:11:44 PM (0+)
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No More Two Parties
The Two Party System is dead in America, and so is Democracy. Corporations not only rule they control what is "reported" through their corporate media talking heads, they control who represents us (and how they represent us) through dollars, they have even stole our votes. The likes of Dennis Kucinich and Cynthia McKinney will never walk the halls of Congress again as they are concerned about stupid things like the Constitution, the law, and the interests of people. by Dennis Kaiser (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 18 comments) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 9:07:06 PM (0+)
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What can we do to send them a message, Rob?
The answer to the question Rob raises in his second comment above is simple. Get to know how FDR rescued the nation from the depths of the Great Depression using the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Then, understand how Kucinich's H.R. 3400 -- the Rebuilding America's Infrastructure Act -- is legislation perfectly harmonious with FDR's policy for effectively implementing a National Bank for economic development. Everyone here fails to understand how near our nation is to a hyper-inflationary economic blow-out. The ONE thing we need in our nation's leadership is a willingness to effect policies whose implementation will STOP our inexorable drift toward Fascism as a consequence of economic collapse. This is precisely what FDR accomplished and what Dennis Kucinich's political perspective similarly represents in its potential. The LAST thing wanted by financiers who own and control EVERYTHING we are up against ... who are voilently opposed to all our Republic represents ... is a free-thinking, principled man who would defend the dignity of mankind much the same as FDR did. It is the legacy of FDR that the well-healed movers and shakers of most everything that passes for action in Washington these days are hell-bent on destroying. The evidence is overwhelming. They are active in their efforts to destroy the likes of Kucinich because the moment of Truth is at hand. Let this fact sink in. We are at the threshold of an economic calamity like nothing this nation has ever seen before. So, to answer your question, Rob, we need to better understand the nature of the battle we are up against here, and we need to know how to win the war. More than personalities, what matters are policies. If more of us embrace the truth about how are nation survived grave crisis in the past, we will have more Kuciniches than our enemies can shake a stick at. It's as simple as that. First, though, we must realize that the United States of America is at the threshold of the greatest financial and economic crisis it has ever faced in its history. Any other reason anyone might suppose Kucinich is being outed, other than the fact his political persona is harmonious with FDR's, is not only plainly wrong, it is counter-productive. Likewise, any talk of forming a third party without strong, proven, well-known and respected leadership is a shear waste of time. Unless we embrace our nation's history, understand the nature of tyranny that is our eternal enemy and embrace combative policies fitting to OUR time, so-called progressive politics will make no progress at all... by Tom Chechatka (6 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 57 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 at 11:22:07 PM (0+)
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Golden
Golden, you mean strong, proven leaders like Cynthia McKinney or Ralph Nader? We have that, what we now need is for progressives to have the moral fortitude to support them. Time to go Green Now by Michael Cavlan (15 articles, 0 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 538 comments [131 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 12:08:24 AM (0+)
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Dirty Tricks
Per this report that Dennis was visited by representatives of Nancy Pelosi and AIPAC, all that matters is that he threw the so-called representatives out of his office. One might wonder if such a meeting ever took place. Not having heard anything to refute this, I suppose it is so. However, whether the visitors indeed represented those being claimed is a question. Why would AIPAC be teaming up with Ms. Pelosi, considering her trip to Syria in April '07? Furthermore, considering the offer purportedly made, it is all too ridiculous to even be thought credible. This probably was nothing more than a dirty political trick. Kucinich is no fool. Surely, he recognized this and that is why he immediately ejected these rats. by Tom Chechatka (6 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 57 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 12:33:29 AM (0+)
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How
do you fight them they come to your district handing out 1000$ bills by the truck load they buy their candiadtes seat . the system is corrupted Americans themselves are corrupted by it.Many Americans are honest decent folks ,but many will grab a pound of 1000 notes and stuff the ballot box. thats how they get rid of people they don't want. if it fails send the guy an anthrax letter, kill a family member.They have ways this gang of mobsters running America won't give up the power. by dave stanley (5 articles, 1 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 286 comments) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 3:20:18 AM (0+)
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Reply: It is very easy...
.. see my response above about taking over. by Steven Leser (255 articles, 58 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 2147 comments [63 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 3:45:21 AM (0+)
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Reply: It sounds easier said, than done...
I agree the solution might be simple, but you're asking that Americans actually become participants in improving their government, not just be spectators on the sidelines? It would be for a noble cause, but I don't know. There is a malaise or attitude that "things aren't going to change." Even I, someone who wants change, wonders, "Do I want it bad enough to get politically involved?" I do, but will I really? Will other people really heed the call as well? That's why I think it's easier said than done. by Debra Craig (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 6:30:16 AM (0+)
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Reply: Well if you want something done
You'll just have to get involved. by Kevin Gosztola (302 articles, 146 quicklinks, 81 diaries, 1082 comments [77 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 11:53:57 AM (0+)
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"DeLay" Pelosi ..."DeLott" Reid
The Reid/Pelosi team is the sorriest excuse for Congressional "leadership" I've seen in the last 50+ years. Everybody I know agrees on that. Almost everybody I know agrees that "both" political parties (and their presumptive presidential nominees) suck. Millions of citizens are convinced there's nobody in Washington (aside from DK and a handful of others) who represents the interests of a majority of the electorate (i.e., those earning less than 1 million dollars a year, those who are sick and tired of this illegal war, those who would like to have guaranteed healthcare coverage that's not a ploy for fattening up the insurance companies, those who are fed up with being lied to and treated like chumps...in short, just about everybody with an IQ over 60 who doesn't own an oil well or consider Dick Cheney a close personal friend). You'd think all these disgruntled and highly pissed-off citizens would have the makings of a potent political force; but it has become more and more obvious as we go through these cyclical election charades that the corporate media have been mobilized to thwart any movement that threatens to color outside the lines, or (even more importantly) to see ourselves as anything but powerless individuals or isolated groups of bitchers and moaners. The media are key in maintaining a status quo that shuts us out--politically, economically and emotionally--of any prospect for genuine change. What we progressives need (in addition to the not inconsiderable power of the internet to bring us together) are some kind of high profile events that the mainstream media cannot ignore. It would require creative/outrageous tactics that will not only challenge the powers-that-be in the media, but would use the media as a tool for exposing their own greed. Where the hell is Abbie Hoffman when we need him? Obviously, the institutional Democratic Party will not serve our purpose. Its members are too timid and staid to employ such tactics...even if they were willing to foment the kind of change we need. They have more important things to do...like winning the next election. We've seen how huge marches and demonstrations have failed to impress those in the White House, or those in Congress who supposedly represent us...even when the media bother to report such events. It's up to us, in small groups, to be more creative than simply filling the streets with marchers who do no more than chant a few shop-worn slogans and shuffle passively past the seats of power. I'm not taking anything away from those dedicated souls who participate in such shows of disapproval, nor from those who speak at these convocations which, no matter how large, represent a choir who are already enrolled. I'm not advocating violence, either; but still, something akin to the 'propaganda of the deed'...something that will be certain to attract attention. One of the most powerful images I can recall was when a group of 'Yippies' suddenly started throwing paper money from the gallery to the crowded floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The sight of stockbrokers in suits momentarily forgetting their 'dignity' to scramble around trying to catch the money was a picture worth more than 10,000 words. 'Performance art' taken out into the streets and malls and other public spaces can have more effect and leave a longer lasting impression than all the chanted slogans in the world. Our only limits are our imaginations. by Bill Tower (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 35 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 5:10:28 PM (0+)
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Party control goes way back
Karp wrote another book, "Indispensable Enemies", detailing the Republican and Democratic parties' absolute need to maintain their respective bases by failing to resolve American problems and isssues. For convincing detail, read these books. by Cass Martinez (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 7 comments) on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 at 9:11:26 PM (0+)
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The incident did not happen
David Swanson has talked with Rep. Kucinich and reports the incident in Nevada did not happen. See http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_david_sw_080211_kucinich_3a__22the_incid.htm by Kevin Zeese (102 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 62 comments [13 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Feb 11, 2008 at 9:30:41 AM (0+)
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Original Source: The Incident Did Happen
The Story's Good by Kevin Zeese (102 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 62 comments [13 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 8:28:23 AM (0+)
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And this from one of the source's source
From David Bright: I don't know who all of you are on this list, but you were CC'd on an email from Stuart Hutchinson last night re: the Kucinich campaign. Just to set the record straight, I had a long conversation with Stuart yesterday. This is what I told him. If you are blogging any of this, please use this entire text. That was what Vin told me HE HAD BEEN TOLD. He did not relay it to me as gospel fact. It was what people back in Ohio were telling him. by Kevin Zeese (102 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 62 comments [13 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 8:29:55 AM (0+)
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