Kerry Lays Blame with Bush Regime. Most Dems Not Speaking Out

[WiseMen]

The U.S. been willing to spend hundreds of $billions to bring democracy to Iraq yet will not lift a finger to save it in Haiti (in fact is probably works to undermine democracy in its own back yard, whether in Venezuela or Haiti, when democratic rule does not serve its interest).

U.S. aid policy and covert support for the Haitian opposition and the disbanded military junta has brought Haitian democracy to the verge of total collapse with foreign armed terrorists delivering death to supporters of the elected government.

This bloody tragedy on our doorstep seems to leave the progressive forces and democratic leadership muted. Kerry has been the only one willing to vocally place blame at the feet of the Bush Regime and its religious and ideological hatred of the elected government of Aristide. The other candidates seem ambivalent, perhaps afraid of getting on the wrong side to the prevailing propaganda on the situation in Haiti.

But this is no time for ambivalence. Haitians on all sides are being killed while the U.S. stymies efforts to authorize a multinational peace-keeping force. Our candidates should be speaking out to save lives while there is still time.

Below: John Kerry’s call for intervention.


http://johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0226c.html

Statement from John Kerry Calling for Senator Bob Graham to be Named Special Envoy to Haiti


February 26, 2004

For Immediate Release


“Today I call on President Bush to appoint Senator Bob Graham as a Special Envoy to attempt to resolve the crisis in Haiti. Senator Graham has long been a leader in Florida and in the US Senate on foreign affairs. He knows the situation in Haiti extremely well, and knows the cost that widespread violence will cause not only in Haiti, but on our shores.

“The Bush Administration had only one hope for resolving the crisis in Haiti – an 11th hour proposal that has now been rejected by the opposition leaders. We must take further action now to support the rule of law in Haiti and prevent a widespread humanitarian crisis.
“Appointing Senator Graham as Special Envoy would demonstrate that our commitment to bringing peace, stability and respect for the rule of law to Haiti is genuine. In 1994, President Clinton appointed Colin Powell, former President Jimmy Carter and Senator Sam Nunn to Haiti to a high level delegation to restore democracy to Haiti. Recent events in Haiti have shown that it is past time for this Administration to take similar measures.

“Any Special Envoy will have their work cut out for them. The envoy needs to get the parties to agree on ending the political violence, as well as to address long-standing issues such as the release of political prisoners, and the need to rein in the paramilitaries in order to create the context where meaningful political dialogue can occur.

“I hope the President will take this opportunity to make use of Senator Graham’s extraordinary experience and skills to help us combat the downward spiral of civic violence in Haiti to avoid further loss of human life and further collapse of the Haitian political system.”

[DenverDem]

1. JFK is winning me over, here.

I am ABB but a fence sitter about Kerry. This courageous stand is putting me in his corner more solidly. I think there is no question that Otto Reich has his bloody hands on the wrong side of this battle and bushler needs to be called on this in no uncertain terms.

Thanks John, you are looking mighty presidential.

[lastknowngood]

2. If he had been saying this kind of thing last year instead of

voting to give the shrub a free pass to war I might consider it something to note.

[bahrbearian]

3. That's exactly right, so now he's starting to copy DEAN..

[Raya]

6. Is Dean Speaking out? Kerry has spoken out on these issues for 30 years

[mojo2004]

4. This is the troubling part about Kerry....

Kerry makes lots of good points, but Kerry's been in the Senate a long time. Some of the things Kerry throws at shrub, Kerry played a roll in.

[Leilani]

5. At the risk of being flamed,

We have spent billions in Haiti over the years, & it has not helped.

Under Clinton, we sent (I believe?) 20,000 troops to restore order & spent billions on humanitarian needs.

Until the Haitians can elect a corruption free gov., it seems to be a wasted effort.

Also, polls show Americans prefer a hands off policy.We are so overextended, I don't know where we will find toops.

[Raya]

7. Total fantasy. Very few troops, little money. Bush cancelled aid.

Where do some people get their data from is a mystery.