In support of Kerry, I contributed - how about you?

[garthranzz]

Like everyone at DU, I've had it with the lies and smears and disgusting ad hominem attacks. Kerry was right: where's the policy debate? Drowned out by vicious slander.

I decided that I could fight back best by not only joining the chorus of protest, but by contributing. And contributing specifically to and through Kerry's fundraising efforts on behalf of Democratic candidates. Whether one agrees with Kerry or not, he has had the courage to speak out, to be there for (have the back of) Democratic candidates, to take the risks (remember the Alito filibuster?) that others ought to share. That he has been willing to go it almost alone speaks volumes to me.

My donation was small. But if we all contribute something - through johnkerry.com or one of the emails he's sent out - and send him a note - and perhaps cc it to others - that will be more effective than all our debating.

So I'm challenging DU - because despite, no, because of our differences, our diversity, this is a community that I truly believes represents the best of America.

Here is the note I sent to johnkerry.com:

I just wanted to let you now that I responded to a mass email, and donated to the KAP. Although I have contributed before, I felt it particularly important to show my support for Senator (really, President) Kerry, as Resident Bush once again tries to swift-boat one of the most honorable and honest men ever to serve in uniform or in Congress.

I applaud John Kerry's courage, integrity and forthrightness. The small contribution, as noted below, is only symbolic, a joining with the larger contribution he has made.

[_dynamicdems]

1. I will after I make a deposit in the bank.

I'm pretty broke, but this is important.

I'm going to donate $20.06 to show support for what he has done for our candidates this year.

[sui generis]

2. I have to say I am disappointed in the other candidates

for "distancing" themselves from his comments.

I'm not a Kerry fan, but I like that he's standing his ground this time. Now I wish he would continue the offensive, because I can already tell that the other side isn't going to discontinue theirs any time soon.

Kerry should make himself wholly and publicly available to a round table with his critics. He should invite Bush and McCain to sit at a table and discuss why in their reality they think anyone in their right mind would intentionally malign troops in Iraq, much less a veteran do so.

He needs to challenge them to a public discussion, and then wait for their lame-ass and pathetic (sic Skinner) responses and then beat them all about the head with those responses.

Otherwise, the next best thing Kerry could do is say "IN CASE THE POLITICIANS CONFUSE THEMSELVES WITH SOLDIERS AGAIN, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT, I SAY GET OVER IT. STOP BEING PATHETIC WINDBAGS OVER NOTHING."

That would make their heads explode all across the U.S.

[mirandapriestly]

3. I woke up to the alarm radio saying

Kerry calls republicans "right wing wackos" and was so happy and thought finally they are speaking for us, then I come look at the news and it looks like the other democrats are against him. When will they ever learn???

[Old and In the Way]

4. $25.00 today....because actions speak louder than words.

nt

[blm]

5. Kerry tapped me out last week when he asked for $$ for more candidates.

But I certainly thank you in the name of JUSTICE.

[Dr Fate]

6. I will send Kerry's '06 PAC a check on pay-day- we should all do this.

n/t

[seabeyond]

7. i will do it. was going to send to dnc, but i guess yawl are suggesting

kerry has a place for me to donate. just go on his site?

[garthranzz]

8. Yes. johnkerry.com - And urges others to donate that way....

and let Kerry know why you're doing it!

And maybe we should let other Dems know we're supporting them through Kerry because he's taking the lead and the risks.

[_dynamicdems]

9. Kick!

:dem:

[tomreedtoon]

10. I'd pay to have Kerry NOT run.

I could say a million words about why he is one of the worst choices for 2008, no matter that his only real competition are Gore and Clinton, but why speak when a picture does it so well?

"We're not running in 2008...we're DANCING for Daddy Dubya!"