An Open Letter to Progressives: Vote Kerry...

[scarletwoman]

and Cobb
by Medea Benjamin/Peter Coyote/John Eder/Daniel Ellsberg et al

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0723-09.htm

There is no greater political imperative this year than to retire the Bush regime (my emphasis), one of the most dangerous and extremist in U.S. history. As people dedicated to peace, economic justice, equality, sustainability and constitutional freedoms, we are committed to defeating Bush.

The only candidate who can win instead of Bush in November is John Kerry. We want Kerry to replace Bush, because a Kerry administration would be less dangerous in many crucial areas, including militarism, civil liberties, civil rights, judicial appointments, reproductive rights and environmental protection.

But while helping Kerry-Edwards defeat Bush-Cheney, we don't want to endorse Kerry positions that are an insult to various causes we support, including movements for global justice and peace that have burgeoned in recent years. Indeed, we want to communicate to Kerry and the world that we oppose many of his policies, including some that are barely distinguishable from Bush policies.

Accordingly, we encourage progressives to organize and vote strategically this year.

#1 In "swing states," where few percentage points separate Bush and Kerry, we encourage activists to mobilize voters behind Kerry. (A frequently updated list of swing states is posted at www.swing04.com.)
#2 In "safe states" (and Washington, D.C.), so overwhelmingly pro-Bush or pro-Kerry that we can be confident of who will win in November, we encourage activists to mobilize voters behind Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb.
#3 In all states, we encourage activists to engage in election-year vigilance to ensure that all votes count, especially those of racial minorities -- and to advocate for instant runoff voting and other reforms so that voters in future elections can support the candidate they most believe in without risk of electing the candidate they most oppose.

<snip>

In this crucial election year, we encourage progressives to work tirelessly to vote Bush out -- as we build grassroots networks and coalitions to hold the Kerry administration accountable to the progressive values and policies shared by most Americans.

(more - please go to link and read the whole piece!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I just want to reiterate this message: "There is no greater political imperative this year than to retire the Bush regime"

sw

[scarletwoman]

1. Kick...

[Mr_Spock]

2. This is such an important message. If Kerry loses, the Regime survives

to kill more people for sport. Can you imagine if this ignoramus was to get basically a tacit approval of his policies? OMG - the death and destruction - maybe even nuclear war. I actually said the words "I hate Kerry" when he stole Dean's manner of speaking and energy during the primary. Now I have given to him three times and I am happy the he is considered a "strong closer" when it somes to elections. Down with the evil regime!!

[scarletwoman]

5. Thanks, I agree.

I have been literally BEGGING progressives to vote for Kerry - I don't like him, they don't like him, but we just don't have the LUXURY of risking four more years of bush* by NOT voting for the only person who can actually defeat bush*.

Instead of giving in to instant gratification by voting 3rd party because one's "principles" won't allow voting for Kerry, commit to putting those principles to work for the long haul. FIRST, take out the trash, THEN rebuild the house!

Like the letter says: In this crucial election year, we encourage progressives to work tirelessly to vote Bush out -- as we build grassroots networks and coalitions to hold the Kerry administration accountable to the progressive values and policies shared by most Americans.

sw

[G_j]

3. agreed! n/t

[Flubadubya]

4. Thank you for this scarletwoman...

as usual, ever the voice of reason. :hug:

[scarletwoman]

6. Thanks!

You are so sweet! :loveya:

sw