The Grassroots Come Out for General Wesley Clark!

DoveTurnedHawk

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Fri Dec-12-03 02:17 PM
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The Grassroots Come Out for General Wesley Clark!

Edited on Fri Dec-12-03 02:21 PM by DoveTurnedHawk

Last night, approximately 300 people came to Hollywood hot spot "Star Shoes" to support General Wesley Clark in his quest for the Presidency. This event was organized entirely by local volunteers, many of whom were active in the "Draft Clark" movement prior to his entrance into the race. The event featured an eclectic mix of mellow tunes spun by DJ Dan Mancini, and the bar was busy as Clark supporters celebrated both the holidays and the man who will truly restore honor and dignity to the White House.

The actual presentation started with comedian Andy Kindler (Real Time with Andy Kindler, Everybody Loves Raymond) warming up the already hot crowd by greeting everyone in French, before bringing down the house by asking, "Ou est Les Weapons de Mass Destruction?" His entire act was hilarious, especially as he cuttingly issued indictment after indictment against the current resident of the White House.

Next was actor Stephen Weber (Wings, forthcoming ABC show "The D.A."), who gave an impassioned speech about why an actor like him was getting involved in politics. He listed a litany of problems that demonstrated clearly how this country has been heading in the wrong direction, thanks to the "worst President in history." He spoke glowingly of General Clark, and told the crowd that the General was the man who would lead us to retake the White House.

We were then treated to an excellent montage of General Clark's television appearances, woven together masterfully by Joel Viertel, head of young professionals’ group "C Company L.A." From his debate performances, to his incredibly moving biographical television ad, to his appearances with Bill Maher and David Letterman, General Clark’s command of the issues, and his impeccable character, all shone through so strongly.

This montage was a fantastic lead-in to a moving speech by Wes Clark, Jr. He told us a powerful, personal story about a conversation between him and his parents. His mother had expressed hesitation about the prospects of General Clark entering the race, wondering whether they, as a family, hadn’t already done enough. Wes Jr. replied simply but elegantly, saying that their family had always been about service to the country, and raising the poignant question of how safe her soon-to-be grandson would truly be, unless her husband was the one ably leading America as its President. After that, the General's course was clear.

Finally, the night was capped off with, in my opinion, its very best speech. That speech was given by local volunteer and Hollywood coordinator Sig Libowitz, whose tireless efforts made the entire night possible. His rousing speech recalled the words of Sean Connery to Kevin Costner in The Untouchables: "What are YOU going to do about it?" He challenged all of us to boost General Clark's candidacy by getting to work, donating money and spreading the word. He pointed out how we spend $100 on dinner, or on a pair of shoes, in Hollywood. Isn't $100 a small price to pay to help nominate and elect our best chance of defeating George W. Bush and getting this nation back on track?

After his speech was over, there was a rush to the front, as inspired supporters donated even more money. The night generated thousands of dollars for the Clark campaign, and more is on the way. I also discovered last night that in an act of extraordinary courage and integrity, Sig has decided to live according to his own words and principles by taking a leave of absence from his job in order to join General Clark’s campaign, first in New Hampshire, and then in South Carolina and beyond. He deserves our praise and admiration, and to be honest, I wish I could be joining him.

Godspeed to Sig, and to General Clark!

DTH