On December 1, 2007 the American public and Democratic candidates had a rare opportunity to truly listen to the common folks. Presidential hopefuls were able to see and experience the pain that people of lesser means feel each and every day. The Campaign for Community Values hosted a forum. This organization opened the floor to each and every candidate for more than a moment.
Common citizens shared sorrowful stories. Real people informed the conversation. Americans were reminded that no one of us can pull ourselves up by bootstraps we are unable to afford. Tale after tale revealed a mentor, a member of the family, an association founded on the principle of community assistance helped many individuals to succeed. Triumphant individuals from dire circumstances appeared on stage with the Presidential hopefuls and shared real life sagas. The audience heard of nightmares and dreams that came true. After the narratives, Presidential aspirants were asked what they might do once in office so that no one would experience what these persons had.
John Conyers put impeachment on the table. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi said to place such a 'distraction' on the table is tantamount to treason. Newly appointed, anointed Pelosi let it be known, there was business to be done and Democrats would do the deeds she deemed necessary. These did not include prosecution of the President or his Vice. Hence, Conyers removed censure from the agenda He had other concerns. His own appointment as Chair to the Judiciary Committee hinged on whether he honored the wishes of the recently selected Speaker.
Once more Cable News Network hosted a Democratic Debate. I cannot begin to express how I felt about the exchange or the analysis that ensued. Anderson Cooper, who in an earlier Democratic Debate expressed his disdain for Dennis Kucinich, helped to assess the performances in a program that followed the main event. Two pundits, James Carville a political consultant to Bill and now Hillary Clinton and David Gergen, counsel to President Clinton shared their "objective" views on the candidates. Interestingly, Journalist John Roberts divulged that in Nevada, and perhaps in the hall, fifty-one percent of the Democratic voters support Senator Clinton.
"I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace."
~ George W. Bush, June 18, 2002 "War is Peace"
~ Big Brother in George Orwell's 1984
Many believe impeachment is not likely. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi will not consider it. Presidential candidate John Edwards thinks the process is a distraction. Many Americans forget that until impeachment was proposed and investigations began, there was no evidence to convict Richard M. Nixon. When asked to assess the past people only recall the spectacular. Sex scandals are dicey!
Talk of intimate physical intercourse could stimulate a climatic end to the George W. Bush, Dick Cheney supremacy. However, we do not see love scenes in the making of this President. Under this Bush, it is dark, damp, and dank. This Bush is all about war! George W. Bush has raped the land and ripped the cloth known as the Constitution. Many acknowledge his crimes and the corruption he and his mate Cheney propagate. Yet, since these are not sexual in nature they evoke no censure.
I hear the claims and the clamor. "This is George Bush's war!" This Administration instituted a "war on science." Federal funding for research was reduced in recent years. Laws meant to protect the environment were repealed. I would love to say that much of what occurs in America today is not done in my name. It is not my fault or folly. However, I cannot make this assertion. I am an American; I am culpable.
I personally am not a fan of comedy. I am unfamiliar with The Colbert Report. My only acquaintance with the show is through cyberspace comments. After I received an electronic mail, a notification that the future President Kucinich would be on the program, I decided to explore.
As a person that does not wish to miss the meaningful, I searched for the recent program. I have no desire to forego a moment with Dennis Kucinich. As I viewed this interview, I applauded. Granted now, Stephen Colbert is also a candidate for President; nonetheless, apparently, as you can see, Colbert endorses the man of people, as do I.
I hope you too will attempt what many think absurd; vote for Dennis Kucinich, so that we as a nation might achieve the impossible, peace and prosperity planet wide through a Kucinich Presidency.
Sit down my child and you shall hear the tale I tell of what was once revered. I know you are sleepy and need your rest. Perhaps, this parable will be the best anecdote for a body too busy to slumber. Close your eyes and count the sheep, as I whisper words that might make you weep. The fable is horrific, as most fantasies are. Nonetheless, my hope is the narrative will bestow great wisdom. When we contemplate the harsh realities of life we learn lessons. There are principles to digest, my darling. Too few discover; too many forget.
For years, four years plus, the well-researched, well-versed, thoughtful, and full of thought Dennis Kucinich has been shunned by Mainstream Media. Often, this truly compassionate Congressman, and Presidential hopeful, has been absent in political discussions. Periodicals do not site his stance. Radio and television programs do not devote time to this man or his message.
For months, Senator Hillary Clinton stressed, she and her fellow Democratic hopefuls agree on the issues. Clinton leads in the polls. Ultimately, she guides the electoral dance. The former First Lady steps to the Right and the rest stride with her. When Hillary courageously asserts, her companions perceive they too have permission to be bold. As the graceful "girl" glides, so too do the boys.
I am honored to present the work of an artist I admire. Storm Bear publishes and resides in a Town Called Dobson. I am privileged to offer his message at BeThink. I am often amazed by his quickness and quip. The wit and wisdom Storm Bear shares can captivate the mind and open a heart. I hope you will take pleasure in this political contemplation. Please ponder the words and pictorial perspective of Storm Bear.
Last evening Democrats debated in New Hampshire. The hopefuls shared their strategies. [Some refused to state their agenda.] Iraq was the issue of most import for many. The host, Tim Russert, inquired, 'If you were President when would you issue orders to bring our troops home.' An expectant audience hoped to hear when the candidates thought we might exit Iraq.
Artist and political analyst, Storm Bear heard the answers the aspirants offered and went to work. Please travel within and reflect as Storm Bear has.
Health care is in the news again. This week, Senator, and Presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton proposed the latest cure for what ails this country. Clinton declared medical insurance must be mandatory. Under her plan, all Americans will be covered. Days later, President George W. Bush spoke of how he believes we can best heal the ills of impoverished children in this country. Mister Bush proclaimed parents must pay for the care of their progeny. The medical system must remain in the hands of private industry. There are no handouts here. If Moms and Dads have income, they must provide for their children. While the plans may seem drastically different, they are very similar.
People ask why I support someone seen as unelectable, Congressman Dennis Kucinich. The mere title, "Congressman," alone states that this man was elected. Thus, he is electable. Indeed, Dennis Kucinich was voted into office on more than one occasion. Personally, I am proud to state I cast a ballot for this esteemed and gentle giant, and that I will again. Many have voted for Dennis Kucinich in the past. I trust , just as the Presidential candidate from Ohio does, that they will again.
(On Saturday, September 8, 2007, I was honored to witness wisdom at work. According to the Palm Beach Post, Hundreds in West Palm Beach [came together to] protest the war. Those that stood silently, with fingers raised in the sign of peace appeared to focus on the current combative circumstances in Iraq. However, the marchers knew, peace throughout the planet was, and is, their truer vision.
Each advocate expressed his or her desire for global tranquility. They walked down Okeechobee Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue. Drivers passed by and honked their horns in support. Some waved expressions in-kind. Others voiced thanks to the marchers. Young and old, hiker and those in motorcars united in a common cause.
After the demonstration, the local activists quietly entered the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Their purpose was one. Protesters, myself among them, waited to hear the Ohio Congressman, and Presidential hopeful, a person like no other, Dennis Kucinich, present his plans for a permanent global peace.
Introducing the inspirational candidate was another wise and wondrous man, Jeff DeLuca. The young and impressive Mister DeLuca is kind enough to share his words here at BeThink. I hope you will find this missive as magnificent as I do. I think this treatise might advance greater thought and discussion. Please share your reflections.
I am pleased to present Jeff DeLuca.
I thank you Jeff for all that you are, share, and do. - promoted by Guest Author)
I want to start by thanking you all for braving the heat to be here and march with us for this important cause. The time has never been more urgent for us to hold events like these and to unify under that notion that that it is time to bring the troops home alive now.
We have watched the carnage unfold now in Iraq for four and a half years. Since George W. Bush told us we had accomplished our mission. We are here to let him and all his enablers know that we will not stand idly by as another 100, another 1000, of our family and friends dies as pawns in a bogus war waged for the Military industrial complex.
Last evening Keith Olbermann refereed the Democratic Debates. It was a glorious affair. The unionists, members of American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations [AFL-CIO] put a face on America. This voluntary federation consists of fifty-five [55] national and international labor unions. The people within these organizations rarely are placed in the limelight. While these workers are the public, they do not often receive attention from those meant to represent them. The Senators, Congresspersons, Governors that serve the common folk infrequently speak with these individuals. On Tuesday, August 7, 2007 some of the elected elite, those seeking a higher office did.
He is bold. He is brilliant. He is our President, George W. Bush. This chap interprets the law and framed the Courts. There is even talk of his attempting to change the Constitution. Perhaps the term "Executive Branch" no longer includes the Vice President or the Commander-In-Chief. At least, guidelines and laws do not apply to those currently occupying the offices.
The quiet little man from Ohio is making gains. His mission is not yet accomplished; nor is his objective vengeful. Honesty and integrity are his vision. Congressman Dennis Kucinich does not think the President of the United States governs the people, or presides over the public as a ruler might. Presidential Candidate Kucinich believes in a higher moral standard. He has faith the person that holds the office of President has the power to bring peace to this planet. The former Mayor also holds that the Vice President must act with honor. He asserts neither in our current Administration does. The Congressman claims as do others that are joining him in expressing their concerns, we must work to impeach this George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
Humor intertwines with the tragedy that exists in the United States. Millions are uninsured. The infrastructure is crumbling. The fragile environment is failing. The reality of war is in contrast with the fact that "Peace is inevitable."
The 2008 Election Season is here. The race, the rally cries could be heard post the tally, Tuesday, November 6, 2006. We all know that the true start was way back in 2004. Nevertheless, etiquette dictates that we honor conventional dates. We wait and watch expectantly. Now we have an announcement or two.
The candidate I supported in 2004 declared his candidacy. Dennis Kucinich is placing his name on the primary ballot. Then there is the long awaited commitment of Barack Obama. This charismatic maverick proclaimed he is here to say . . .
"So tonight "I'd like to put all the doubts to rest. And tonight, after a lot of thought and a good deal of soul-searching, I would like to announce to my hometown of Chicago and all of America that I'm ready?"