Why I support Howard Dean...he is in it for "the little guy", like me.

[KaraokeKarlton]

It was suggested to me that I repost this in it's own thread. I was responding to someone who heckled my assertion that Dean is "in it for the people", not for himself. Here is what Governor Dr. Howard Dean did for me and my family.


I came to Vermont with nothing but a battered body covered in bruises from the abuse I suffered at the hands of my ex husband, my kids and what we could carry. I had nothing and was running for my life. Dean's social programs provided me a home, furniture, clothing for myself and my kids and food to eat. I had to go on welfare to survive. It was a trap UNTIL Dean tackled welfare reform HIS way. Thanks to Howard Dean's brilliant leadership I got off welfare. My employer doesn't offer health care, but thanks to Howard Dean, my family has it. Thanks to Howard Dean's leadership I went from living in the worst low income housing project in Vermont to a nice 2 story rental home with attached garage, 2 baths in a nice neighborhood. If it weren't for Dean making changes to social services so that they actually lift people up, I would still be renting from some Massachussetts based slum lord where Dean forced them to do lead abatement after a bunch of toddlers ended up severely brain damaged from lead poisoning. I'm far better off now thanks to Dean. Don't you ever tell me he doesn't care or isn't in it for people like me. He's proven to me that he IS!

[liberalnurse]

1. Yes, thats what this election should really represent..

Its moved way off course once again.....Where is "Hope".

[cthrumatrix]

2. Dean is for the people....it's just that the media seems to have

thier way with controlling the coverage.

Dr. Dean is far more than "passion"...he is a five time elected govenor with a track record of accomplishments and speaks out when he sees wrong.

[democratreformed]

3. Would you elaborate more on the welfare reform?

I would be interested to know what things specifically helped you.

[KaraokeKarlton]

8. Sure

When Dean found out that Welfare Reform was imminent he convinced Clinton to give him a waiver so Vermont could do reforms independently rather than be forced to just take whatever the nation came up with. Dean started early and led the nation in reforms. The first thing he did was get rid of those God awful paper food stamps and welfare checks and went to electronic benefits using an "EBT" card, which looks sort of like an ATM card. This made it less embarassing for people, and much, much more convenient. Then the "Reach Up" program was born. Your Reach Up worker was basically an advocate/support person to help you come up with a plan for success that would eventually lead to financial independence. You sit down together, make an individual plan, figure out the steps you have to take, the barriers you need to address and what support you will need and resources available to meet your needs. Reach Up can pay for nearly anything, and they usually do. They help with transportation, child care, clothing, work supplies, education materials, glasses, dental work (the more involved things Medicaid won't cover), even a college education, housing, car insurance, a license, basically whatever your barriers are, they help you sort it out and fund what they can. If they can't fun it they know who can and advocate to get you the help.

The key is addressing and resolving the barriers people have. Child care and transportation were my big barriers. They paid for my child care and paid for almost $1000 in car repairs, insurance, registration, tires, etc. The support is significant and it makes the difference. Vermont has great social services programs.

[democratreformed]

10. Thanks for your reply

It does sound like a really great thing.

[KaraokeKarlton]

22. You're welcome

and it is a great thing. I have many friends who have similar stories to mine. One is currently going to nursing school with the help of Reach Up. Anyone who says these programs no longer exist or were cut don't know what they're talking about. The programs are making a difference for Vermonters who otherwise would not be making any headway. Dean is in it for the people, most definitely. He always has been.

[slinkerwink]

4. all I can say is, fuck the media.

[Guaranteed]

5. Excellent post.

Great job! :)

[judy]

6. Dean is the primary target of the media right now...

He can't do anything right, even some loyal DU'ers are moving away from him, because he screamed "yeah" after a speech?

What I think, (and I am a Kucinich supporter) is that there is word to the whoreish media to destroy Dean. Why? Because of his remarks about "Bush knew about 911". Remember these comments were reported to Il Dunce, who kind of lost it during his latest "press conference".

So, to say that Dean is not electable, is silly. Look who's in the White House right now. Was he electable?

Don't let the press dictate what you think! Keep your mind clear!

[robsul82]

13. Well, like your man DK said...

"I'm electable if you vote for me."

Later.

RJS

[cthrumatrix]

7. From the Dean site...his record on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence impacts every aspect of a victim's life and is a problem that requires a community response."

Child Custody - Governor Dean signed a law that requires judges to consider evidence of abuse when determining parental rights in divorce cases.

Child Support - Governor Dean signed the Abuse Prevention and Child Support law which requires abusers to pay child support and living expenses to spouses who request court protection and have no other means of support.

Confidentiality - Governor Dean signed a law entitled the Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking, known as the “Safe at Home” program, that offers victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking a free and confidential mailing address through the office of the Secretary of State.

Government Involvement - Governor Dean signed an executive order enhancing state assistance to victims of domestic violence. Efforts include raising awareness of domestic violence in local workplaces, providing state employees access to a 24-hour domestic violence resource hotline, and granting state employees who are victims of domestic violence time off from their jobs to seek counseling, medical assistance, or alternate housing.

Public Education - Governor Dean included information about domestic violence on the paycheck of every state employee.
Improving Community - Response Governor Dean created the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission to examine domestic violence fatalities, identify strengths and weaknesses in the community response to domestic violence, educate the public about intervention and prevention, and recommend policies to reduce fatalities due to domestic violence.

Child Abuse - During Governor Dean’s tenure, Vermont was the first state to institute a statewide protocol for abuse investigations. In that time the incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children declined 45%, including a 64% decline in physical abuse of victims younger than four and a 43% decline in physical abuse victims younger than seven. The decline in child sexual abuse was even more dramatic, with a 72% decline in victims younger than four and 84% decline in victims younger than seven.
snip

[The_Casual_Observer]

9. Dean has already been dismissed by the the media

He has been dubbed a loser and a loony who wants to raise taxes. They played the clip of him of going wild at that speech over and over again.

However, I don't see how this works in favor of Bush, since it would seem that he would be their choice for opponent in the election.

[denverbill]

11. Where have the other candidates been for the last 3 years?

OK, Kucinich voted against the IWR, but none of the others did.

How about the Patriot Act? Didn't hear any objections to that one.

How about Fast Track trade authority? 'Under God' in the Pledge?

Where were the candidates when the Republicans attacked Wellstone's funeral? Where were they when anti-war protestors were called anti-American and traitors?

I'll tell you where they were. They were cowering in their ivy-covered walls trying not to offend anybody and hoping nobody would notice. The Democrat's idea of bold leadership is confirming 99% of Bush's judicial nominees.

Howard Dean was the first voice I had heard in 3 years from the Democratic side who was willing to call the Republicans on their bullshit.

Hey, even now, Democrats are too weak-kneed to stop the pukies from ramming their overtime rules, etc, through Congress.

[no name no slogan]

21. Good points denverbill

Not to belittle Dean in any way, but Kucinich was out on all these. He voted against the Patriot act. He's also been against fast-track, too. Dennis was marching in the streets against the WTO in Seattle, back in 1999, when this issue wasn't on the radar of most Americans.

DK even campaigned for Wellstone here in Minnesota in 2002 before Paul died in the plane crash. That was when he wasn't present in Congress, fighting tooth and nail against the illegal BushCo presidency. Howard Dean is not my first choice, but I am glad he is in the race, raising the issues that given so many Democrats hope this year.

Attack his policies, attack his positions and attack his record-- but lay off the man personally. There's no need for that.

Peace y'all

[polpilot]

31. I wouldn't even be watching this election except for Howard. I don't need

the DLC to propose another reach-across-the-aisle pretend demo for me. Go to the DLC site to-nite for their latest touchy feely time with their candidates. It's time for 3rd party. Perot polled 17% with no structure/no hope/and very little message in the week of the demo convention in '92.

Dean '04...

[NewYorkerfromMass]

12. Unfortunately balancing budgets seemed to be his number one priority

I'm glad you have a good story and credit Dean, but the fact is Vermont could have done better if balancing budgets were not his number one priority.

[cthrumatrix]

14. I guess you need to look at his record on health care and education

please look...it's documented and he is experienced

thank you

[KaraokeKarlton]

16. If you don't balance the budget you don't have social justice

If you run a debt you have to pay interest on that debt, which ends up, in the long run, hurting social programs and safety nets FAR MORE than looking for ways to cut costs without cutting services does. Services weren't cut, some spending was. However, Dean is VERY good at finding ways to get the same things for less money. So, although he did cut spending in places at time, he didn't cut the services...he just found ways to be more cost effective. That's a GOOD thing.

[AP]

15. This is very nice and wonderful stuff. But

it would have been nice if Dean did all that stuff AND gave VT'ers a progressive, fair property tax structure, and didn't try to turn the delivery of electricity into a huge profit-maker for private companies, and didn't bend over for IBM.

The parallel is in libertarianism. Lots of people love libertarianism because of its message of personal freedom. They turn their head the other way when it comes to libertarians' message about letting the big get bigger and bigger until they are the de facto government.

Dean did great things for people (all the things you mentioned) but it really looks like he was doing it because he felt that he could both make VT a great place for really big businesses to make a lot of money and he could make it a place that provided a decent floor for the poor in terms of health care.

I think you look to need no farther than the US for the last 30 years and the UK pre-'97 to see that there is very essential incompatiblity between those two principles. You cannot give people more economic, political and cultural power by flowing wealth straight up the increasingly steep and tall social pyramid. Saying, 'you've got the power' doesn't do it. More importantly, taxing the hell out of the middle class just to (1) give people a UHC plan and (2) allow big corporations and rich individuals not to bear an incremental increase in the tax burden is actually directly antithetical to that project of power redistribution.

And that is Dean's problem, both as a governor and as a candidate.

[cthrumatrix]

20. last time I looked...healthcare, education and perosnal freedoms

were a good thing for everyone.

He has a record of doing good things for his state... don't trash that as well..and people are just watching TV spin right now.

I suppose your comments are the reason for the Iowa polls before voting....hardy.

We live in an age where citizens are pawns of the corporations, govt and polticians.

[indigo32]

17. Kick

for a wonderful post.

Thx KK

[Walt Starr]

18. Kick

Pay no attention to the detractors. This is a beautiful story and shows precisely why the Rove machine is terrified of Howard Dean.

[KaraokeKarlton]

19. Thank you indigo and Walt

If anyone is in a position to judge Dean on whether or not he looks out for the most vulnerable Americans under his leadership, it would be me. In my opinion, there is NO ONE better than Howard Dean to do what's right for America.

[library_max]

23. Hang in there.

Keep supporting Dean. Your story is inspiring and moving. What's one lousy primary, anyway? And as far as media coverage is concerned, when was the last time one of the good guys got an even break from the media? This "angry man" stuff is baloney and has little resonance.

Dean isn't my first choice, and there are stories like yours to be told about many of the other candidates also. But I respect him and will be honored to support and vote for him if he gets the nomination.

[KaraokeKarlton]

25. Oh I intend to keep supporting Dean. He's the only one I feel I can trust

Especially with all the lies that has been told about him. Being from Vermont I have an advantage to know what's true about Dean and what isn't. He's not "angry", he's full of energy and wants to fix things. He's a doer and he's ready to fix things. He's passionate about wanting to fix the mess Bush has made. I don't see that in any of the other candidates. All I see is a bunch of guys who want the power, influence and label of being president. The want the position, but Dean is the only one who eagerly wants to do the WORK. That's the big difference right there. All the criticism thrown out there about Dean is a crock. Most of it is bold faced lies and the rest is spun and mangled so bad it's just not accurate. How can I ever trust candidates that I KNOW are lying? I can't.

[library_max]

28. When you say "candidates that I KNOW are lying"

what do you mean? To what are you referring? If it's attacks on Dean, those aren't coming from the candidates, they're coming from the less enlightened of their supporters and from the media and the VRWC. I'm not talking about the "Dean isn't the best candidate because" stuff, I'm talking about the angry man, crazy man nonsense.

It's natural and expected for the candidates to say that they'd do a better job than each other. Dean says the same. It's natural for some of a candidate's supporters to get a little overzealous and make unfounded attacks and cheap smears. Some of Dean's supporters have done the same.

You're right to be passionate in support of your candidate and you have a right to be angry and disappointed right now. But please don't commit yourself to condemning all the other candidates, one of which may very possibly end up being the nominee. You wouldn't want their supporters to act like that if Dean ends up being the nominee, would you?

[KaraokeKarlton]

29. The only two candidates who were completely clean of lies against Dean

were Braun and Graham...and both have dropped out. Kucinich only told one lie about Dean at one of the earliest debates, but I suspect he was using one of Gephardts lies to attack Dean and Kucinich may not have known it was a lie before he said anything. Kerry has lied his ass off about Dean, and that's part of the reason I'll never vote for him. I also know that Dean would never have offered Clark the VP slot because Dean isn't so presumptuous to assume that he would be in a position to offer it. He most likely said he would consider Clark for VP, but he NEVER would have offered something he wasn't certain he could deliver. Dean NEVER does that, NEVER. He never made campaign promises he didn't keep in his 20 year political history in Vermont. Not even once. Edwards, Sharpton and Lieberman all played into race baiting, which is disgusting and offensive. It's bad enough that the Republicans try to play on people's fears to scare people into voting for them, but with Democrats playing that same dirty, dispicable game against one of their own makes me shake my head in disgust. I can't vote for any of these people who are campaigning in the same manner that Republicans do. No way. Voting for anyone who behaves that way is rewarding their behavior and endorsing those methods. I will NOT do that.

[library_max]

32. Please.

One or two examples of Kerry lying about Dean, so I know what we're talking about.

If by "race baiting" in Edwards's case you mean his responses to the Confederate flag-pickup truck thing, that's not lying or race-baiting, it's just plain politics. Kind of like when Dean called establishment Democrats "cockroaches."

[Polemonium]

24. Thanks for the reminder nt

:hi:

[KaraokeKarlton]

26. You're welcome

n/t

[DjTj]

27. Excellent post. This is what the Dean campaign should be about...

...It should not be about blind anger against the Washington establishment.

It should be about being able to do a better job and standing on his proven record.

It's possible to criticize the way Washington is run without insulting all other Democrats. I sincerely hope he begins running a positive campaign and people see that real change is needed.

[KaraokeKarlton]

30. It's never been a campaign about anger

It's been a campaign about empowerment of the people to bring about change where change needs to happen...and ultimately, it's about hope and faith that we, the people can do it.

Sorry, but the Washington establishment is just as big a part of the problem as the corporations and special interests because they're all in each other's pockets from playing footsies for years and years. When Democrats start voting like Republicans they've lost sight of their conscience. Howard Dean forced them to have a conscience again.