I'm 16 years old and I support Dennis Kucinich!

[wheresthemind]

Here is an article about me to prove it!

You can read more about my experiences here.

I say, support for who you believe in, and don't rip others for believing in someone other than you... but, take a look at my guy because he is the best man in the race!

I believe in Dennis because:

• He's the only candidate advocating a complete withdrawal from NAFTA and the WTO and returning to a system of trade that respects workers rights, human rights, and keeps our jobs here. here.

• He's the only candidate saying we need universal-single payer healthcare for EVERYONE in this country, including drugs, dental, eyes, surgeries, etc. here.

• He's the only candidate who has votes to back up his opposition to both the was in Iraq, and the Patriot act and has been the most out-spoken on each. here and here.

• He's the only candidate who knows, from serving on a committee that has oversight, that we cannot allow the waste in the Pentagon to continue at the expense of the American People. here.

•He's the only candidate saying we need to bring back an FDR esque WPA program to put Americans back to work and repair our country. here.

• He's the candidate that marched with his supporters, more supporters then any other candidate, in the Des Moines Iowa Labor day parade, and then gave one of the most amazing speeches I have ever seen anyone give, to the AFL CIO! *WATCH THIS EVERYONE, HES ABOUT 10 MINUTES IN AND IS AMAZING!! I'M WEARING A BLACK HAT SO YOU CAN KINDA SEE ME THERE TOO!* here.

• Hes the only candidate that will bring the retirement age back to 65, stop the privitizatation of social security, and give the people a "living-wage" instead of a "minimum-wage". Here and http://www.kucinich.us/issues/issue_socialsecurity.htm"> here.

• He's the only Wellstonian candidate in the race!
here.

He's the man you've ALWAYS wanted to vote for , and now you can!

I know I have John Klebb, Terwilliger, leftistrebel and many more teens with me! (reply and I will add you too!)

[Terwilliger]

1. Double-teens for Dennis!

I'm 17.5 * 2 + .94

[JohnKleeb]

3. lol terwil love your wit

We also have "one of the few" thats 4 teens for Dennis. We must rally behind this man who offers something unique and something that I think is magnificent.

[JohnKleeb]

2. woohoo thanks man

Dennis Kucinich is committed to the ideals of Martin Luther King and Gandhi, he recently received an award called the Gandhi Peace Award. He has a great vision for America, I dont care that we are struggling good things do happen to those who wait, and we my friend are taking the road less taken by but that will make all the difference. :) thanks for acknowledging me. Dont forget hes against the terrible death penalty as well.

[G_j]

12. thanks for

a positive and inspiring post!
Keep up the good work and magnificant critical thinking!

DK would make a great president.

(an ex-teen :-) )

[JohnKleeb]

14. G_j we're lucky to have you in our ranks

DK has the best vision of all, and above all if he ran I dont think we would worry about losing votes to the greens because the greens seem to like him.

[G_j]

30. thanks JK

Dennis carries on the rare tradition of a true Peacemaker. His stands on the WTO and other issues show that his vision embraces the well being of all people on this planet. Maybe we as a people aren't evolved enough to see it, but in the mean time I'll support him for as long as he's in the running.

[JohnKleeb]

31. dont forget his view on the world court and the landmines treaty

and nukes. He will be something else.

[G_j]

34. or space weapons

he's on top of it

[JohnKleeb]

35. and a little sidenote maybe not that important

Who proposed a holiday for Cesar Chavez? Dennis. He tells the human reasons to oppose wars and that is right on.

[G_j]

42. and who else

is really hip to the "shadow government"? Who else dares to even shine light in that direction?

[King Bush II]

4. keep on rockin

lil buddy. its great to see people this young actively involved in politics. you rule!

[JohnKleeb]

7. I am his age too

but hes the one you should be proud of. DK I respect him and I admire him, and hes the best on the issues, and above all he is an example of the American dream. He tells us we not him although I sincerely think he is the ripple of hope RFK talked about, Dennis told us that was us not him, Dennis dont be so modest.

[jiacinto]

5. He should run for Senate in Ohio in 2004 or 2006

But frankly he is too liberal to win the general election against Bush. He has good ideas, but he is just unelectable.

[Terwilliger]

10. yes, children, listen to Carlos

I'm sure wisdom will break out of him at ANY moment now...

...

...



......

[JohnKleeb]

13. yes we must give in to fear

;) not
Dennis K truly inspires me, hes one of the greatest politicans of my brief lifetime :) but he is an inspiration.

[wheresthemind]

15. liberal is what regard...

Truman campaigned on saying we needed to cut the waste in the Pentagon....

FDR's work programs pulled America out of its worse recession ever, while making it a better place to live!


Let me tell you, I went canvassing in some rough places and people are ready for this kind of candidate. When you start talking to people about universal healthcare, guaranteed education, etc they get excited. Had one person comment that they had not voted in years because they didn't see the point, but this man could make them do it.

Its the 60% of people that don't vote that will get Dennis elected.

Its the military families who lost kids who will get Dennis elected.

Its everyone who lost their Job because of NAFTA who will get Dennis elected.

Its the seniors who cannot afford their drugs who will get Dennis elected.

Its everyone who Bush has disenfranchised that will get Dennis elected.

Dennis won his first congressional election at 49% in a predominately conservative district against a well funded republican incumbent. The last election he won by 74% capturing nearly 50% of the republican vote. AMERICA IS READY FOR A PROGRESSIVE VISION!

[JohnKleeb]

16. the moment is now

This is a crossroads in time. Its the vision of love, compassion, and unity that will get Dennis elected. Ive been told that people will be hating Bush come soon and they do, so why not take advantage and run the best damned man in the race.

[CMT]

20. don't forget that Dwight Eisenhower himself warned

of "the military-industrial complex" in his farewell speech.

[G_j]

18. ok

Carlos please note, I have NEVER EVER once put ANYONE here on ignore but your persistantly negative comments serve me no purpose and give me heart burn.

bye bye! :hi:

[Tinoire]

36. Kucinich is in FIRST PLACE. Progressives will carry the day!

Read it and rejoice! :)

Who Will You Vote For President?

George W. Bush (79 responses) - 2.5%

Carol Moseley Braun (102 responses) - 3.3%

Howard Dean (1039 responses) - 33.5%

John Edwards (9 responses) - 0.3%

Dick Gephardt (221 responses) - 7.1%

Bob Graham (9 responses) - 0.3%

John Kerry (33 responses) - 1.1%

Dennis Kucinich (1545 responses) - 49.8%

Joe Lieberman (19 responses) - 0.6%

Al Sharpton (48 responses) - 1.5%

3104 total responses


http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-prez2004story,0,5467485.htmlstory?coll=ny-nationworld-nation-utility&vote8594962=1

[JohnKleeb]

37. whoa

and they cant dismiss it as being unfair to Dean either. BTW win or lose my friend the primary that is, we still had one of the most admirable candiates. I like DK so much I relate to him in some ways.

[G_j]

39. well thank you

that was a breath of fresh air!
..pretty remarkable :-)

[goobergunch]

68. Online polls have no scientific merit...

you know how easily they can be freeped. I don't think this is being freeped, but a lot more Kucinich supporters have found this site than anyone else.

[JohnKleeb]

70. I agree it doesnt have merit but goob maybe it means something

:) I dunno, momentum change soon I hope. That said I sit near the DK poster in philosophy.

[GreenArrow]

44. as opposed to the other candidates

who have no ideas, but are electable.

[Tinoire]

46. Check out post # 36 - Kucinich no 1 in Newsday Poll n/t

:)

I think the man with the ideas is going to be the only one electable. The people DEMAND a change!

[JohnKleeb]

48. Join the Kucinich revolution

Its time to care and love.

[TAH6988]

75. That poll means only one thing

4 or 5 Dennis the Menace supporters are voting every two seconds.

[goobergunch]

67. IMHO if Kucinich can win the primary, he can win the general

(and yes, I said that about Springer too)

Kucinich is an extreme long shot to win the primary. However, if he does, this would show that the majority of Dems have shifted far enough to the side of light and reason for Kucinich to be a viable candidate in the general election. I don't think this will happen, so I'm supporting Dean (although Kucinich is my dream candidate (except on a few issues)).

I do agree with the Senate race idea. Pres. Kucinich would be great. But Sen. Kucinich is still pretty good.

NOTE: I'm also 16.

ON EDIT: I have pledged to support Kucinich if he picks up one pledged delegate in either Iowa or New Hampshire, therefore proving that he has the possibility to win. I will extend this to South Carolina.

[JohnKleeb]

69. of course I have a few things I disagree with him about

I just happen to agree with him more than I do with Dean, plus his story is one of great courage and of a poor kid who became mayor and president, and he has a good work etfic plus you cant go wrong with someone whos like you in a lot of ways.

[kixot]

6. I must admit

That I, too, am getting caught up in the romance of Kucinich. His platform almost brings tears to my eyes:

http://kucinich.us/issues/issue_10key.htm

[JohnKleeb]

9. wanna join us kixot

The more the merrier.

[kixot]

22. I think I just may

I'm starting to think that he's the one I will vote for in the primary. Any dem will do for the election, though.

[JohnKleeb]

28. welcome aboard

ABB I know, I am a democrat.

[roughsatori]

8. Thanks for that post and the link to the article about you

Keep up the good fight. I too think that Kucinich is the one candidate that matches my belief system the closest.

[CarlBallard]

11. You going to be 18 come November 2004?

Whoever the nominee is then, we'll need to do some kickin' ass. I'm a late November and I was disapointed that I was 17 years 11.5 months and couldn't vote in a mid-year election. But I could still work for candidates and they won. And then one got really conservative unexpectedly, but that's another story. I'm not a teen or a DK supporter, but you kids are awesome.

[wheresthemind]

17. bah...

I miss it by like 3-4 days or something...

BD is on Nov. 7th...


What a CRUEL twist of fate huh?

[CarlBallard]

32. Curses!

Well just go doorbelling and make phone calls for DK and whoever the nominee is. And hold signs. Man 2 months of that from September to November is so fun in the Seattle area. I need to buy gloves.

On edit: I see you're from Minnesota, so that's probably even colder than Seattle area. You probably have snow more than once or twice a year (or zero like last year).

[Blue_State_Elitist]

19. Dennis Kucinich=GOOD IDEA

Thanks for the shout out John. DK is the best candidate. The Deanites know this but don't think the man can win. I believe there is enough brains left in this country to elect the most honest and sincere politician since Wellstone. Visit his website and look at his history of winning elections that were impossible for him to win. And keep in mind that with Ohio goes the nation. Teens for DK unite. Peace

[CMT]

21. wrong

that is what is wrong with this board at times, people assume that they know what everyone else is thinking. I support Dean but like DK very much and do think he can win.

[wheresthemind]

24. I'm sorry about the generalizations.

There have been so many of them recently...


Some people do support Dean over Kucinich because they differ on the Issues.

Like more pro gun democrats would like Dean better, etc.


There are legitimate reasons to supporting every canidate. You just gotta figure out who is best for you!

[Blue_State_Elitist]

25. Sorry if I made to broad a statement CMT

I don't want to change the topic of this thread into yet another DK Dean war. I was just speaking from experience with a few Dean supporters I know within my family, friends, and on this board.


Its all good

[Blue_State_Elitist]

26. Hell let's make it 100 posts

:)

[JohnKleeb]

29. congrads comrade :)

sorry I like to call people comrade, I am not a socialist but I do like some of their ideas.

[MrPrax]

23. Assuming Your 16...

But keep up the enthusiasm for politics as long as you can...
The big rock of reality will fall down on your tiny shoulders soon enough...Kucinich is the Man

BUT dems will go for Dean coz he reminds them of the heady daze of 1991!!

Social Democrats tend to go for nostelgia...only thing missing is the saxophone!! and anything Kucinich stands for...or anything else other than sound bytes and a general 'feeling' of leadership...

[JohnKleeb]

27. how about some good old polka prax

Heh

[welshTerrier2]

33. OK, i give up ... where is the mind ??

somehow my generation of 60's anti-war radicals got sold a bill of goods that says you're "supposed" to become more conservative as you get older ... what a pile of crap ... far too many people actually believe this and seem to accept it as gospel ... what a bunch of macaroons ...

it's great to see all of our "DU youngsters" showing such interest in politics and such excellent judgment in their candidate selections ... i, for one, am really proud of you !!!

i'm 53 and i'm increasingly leaning toward Kucinich ... Democrats really need to seize the pro-labor agenda and not just the "pro-union" agenda ... we need all our candidates to speak out for workers rights, not just unionized workers' rights ... we need all our candidates to speak out for all american workers ... not just manufacturing workers or farmers ... for the first time in our history, white collar jobs in the service industry are being exported overseas ... democrats need to recognize the opportunity here to build a real coalition among all workers ...

the laissez-faire republican right wingers have nothing to say on this issue ... if american companies export our jobs, "oh well ... that's commerce for you ... maybe if you didn't need health coverage or all those safety in the workplace rules, we could keep more jobs here ..."

i'd like to see democrats call for a ban on all government contracts to any company that exports even one american job ... perhaps we could bring back the special tax benefit for companies that increase their payrolls (in this country) ... kucinich clearly recognizes the inequities of our current trade practices ... i'm less clear about the others ...

anyway, sorry for the ramble ... keep up the good work ...

[Tinoire]

38. Check out post # 36

;) We're going to MAKE this happen yet!

Everytime I read a post like yours, I feel less tired and more energetic to pass out flyers and talk to people :)

Passion will carry Kucinich into the White House.


Dennis Kucinich: The Time is Now You'll really enjoy it!

Peace

[JohnKleeb]

41. The moment is now is great too

The visions of past heroes like MLK, RFK, and Gandhi will help us, for we have a great man with a great vision. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction and hes right it is.

[John_H]

40. I'm proud of you, pardner!!

Even though you've yet to cast your first vote, you're already doing more to affect the course of your country than most Americans do in a lifetime.

[Tinoire]

43. Wheresthemind! I can't even express how much I LOVE your post!

Would you please re-post it in my Kucinich thread? You too John Kleeb, I've been so busy I haven't had time to comment on all your amazing threads and posts but I would be so thrilled if both of you would add those.

I am so thrilled and feel so HONORED to work with such an amazing group of Kucinich supporters! Please see my post 36 for good news.

Keep it up ;)

Peace, love, and all that good stuff :)

On edit: And you're a real cutie to boot!

[Karmadillo]

45. Excellent post. You Kucinich DUers are making believers out of us

doubters.

[JohnKleeb]

47. Every bit works

You outta believe
Kucinich magic
Let the power of peace, compassion, and love attract you to this noble man.

[Tinoire]

49. Karmadillo - May many more follow you! :)

May many more follow you! :)

Peace

[JohnKleeb]

50. I think this is an important day my friend

We have many converts on this fair day. May the spirit of this noble man and his vision help you. http://www.kucinich.us/issues/issue_education.htm
I dont know about you but I think his education plan is something great.

[Tinoire]

51. All his plans are GREAT and the moment is really NOW!

We MUST seize it! Never has the American public been so ready to repudiate a President as they are now. Would Progressives and Liberals throw away our best chance to get the RIGHT man to the White House?

I say NO. The time is NOW ;)

Peace and :loveya:

[JohnKleeb]

52. I know behind him all the way

This is a crossroads in history, we must follow the path of those who were brave enough to cross it before us. We got a man who offers so much hope and compassion, I wonder why hes ignored. I bet his parents are looking down on him with a big :).

[wheresthemind]

54. man I forgot to add that one.... universal EDUCATION!

All his plans are so awesome its hard to remember them all......


and he is really the only one you hear talking about these things!

[wheresthemind]

55. Did anyone watch the C-Span video?

He is a little more then an hour in, and this is one of the best speeches I have ever seen him do....

Plus at that AFL-CIO event labor day, you couldn't look any direction without seeing a Kucinich supporter! It was amazing seeing the supporters making the other candidates crowds look miserable....

We had more then Dean, Kerry, and everyone else!

[Cronus Protagonist]

53. Dennis is a menace

And he'll get the job done. That's why I supported him with a donation. You could do it too.

Donate here:

http://www.kucinich.us

More info here:

http://cronus.com/prayer

Click Here To See Fair & Balanced Buttons, Stickers & Magnets!>

[CWebster]

56. the teen vote

lol. ;-)

[LWolf]

57. The energy and enthusiasm of youth to drive a campaign.

The involvement of those who will be voters just a couple of years down the line. They can help deliver senate and house seats to the dems to support President Kucinich at a critical point in time!

Kids (and teens) for Kucinich Rock!

[TheBigGuy]

60. I wouldnt pooh-pooh that too much...

I was very deeply involved w. Democratic party politics (walking precincts, handing out literature, distributing yard signs, going to rallys) as a teenager, way before I could vote.

[wheresthemind]

58. a little bump!

For the evening crowd

[blm]

59. GREAT POST, wheresthemind.

Another great post about Dennis and why it is important we ALL support him, no matter what the polls say,and even if you also support another.

[Wetzelbill]

61. I'm wiping a tear out of my eye right now

Who says the youth of America have all gone downhill? :)

I was planning on interning with Paul Wellstone up until his untimely death. It genuinely shattered me. Once I discovered Dennis, I realized that their is still a politician out there who I can identify with. The world would be a better place if DK was President. All of you teens keep up the good work, network and build a progressive army to build our future on. Way to go. (I'm a creaky, haggard 28 myself)

[catpower2000]

62. I haven't posted on a Kucinich thread in months...

because his supporters are so rabidly hateful and intolerant that I was sick of the abuse and the hate mail. But I can't keep quiet for this.

You're only 16, aren't you concerned about preserving reproductive rights for your generation and the ones after yours? You are aware that politicians lie, and that his "conversion" to pro-choice came after years and years, more years than you've been alive, of voting against women and their right to control their own bodies?

I am very glad that you're involved with politics at such a young age. I applaud that. Just please make sure you're seeing the full picture.

Now, watch as they jump on me like rabid dogs.

Cat

[G_j]

64. wow

.."his supporters are so rabidly hateful and intolerant"...



that's a blanket statement is it not?
A personal attack on whole group of people?
I don't know about the threads you refer to, but that is not a very constructive way to start a conversation with someone. yikes!

[JohnKleeb]

65. Cat hes only been in congress since '96

and as I told you Clinton and Gore were once that. I see your iffyness but you know if I wanted to be a jerk I would say I couldnt support the others but Dean because of their war vote or Dean because he is pro death penalty. All of the candiates have their good and bad people. To be honest I think its kind of harsh to use this one issue as a litmus test, its not like he supported the war and the death penalty or supported cuts in programs.

[diamondsoul]

66. Whew! Where should I begin do you think?

No seriously, I have no clue what Kucinich supporters you've been dealing with. I have no intention of flaming you, but I will challenge your thinking and question your conclusions.

"because his supporters are so rabidly hateful and intolerant that I was sick of the abuse and the hate mail."

I've never sent hate-mail in my entire 35 years of life, nor am I "rabidly hateful" or "intolerant". I'm possibly one of the most gentle, generous and forgiving people you'll ever meet. I don't stand prejudice very well on any basis, but I don't answer hate with hate because it's a waste of time. You've let some bad experiences with Kucinich supporters turn you away from a wonderful man with visions most people would endorse if they could just believe someone could make them reality. You've let some bad experiences cause you to assume all Kucinich supporters are the same. We are NOT.

"You're only 16, aren't you concerned about preserving reproductive rights for your generation and the ones after yours?"

And what if this particular 16yr old happens to be Pro-life? You wish him to alter his principles to your stand or would you let him grow and let him find his own way? Myself I choose the latter. Change means a lot more and lasts much longer when it comes from within. Speaking of which, are you aware that Congressman Kucinich has a college aged daughter and that he was raised with Roman Catholic beliefs? Are you further aware that being a parent and hearing your children speak of things you would otherwise avoid considering can change your entire outlook on them? Are you aware that a great many people were able to convert from PL to PC in a far shorter time than the 6 months it took Congressman Kucinich to do so, and with a lot less valid reason? Have you actually looked at the time span between abortion related votes during the period when Congressman Kucinich made this change to his position? Because I have. It was a full 6 months, time which he would have spent with his daughter, his best friend and life-companion, and hundreds of other women who could easily have affected his view of reproductive rights.

It took me a grand total of a month, I believe to go from rabidly PL to respecting other womens' right to determine the course of their own future. Please tell me, which between myself and Congressman Kucinich, is most likely to have considered that change with the depth and deference it deserves? Just so you know the depth of my conviction, I am now a member of PPF, a participant in a great many other reproductive rights actions and routinely write my Congressmembers on legislation involving those issues. I have supported NO legislation in the past 15 years that might give a foothold to the opposition to the Roe v. Wade decision.

Congressman Kucinich has conducted himself as any decent conscientious human being would. He's voted his conscience, each and every time abortion came across his path. Whether I agree with what his conscience at a particular time dictated, I must respect the fact that he has one and engages it regularly. He has learned something, somewhere, from someone that altered his perception of the issue. I need no more than that and the knowledge that he has a conscience and uses it regularly to tell me his change of position is legitimate.

It might relieve you to know that this change came about in March of 2002, and the Congressman did not consider running for the Presidency until early this year.

[Coffee Coyote]

76. pay her no mind

NO ONE has been hateful or intolerant with her. She can NOT handle disagreement - on ANY subject. She is right and you are wrong. She couldn't take 8 or 9 of his supporters refuting her hysterical nonsense with FACTS and telling her she holds on to way too much anger. Trust me - she sends out far more hate mail than she receives.

I don't like his voting record on choice either, but I have no reason to doubt his sincerity on his reversal. Some people refuse to believe others can change - it is the same reactionary and cynical mindset found on the right-wing.

[leftofthedial]

63. I'm 47 years old and I support Dennis Kucinich

You rock. He has the best ideas in the race.

FDR is my yardstick and Dennis is the one who measures up.

[Darranar]

71. I am proud to join you, wheresthemind...

in support of Dennis Kucinich! He's the only candidate who has teh courage to stand up against globalization.

[Desertrose]

72. a late night kick up for all DK supporters

Thanks all you "youngun's" ....for such great enthusiasm and your knowledge of the issues and where Dennis stands on them is just really impressive!!!

I :loveya: all you guys!!! You are the greatest....nice to know so many young and (cough) not so young folks recognize how truly special DK is!!

Go Dennis...grassroots...door to door....we can do it!!
have you guys checked out some of the Mp3s on this site???
http://www.wewantkucinich.com/book-cd.htm


:bounce:
Peace
DR

[wheresthemind]

73. Of course!

I made a Dennis mix.....

"Go-Go Dennis, HE AIN'T NO MEANCE!"

[salmonhorse]

74. Good for you ~

Kucinich makes alot of sense and is taken very seriously indeed.