What Dean Means (A refreshing pro-Dean piece)

[Larkspur]

from Commondreams.org http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0113-08.htm

This playwrite gets it about Dean
Howard Dean is a target not because he's the frontrunner but because he is a successful advocate for democracy. The question becomes, is democracy what the American people want? It's said often enough that we are, and proud to be, a democracy. But the fact it needs to be said so often betrays a different reality.

It became clear in 2000 to most of the world and to those here who were paying attention that democracy was a label with limited content. The past three years have proven that this government is of, by and for corporate and secret agendas as well as grave and murky think tanks. Through citizen action led by Howard Dean, that oozing, creeping paradigm is being radically challenged. Radical means going to the root. Saying we want our country back means that we want the truth of America's original mission statement to be reinstated. It says that we want to be reintegrated into the fabric of what we believe about ourselves and what we have broadcast to the world that we are.
<SNIP>

Howard is a practical visionary - almost poetic in his commone sense. There is a Yankee universality to him that would turn Air Force One into a necessary even hallowed vehicle as opposed to a scary cargo plane - an executive jet.

Inherent in the word president is the verb preside - to preside over the proceedings and activity of the country. Preside does not preclude leading. Provoke, challenge, inspire and then preside over the debate, the negotiation, the legislation. Howard is attentive and engaged. Thoughts have a chance - ideals have an arena - evolution is given the hope of progress.
<SNIP>

An Awesome op ed!

[walkon]

1. Very good article.

It is about what you are more than what you are for (or against). Dean is clearly about democracy and the process. He has good ideas that focus on what is best about America and how our country can improve. I do not think he is dogmatic but he is pragmatic. He will likely attract good people and will be open to and persuaded by thier good ideas. Dean does not know everything but he is sound in his judgement and I have trusted him for some time now. That is important to me and I think it is this quality that has attracted so much support his way.

I look forward to his continued campaign and his continuing growth as a candidate and a leader.

I wish all of the Democratic candidates the best and, while I support Dean, I plan to cast my vote for the one who wins the Democratic Party's nomination.

[AP]

2. I kind of resent that my criticims of Dean...

...which have to do with taxes and race, largely, are characterized as being hostile to democracy.

There are 3 people who aren't supporting Dean for every one who is, and I'm not sure this sentiment is the most helpful one to express if you want to win over those other three.

[lupita]

3. You beat me to it!

I was going to post it too!
This is a great article. I don't care if you are pro or against Dean.
The fact that he has moved so many people and has changed the grass roots movements forever, should inspire anyone.
ANY democrat is better than Bush, and I wish we could stop bickering
about our candidates.


Lupita