The real question of this campaign

[Lobo_13]

I've heard more than one candidate use a Ben Franklin quote in their stump speeches.

"You have a Republic, if you can keep it."

I'd like to counter with another saying that is equally appropriate, if not more.

"You get the government you deserve."

I'm a Howard Dean supporter. Have been for some time now. What really excites me about this campaign is the hope. People all over the country are waking up to the realization that this isn't just an opportunity to change presidents, it's an opportunity to take it all back and make the government bow to our will, the way it's supposed to be.

I've seen what the other candidates have to offer. It comes down to fear. Even the "clean" candidate laces his stump speech with subtext of fear of GWB as a reason not to vote for Dean. They ask the wrong questions.

The real questions of this campaign are "Do we keep a government that trades in fear to keep the electorate docile? Or do we deserve a government that works to make our lives better?"

Howard Dean can deliver that government, but only with our help. No opportunity comes without risk or is realized without effort. We have the power to change America, but only if we stand firm and make it happen.

That's the first draft of my remarks at the caucus if I get the opportunity to make them. Whaddya think?

[saltpoint]

1. Your first draft works --

-- well if you're there for Dean. Obviously it wouldn't be good for supporters of other candidates.

The distrust of Dubya by Iowa Democrats and all-over-the-place Democrats is profound. I think any number of Democrats can meet your criteria regarding government.

Yes, your first quotation is Benjamin Franklin's ("A republic, if you can keep it."). It's not a bad point of reference in the face of Bush administration lies and manipulation.

===

edit: typo

[Parrcrow]

2. I am not an American

In my view the United States is teetering on the edge of not even being a democracy anymore. An unscrupulous right-wing now in power and an utterly compliant media for the better part of twenty years have eroded democracy to an astonishing degree.

I am optomistic that the US is only teetering on the edge because I still believe that Americans can still take back their own country.

Go with your man and be open to all other democrats and moderate republicans. Its a good message.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. Do you have an opinion on any of the candidates?

Just curious. :)

[Parrcrow]

5. not because of the photo..

but I like Clark.

In a fairly fought election any of the Democratic candidates should clobber shrub. Clark presents the most difficulty for the obvious spin Rove will put on the reelection campaign; Bush as comander-in-chief.

[Closer]

11. Everytime

I see that pic of Wes and Gert (and God knows I see it in EVERY S I N G L E thread) I keep thinking it's Pickles Bush.

[JNelson6563]

16. it's too big

one wonders how many alerts it takes to correct....

[saltpoint]

4. Parrcrow --

-- very nice post. Thank you.

[Parrcrow]

6. thanks Ghost

Oddly enough, as I write this, I am in Kansas. I do have a personal vested interest in the outcome of this election. I am trying to move to the U.S. permanently

[saltpoint]

9. I hope you can navigate the red tape --

-- and are welcomed in Kansas, or where you choose to live. I like the way Lobo 13's original post points to fear as a factor in how people might vote, and I think you're right to say you have a vested interest in this election.

Well -- if you can establish citizenship, I hope it is soon, and I hope you register as a Democrat. Honestly -- our candidates have a more humane platform to offer than President Bush's platform.

[Eloriel]

7. EXCELLENT

And IMO when the Dem candidates fearmonger, however subtly, they are validating George Bush's whole campaign platform. That's definitely no way to win.

If I'm afraid of terrorism, am I going to vote for someone who "might" keep us safe? Hell no, I'll vote for Bush. He's the one with the "experience," and so what if some unfortunate Iraqis got blown to bits in the process?

Those candidates who hawk their "national security" experience are also validating the old saw about Dems being weak on defense. I don't see that as true at all, but they make the point instead of refute it. "I can win because I've got national security experience" also says, "and that's important because Dems really ARE weak on defense."

Well, if Dems are weak on defense, then Americans ought to elect a Republican, right?

[AndyTiedye]

15. We DIDN'T Deserve To Be Robbed!

Does the kid who gets his lunch money stolen by the schoolyard
bullies deserve it?

A bunch of grown-up schoolyard bullies have stolen our country.
We didn't deserve that, and the rest of the world certainly
didn't deserve the unnecessary wars and everything else.

[JPJones]

8. Will someone please tell me

exactly how we are going take the government back? Be specific.

And exactly how are we going to make the government bow to our will? What does that mean? What specific policy will change?

[Parrcrow]

13. ensure that Americans

are aware of the anti-democratic tactics of the neo-cons. Reinstitute 'equal-time' regulations in the media.

Remember that Gore won the last Presidential election and that the republican margin in the Senate is slim. They are in the process of alienating moderate republicans as well. Their strategic aims are absurd (domestic and foreign policy) and their tactics are visious.
They are at odds with the American people.

[NewHampster]

10. Great remarks Lobo_13

Can I offer a few counters if you get the usual questions?

Un-electable? A rumor started by Karl Rove because he's scared of an angry Howard Dean leading an even angrier electorate to victory. Anger is good and we are angry that these Wrong wingers are trying to steal our constitution and our country.

Experience? Dean has just as much or more than Reagan had or Clinton Had. thats just another Karl Rove Dean stopper.

And Kerry's campaign is financed by his money and his backers while Dean is financed by people like me giving $25 when I have spare cash.

[Closer]

12. You are absolutely RIGHT ON with this post

I've seen what the other candidates have to offer. It comes down to fear. Even the "clean" candidate laces his stump speech with subtext of fear of GWB as a reason not to vote for Dean. They ask the wrong questions.

The real questions of this campaign are "Do we keep a government that trades in fear to keep the electorate docile? Or do we deserve a government that works to make our lives better?"


Absolutely spot on!

[sandnsea]

14. Where are we going?

And how are we going to get there. John Kerry knows.

I have no idea where the hell Howard is going. And I would bet dollars to doughnuts he's the kind of man who doesn't ask for directions either.

Our country was always ours. We don't need to go on a wild rampage burning everything in our path and lynching anybody that's been branded as suspicious in order to "take it back".

We simply need to have our spirits freed so that each person can reach for something more, something better than they thought they could be. When we come together with that spirit, then we'll truly have what we deserve and government will reflect it.

[JNelson6563]

17. Yeah, let's ask Kerry for directions

he can speak out against something one day and vote for it the next!

Oy!

Julie