Robert Parry: Will John Kerry Report for Duty?

[Q]

Will John Kerry Report for Duty?

By Robert Parry
January 4, 2005


Early in Campaign 2004, Sen. John Kerry challenged George W. Bush’s operatives to “bring it on,” fully expecting that they would try to smear his patriotism despite his Vietnam War medals. In accepting the Democratic nomination, Kerry again highlighted his national service by snapping off a salute with the words: “Reporting for duty.”

Yet one of the biggest disappointments for many Democrats was that the “bring it on” John Kerry didn’t show up at key moments in Election 2004. He failed to respond aggressively when a Republican front group spread lies about his war record. He then meekly conceded defeat on the day after the Nov. 2 election rather than fight for a full examination of voting irregularities. Now, John Kerry may have one more chance to “report for duty.” On Jan. 6, after the new Congress convenes, he could join with Reps. John Conyers, Maxine Waters and other members of the House of Representatives in supporting their expected motion for a full-scale investigation of Election 2004, particularly the widespread allegations of voting fraud in the pivotal state of Ohio.

For the House motion to have any standing, it must be signed by at least one U.S. senator. So far, no U.S. senator has stepped forward despite petition drives from rank-and-file Democrats demanding that Bush’s victory be contested.

Black Opposition

A similar situation arose dramatically after Election 2000, when House members from the Congressional Black Caucus rose to challenge election fraud in Florida that disenfranchised thousands of African-Americans and put Bush over the top. At that time, Kerry and other Democratic senators refused to join them. The painful tableau was captured in Michael Moore’ “Fahrenheit 9/11” with then-Vice President Al Gore presiding over a joint congressional session and repeatedly ruling African-American representatives out of order due to the absence of a senator’s signature. Out of apparent desire not to further divide the country, Gore and the Democratic senators accepted Bush’s dubious election.

Now, on Jan. 6, 2005, assuming Conyers and other representatives go ahead with their challenge, it would be Vice President Dick Cheney gaveling down African-American Democrats unless a U.S. senator agrees to sign their motion.

Continues: http://www.consortiumnews.com/2004/010405.html

[RoeBear]

1. And they wonder why...

...we blacks feel that we are being taken for granted
by the Democratic party.

[purduejake]

2. You're not the only ones.

We all deserve better. It's a shame the party can't support the blacks who overwhelmingly support the Democratic party. And people wonder why that party is dying.

[Leilani]

3. That's a really good article.

And it makes the main point, which is, does Kerry again listen to his advisors & play it safe to "remain politically viable," or does he step forward & challenge the results?

We shall see.

[nursebear]

6. Kerry's first and foremost a politician

Not an "honorable" man.

He ain't going to do a thing that puts a 2008 run in jeopardy.

[cornermouse]

4. Will anyone care if John Kerry reports for duty

after dumping us voters after the election.

[robbedvoter]

7. Actually, it was a redemption point with me. Had he done it

he would have restored my respect. As it is, he ran as far as he cou;d from the situation.

[cornermouse]

8. Had he stayed there until the votes were counted

I would have been not happy but satisfied, but you're right. He ran. I won't make the mistake of voting for him the next time.

[Malva Zebrina]

5. Shame that so much energy was so impotently spent

when there was not enough energy to support those who supported him.

Feels very much like a jilted lover.

We are being jerked around and it gets worse.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Maybe a man also.

[FrenchieCat]

9. Fooled us once....

but never again!

[annabanana]

10. according to Keith Olberman........he's out of town.

Kerry is out of the Country this week.. (I believe he is in Asia)