Clark supporters - report from a meeting w/Clark on Feb. 20

[JPJones]

http://blog.forclark.com/story/2004/2/22/24946/1139

Points to consider:

1) Who does Wes Clark blame for not winning? He takes personal responsibility. When has GWB taken responsibility for anything?

Their assessments are really not
that different than what we've all concluded on the
newsgroups and blogs. Basically, they felt they had
terriffic and widespread support nationwide, but had
remarkable difficulty getting their message
articulated in the mass media. Also, the General
himself took blame for starting late and not knowing
exactly what kind of team would be required for a
compressed-schedule primary season. In other words,
he lived up to his own principles and was holding
himself accountable.

2)The debt is only $150,000. Whew. He asked for $10 donations from his supporters.

3) I told the General a little bit about the
conversations on the blogs and newsgroups and the
overwhelming desire by our various regional groups to
stay intact in some form or another. I think he was
encouraged that his supporters aren't going anywhere,
and I'm sure he would be pleased to see us carry on
and remain a national force.

4) I came away from our meeting convinced more than ever
that he would be a fantastic President. His knowledge
of manufacturing processes, U.S. economic history, the
military, and every other topic we discussed was
extensive. His tone, demeanor and positive
attitude--despite the setback in his campaign--were
inspiring. In all, this man might have been the best
candidate we've seen in a LONG time (since Lincoln?).

5) Wes Clark has many policy nuances and details in his
head, but the two themes that he repeated several
times yesterday were that we really need to get back
to 1) an effective multilateralist foreign policy, and
2) sound domestic fiscal policies. Why are these the
two most important near-term agenda items in his
opinion? Because their ill-effects can devastate a
country in just a few years. Once we get these two
sectors in order, then we can deal with health care,
education, the environment and so forth.

[boxster]

1. Wow, a candidate taking personal responsibility for his loss.

How refreshing. I am so glad that he didn't blame the media, the other candidates, the DLC, etc., etc. I was also gratified to see that most of his supporters felt the same way.

Started late and skipped Iowa - mistakes on both counts. Iowa now becomes the monumental case of "what if".

Personal accountability is something another recent candidate dropout and many of his supporters need to discover. It can't all be somebody else's fault.

It is so sad that we lost the opportunity for this man to become the next President of the US. Most don't know what they're missing.

[Eloriel]

37. You can blame supporters, but you CANNOT blame Dean

He has never NOT taken personal responsibility.

In fact, in an interview with Chris Wallace within the last week, Wallace tried to goad him into blaming others, like his staff. He repeated several times, "I made all the major decisions in my campaign. I'm take full responsibility."

There's no way he'll reveal all the dirty shit that was pulled against him and ruin kerry's chance to win -- and for that he's a far better person than I.

But I'm not bound by that shit. Kerry's a skunk, and so are all the other "playas" that made it happen.

And NOW you understand why he hasn't endorsed kerry (and probably won't, I speculate) and why he said Edwards would make a better candidate.

[LuLu550]

2. there are a bunch of foot soldiers

just waiting for their "orders."

[Jai4WKC08]

7. And that's supposed to mean...

What?

OK, so the man's a general and we all tend to fall into the military lingo. Some of us, but a very small minority, are former members of the military ourselves.

Make no mistake, the majority of us are intelligent, educated people who think for ourselves. And Wesley Clark doesn't expect anything else of us, wouldn't want anything else.

Yes, Clark has promised to continue the effort to get Bush out of the White House. Yes, his supporters look to him for direction in the best way to accomplish that goal. I'd even go so far as to say we all believe that we've been part of building a greater cause, one that will outlast this single failed campaign. One of the main reasons we are such ardent supporters is because we trust him, especially trust his judgment and his sincerity in doing what is right.

Think of what the many many Dean supporters will be able to accomplish when Dean comes back and gives them some direction. As I happen to believe he will. If he doesn't, he will have lost a great opportunity to bring change to the party and to the nation. I never even really liked the guy, but I do believe that he was being truthful in being dedicated to that goal and just don't believe he will give it up easily.

Personally, I'm thrilled to be a "foot-soldier" for a man whom I can count on to never give up on doing what's right.

[Jai4WKC08]

10. Ummm...

LuLu, it occurs to me now that I may have totally misinterpreted your remarks. Not at all sure why I took them the way I did.

If you weren't being sarcastic or snide, I SO apologize for taking it that way.

[Adelante]

15. Heh

It's hard to know anymore. ;)

[BootinUp]

3. Thanks for posting this

But keep in mind, Clark said he would contact us directly on any fundraising requests.

[sadiesworld]

4. We lost the real deal.

Kudos to Clark for taking personal responsibility but the fact remains that the RW media took him out.

[demdevil]

5. I am 100 percent behind Clark...

I'm broke at the moment; however, I will do any type of writing, etc. to help him become perhaps our next president.

[Adelante]

18. Welcome to DU, demdevil

:hi:

[newyawker99]

38. Hi demdevil!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

6. This Is Absolutely a Legitimate Letter

I vouch for it. Michael Webber is our local grassroots leader, and he did have a meeting with the General on Friday.

DTH, Who Wishes He Could Help With the $150K, But Is Already Maxed Out :-(

[Donna Zen]

11. I've got your back DTH

As soon as the General puts the official word out. $100 from me, $50 from my husband, and $50 from that go-to stalworth, DTH.

Maybe I'll send the check directly to Little Rock.

So I was listening to Nadar this morning talking about the fraud and waste in the military budget...where was he when we had a candidate with the gravitas to actually DO something about it.

I read these boards, watch the pundits, and think: should I laugh, cry, or just throw the computer threw the window. MF...

Thanks for the post.

[Adelante]

13. If MW is good enough for DTH he's good enough for me

Ten bucks, people.

Transaction amount: $10.00
Transaction id: 30693


GO WES!!

https://secure.clark04.com/

Still in business. :)

[BootinUp]

16. ditto

Transaction was successful.
Transaction amount: $10.00
Transaction id: 30697

[Adelante]

17. Yay, Jim4!!

:pals:

[Adelante]

29. UnitedForClark

is trying to keep track of these. So if you want, you can put in the referral:

[e-mail]

[Adelante]

23. I emailed Michael

I asked to be added to any mailing list he's putting together. I am so there with the Michael Webber plan. :)

[Ilsa]

8. I've given thru the internet all along.

I have an envelope from a mailed-out fundraising request. I just might send the ten bucks. Thank goodness it is only $150K.

I think he might be right about the priorities.

Thanks for the update.

[Adelante]

9. $150,000

That's the best news I've had in weeks. We can mop that up pretty easily.

[knight_of_the_star]

12. What a great man

I stand ready for his orders, but until then, I take the fight to the White House steps in any way possible.

[andym]

14. Refreshing honesty

He recognizes that he did not build the correct team for the compressed primary schedule. Likely to be very true. And he now understands that the media acts as a very imperfect gatekeeper to the American public.

[sandnsea]

19. Where do I send my $10?

I can do that. Give me an address please.

[Adelante]

20. Sandnsea, you've been missed!

https://secure.clark04.com /

I would use the link. I hear the LR office is still open, but it's iffy.

[Auntie Bush]

21. I just contributed too.

Transaction was successful.
Transaction amount: $10.00
Transaction id: 30703
You will soon receive an email at marilynn@XXXXX confirming your contribution.


Happy to help. Wating for my orders and ready to KICK ASS,
Bushes' that is!

[Adelante]

28. Go, Anti B!!

So very, very ready. :evilgrin:

[sandnsea]

31. Thank you!

I'll put the check in the mail tomorrow. Truly, don't laugh, I really will! :-)

I was bad. I couldn't post. :cry:

Then they threw out the rules. :wtf:

So now I'm back!

[Adelante]

32. And not a moment too soon!

:evilgrin:

[Adelante]

22. Attn: Members of UnitedForClark

New poll re naming posted today:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitedForClark/polls

I voted "Wes Clark Democrats" but there are lots of choices listed. :)

[BootinUp]

24. we are in the lead

but not by much. :)

[Auntie Bush]

25. I like Wes Clark Democrats best of all!

Then I won't have to change my avatar. Thanks WasDem
(aka Jerseycoa) for the alert.

[Adelante]

26. I do, too, and I love our avatar

But I honestly don't see the pressure to have a single name at this point. I expect Wes will be naming his own parent organization and there will be sub-groups reflecting various Clark supporter spheres of interest. I don't like avatar pressure, though. Avatar Freedom for all!! :7

[Adelante]

27. Ooops - another NEW one

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitedForClark/polls

[Donna Zen]

30. What do we want?

There has been much talk of “Clark Democrats” so what does that mean? Afterall considering where the grassroots are today, no one heard us.

Perhaps by codifying that term, we can better understand our personal and collective stands. If anyone would like to join, I would love it. I see these points, all from Wesley Clark's speeches, on one page with each being linked to a more detailed policy page. As the issues evolve, changes would/could be made to the links, while the the talking points remain the same.

I’ll begin:

Draft #3

Code: Wes Clark Democrat
Motto: If you can do good, you should

Worth Fighting For:

1. Accountablity

2. People before the powerful

3. Free but Fair trade with emphasis on the rights of workers,
human rights, and the environment.

4. A progressive and fair tax system

5. Protecting the Constitution and the Environment for ourselves
and our heirs

6. An informed electorate educated by fair and honest public
dialogue

7. Transparent government

8. Protection of voting rights--paper verification for electronic
voting.

9. A commitment to insure all Americans equal rights under the
law

10. Courts peopled by those sworn to uphold the law as
opposed to advancing ideologies.

11. A government that provides opportunities for its citizens to
serve.

12. International law trumps diplomacy; diplomacy trumps force.
Force only, only, only, as a last resort.

13. A multilateral foreign policy which includes both hard power
and soft power.

14. People over partisanship

15. When you can do good, you should

16 Programs with a view to the future, not just the next election
cycle.

17. Living our family values by promoting our citizens potential
with support for public & college education, health care and
jobs.

18. Government promoting and encouraging inquiry to develop
alternative solutions for energy independence and high tech
job creation

19. Recognition that diversity is our greatest strength

20. Fulfilling our commitments to America’s veterans and all
other men and women who serve or have served our country.

[Adelante]

34. And also political action

Supporting candidates who support Wes and/or his program, or to win critical elections.

[Donna Zen]

35. Exactly

The grassroots--all of us--got diddley out of this primary. Whoa Terry Mac, I am not a cash cow.

[democratreformed]

33. Checking in

It's so nice to hear news of the General. I miss him terribly bad.

[Leilani]

36. Reporting for Duty!!

Thanks so much for the latest Clark news.

Did anyone go the the on-line MSN chat today? Did I miss anything?
My time difference is so wierd, it's hard to meet up sometimes.
Are there any Clark doings going on?