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Kucinich is, in my opinion, the only candidate running for president who has always been right the first time on all important issues. I don't say that with the comfort of hindsight, but because Kucinich checked the facts before he casted his vote in Congress and he always voted in the interest of the common people.
Kucinich was the Congressman who tried to rally the Democrats in Congress against the war in Iraq, back in 2002, when it was politically risky to do so, as one could count on being smeared and trashed by both the Republicans and the right-wing media. Clinton and Edwards, but also Biden and, I believe, Dodd caved into political and public pressure. They put their political careers above the future of both the US and Iraq. Edwards even gave a speech in 2002 in which he linked 9/11 to the supposed threat of Saddam Hussein's Iraq (you can find that speech in this 'General Discussion' board). Kucinich voted against the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. And since then, he has continued to vote against giving Bush more money to continue his war. He wants US troops out of Iraq as quickly as possible, but also as safe as possible. The money that Congress gives Bush has to be used to with-drawl all US troops. At the same time, Kucinich wants to engage Syria and Iran, which -whether we like it or not- are vital players in the region, into creating an (international) peace-keeping force in Iraq. Kucinich wants *no* soldiers left stationed in Iraq or in the region and *no* permanent US bases in Iraq. Other Democratic candidates have *not* showed willingness to reject the idea of permanent US bases and US troops in or nearby Iraq.
Kucinich is also the only peace candidate. The top three candidates have each clearly stated that with regard to Iran, all options are on the table. Clinton, Obama and Edwards have tried to outbid one another on tough talk on Iran. They even talked about the possibility of nuclear weapons. What a disaster that would be! And it's not stopping with Iran. Obama talked about the possibility of invading Pakistan. They are all *so* eager to talk about war, military actions and sanctions. What's the difference with neo-con rhetoric? Kucinich is speaking of a new strategy for the US. He understand that current US foreign policy is creating more terrorism than it is combatting it. That's why Kucinich is advocating a policy of 'strength through peace'. Don't let the media fool you into thinking this is a far-left extremist hippie ideal. Is it extremist to vote for peace instead of voting for more war? Kucinich is talking about re-connecting with the nations of the world, repairing the damage Bush has done to US relations with countries all over the world. Engaging in diplomatic instead of military efforts.
Unlike several other candidates, Kucinich not only talks the talk, but he also walks the walk. You can find out that his record of voting is consistent with his speeches and his promises. What you see is what you get: integrity and honesty. He also represents the interest of the common people. He doesn't take money from the lobbyists or the corporate industry, unlike Clinton, Obama and possibly Edwards. Clinton even took money from Rupert Murdoch, owner of Faux Noise, *the* network to trash Democrats. Kucinich, once president, won't be owned by corporate interests, but he will represent only the average Americans who have contributed to his campaign. Kucinich will introduce universal single payer not-for-profit health care. And as with so many other things, he's the only candidate running for president who is advocating this. He already has, together with, I believe, John Conyers, introduced a proposal in Congress that would make this possible. He has stated he wants to cancel NAFTA and with-drawl from the WTO, which will stop the out-sourcing of American jobs to countries like China and India. If you are a working class American, or supportive of them, you want to cancel it too. Then Kucinich is your man.
To protect your civil liberties, don't go to the big three candidates. Nothing will change when they're electing president. They won't repeal the Patriot Act. Clinton even voted for it! Kucinich has stated clearly that he wants to repeal the Patriot Act the first day he's in office. Likewise with the Military Commissions Act, which is a shameful piece of legislation that allows torture to be a legal practice. Kucinich will also approve full marriage to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. He is again the only candidate who takes this position, as you could have seen in the CNN/YouTube debate. Last but not least, he is the *only* candidate running for president who wants in impeach Dick Cheney for lying Congress and country into war. The only one! He has introduced articles of impeachment against Cheney already. It's obvious he is the candidate who wants to hold the criminals in the White House accountable.
I hope I or others have 'won you over'. Of course I can't say it as well as Dennis Kucinich himself. You should watch some of his speeches. They're easy to find on YouTube. I hope to have informed you enough. :hi:
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