Reply #7: Kerry has addressed both of these issues [View All]

[karynnj]

On the deadline, it makes sense because the Iraqi politians do want us to stay, even though the people want us out. (Totally parallel to Vietnam).

On oil, he has said more than any other politician - He has said all that is PROVABLE. In his speech at Faneuil Hall he spoke of how our actions appear to the ME as if we want to control the ME oil. He can't say IT IS the motivation, because he (and we) don't know that. Overstating things causes blow back - when they disprove any little piece, with their control of the media the entire issue goes away.

I doubt he fears for his life - he was more out there when he was working on the contra drug running and BCCI. I definately don't think he speaks down to people - he may moderate what he says to insure that he is on 100% accurate solid ground and that he can speak to people who don't already believe those things are possible. If he said things the way you recommend, he would be speaking to the choir and would not move anyone to seeing unpleasant truths. He clearly does not think we should control other countries' oil because we are the strongest.

He did speak every day in 2004 of the need to develop alternative fuels and technologies, because
- to avoid dependence on ME oil
- to get good jobs
- to help the environment.

(If you think about it, the first can imply that we are there because we can't afford to lose access to ME oil.

His speech at Faneuil Hall was incredible - he is speaking out. But, like in the 70s, Kerry will say what he believes and will likely say it very well and there will be people to the left of him who will think he should say more.