A Dean supporter endorses John Kerry. Unconditional 100% support.

[frank frankly]

Bare with me if this because this is long. I'm trying to bring out the huricane in my mind with fingers and a computer.

I am a mammal who loves the earth, social progress, justice, and a blend of rebellion/respect towards authority and institutions. I am a libertarian when it comes to personal rights, a true progressive about civil rights and justice, and very pragmatic economically. I think America is perhaps the best government of all time, now that we have equal rights for women and minorities. I say this knowing that nobody is born into this world from scratch--that corruption and deceit is a natural sociological event to our species, and that while we are far, far from perfect, we as a nation have progressed incredibly, and when compared to history, at an astonishing pace. We are the best ever, but only if we continue to improve.

It took a complete takeover of every check and balance we possess for this state of emergency to occur. The Supreme Court, the House, the Senate, the President*, and the Fourth Estate--are all completely corrupt where it matters most--in their end result. We are on the verge of losing our entire democracy, and barreling toward a destruction of our species, all species, and the earth. Since Bush* was selected, we have lost almost everything. I personally did everything I could to stop the war, including anonymous civil disobedience. It is and was a moral/economic/strategic/metaphysical/environmental abomination and BushCo must end up imprisoned, preferably for life.

In short, this 2004 election is life or death. It is make or break time for our strange collection of glands and molecules and hugs and sunsets, horses, grins, and tail-less apes.

I have sent money to Howard Dean and supported him while reading about the other candidates and avoiding the slams by dems on dems. I love Howard Dean, he is a historical figure and his honest rhetoric about BushCo and the war changed the entire campaign, and gave me a voice beyond my own. But I now do not believe he could beat George W. Bush--not because he should not, but because our media will not reform by the election and he has been destroyed by them and the other democratic candidates. By being the focus target of everybody for 5 months, he has taken one for the team. Rove and the media will be hard pressed to demonize anybody else thoroughly with the months remaining. I repeat: I love Howard Dean and he took one for the team, so please show some respect. I will never speak ill of this man and once the nomination is done, I do not expect to read garbage about him here at DU, or anything like that toward his supporters. He is already a historical figure and the new grassroots movement he created is vital to creating a Progressive Democratic Party and it will prove to be largely transferable. The same people who, like me, were drawn to Howard Dean, also understand that BushCo Part II = death. The movement will transfer because these remarkable patriots know that BushCo, like the pharoahs, want to bury us in the tomb with them.

-----------------

This brings me to John Kerry. I was rooting for him until the IWR, after which I disregarded him completely, where previously he was my favorite horse in the race. I will not get into the hows and whys of that vote, but as someone who lost a great deal psychologically by the invasion of Iraq and knew a 19 year old boy who died there, I am satisfied with him in this regard. It is no longer an issue for me. However, if John has the nomination in hand by my Pennsylvania primary, I will vote for Dennis Kucinich so that his absolute truth about Iraq is represented at the convention. But my energies are now 100% behind John Kerry, while never speaking ill of any of the other candidates (except Joe, who is a Republican) here or anywhere.

I am also well read in the group called Skull and Bones. After hearing of them while researching Shrub, I dug into it and read like crazy, including reading in spring 2002 the definitive book by Antony Sutton. I had no idea John was a member and what I read matched what I had seen while working directly for plutocrats in NYC. At least 75% of its members are absolute nightmares and John was a member. This, to me, is trumped by John's volunteering to go to Vietnam, suffering 3 wounds, then returning to spend 3 years ending it, then exposing Iran-Contra at great personal cost, all the while possessing the best understanding of the environment I have ever heard from a member of our government. I believe when he is elected he will bring the BCCI to justice and perhaps even bring justice against the Bush Family for their decades of criminality. So for Skull and Bones, even if John is part of their geopolitically sociopathic fascist script, even if if all of our government is a script, this man's role in it is the best I've ever seen. Even if its all an act, I choose John as my actor. And after a year of pondering and reading, my heart thinks it may take a Bonesman to end the Bonesmen's run of our nation, and that John Kerry is that man and that he is a good and honorable human being.

But most importantly, Kerry can not lose to Bush. Even if Bush gets 5% of the vote through black box voting and his racist Florida protocol (which is spreading to at least 17 more states), Kerry will beat him because democrats will vote for his record and his three Purple Hearts will get him the independents and his physical stature and attractiveness will also help tremendously (just a fact of life, y'all). I expect him to choose Edwards or Clark to run with him, but even if his VP choice isn't inspired, he can get the necessary 56% and necessary states. He cannot lose. No way in fucking hell.

Also, he is our only chance to invent ourselves out of the beginning Peak Oil crisis. He is brilliant and a fighter whose Viet Nam credentials will make him an enormously difficult figure to demonize beyond the freeper base. Most Americans will love him. And I agree that he can start immediately from the first second he becomes President. I want him at the wheel because we need him at the wheel. Between Peak Oil, the covert criminal mobster wing of the CIA and the prison/military industrial machine, the pending rise of independent robot intelligence (I work at Carnegie Mellon University...god, you don't know how close we are to either 1. talking about robot civil rights or 2. the Terminator...10 years away tops) and saving our planet.

In closing, here are links that say it better than I ever could. Thank you to all the John Kerry supporters here at DU. Please win graciously, all the while exposing the BFEE. You, as a group, are remarkable. Thanks again.

Thanks for reading this. Peace and progress to all.

With love,
eric sisak

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=977792

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=875102

http://www.boston.com/globe/nation/packages/kerry/062003.shtml

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=132792

[CalProf]

1. This is an extraordinary post

And I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart.

I share some of your history: I started for Kerry, was ticked off at his IWR vote, gave money to Dean, saw him in person, and then something in my gut said, nope, not this guy. I still like him and if he wins I'll work for him, but I took another look at Kerry and went to a speech and since then I've felt a rekindling of the sort of idealism I used to have back when I was a young fella.

This guy has lived the tumult of this country for the last forty years, and it shows in his face. I think he can heal us, and we need to be healed.

I also think he'll kick Bush's ass all the way back to Crawford.

Again, thank you so much for your honesty and compassion, and I agree: Dean deserves the accolades of every Democrat whether he wins the nomination or not.

Here's to Dean and his supporters: :toast:

[frank frankly]

10. thanks

sometimes the words are hard to get out.

[nathan_avery1985]

56. My agreements

Well said. There's been a whole lot of bad blood between the Dean and Kerry supporters-- a fact you, Calprof, are well aware of. Though I'm not sure that Kerry's lead is as assured his supporters (including me) would like, I think we can definately say that Dean has taken a hit for the team. (He may yet recover. I don't know) But in taking that hit, and in organizing his brilliantly innovative campaign, he has done this country a service of unmeasurable magnitude. The RNC must be scared shitless with the now very real danger of an electable and likeable candidate (Kerry now has 77% approval ratings) backed by the mobile, energized base that Dean has assembled.

For all his faults, Dean has been a remarkable candidate. Hats off to him.

[kstewart33]

2. The media has attacked Dean viciously

But his gaffes and poor handling of that assault, and of course his primal scream, have convinced me that he is not yet ready for the ultimate contest. If he thinks the media were vicious up to Iowa (and they were), wait until Rove gets ahold of him. Given how he faltered under the media assault, he will absolutely evaporate in the general campaign.

That's it, it is time to move on and focus on three men who have a chance--Kerry, Clark and Edwards. And it is time to give Dean a great deal of thanks for putting a hot poker up the you-know-what of the Dem party, which helped them to regrow a spine.

Dr. Dean for that, thank you sir. And the very best of luck to you in your next endeavor.

[frank frankly]

19. I agree on all counts

Please make Dean head of the DNC!

Please.

[aldian159]

31. Yes, great idea

I forsee Dem domination for the next 10 or so years with dean as the head of the DNC.

[drfemoe]

62. whoa

Like he's gonna vaporize into thin air or something after one primary? He faltered under the media assault? All the way out the door?

We all appreciate the self proclaimed "big three" candidates giving us such a grand farewell party, but the party ain't over.

A lot of us remain unconvinced that the spinal transplant has been completed, so the doctor will stay in surgery a little longer, tyvm.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

3. I Think This Is an Extraordinary Post

It really puts a different spin on things.

Howard Dean: All-Star Lead Blocker for the Democratic Party.

I could really warm up to a guy like that. I still wouldn't vote for him *in the primaries*...but I could really warm up to him.

I reiterate my belief that Dean would make a phenomenal DNC Chair.

DTH

On Edit: Added asterisked text.

[NNN0LHI]

11. There's no doubt in my mind that Dean has made the Democratic party better

[frank frankly]

15. I love your posts, but please stop saying you wouldn't vote for him

I think that is selfish. We cannot lose. We will all be destroyed.

Please reconsider, because it slightly negates your wonderful posts and insights.

Thanks, DTW!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

17. I Mean in the Primaries

I'd probably vote for him in the general election, if he was nominated.

Thanks for the compliment.

DTH

[mike_c]

4. excellent, thoughtful post...

...and while I might disagree with some of your sentiments (the IWR and S&B are still deal breakers for me), thanks for expressing them so eloquently. You're right-- 2004 is a watershed year for the U.S. I hope we can go beyond returning to the pre-Bush* status quo and set America onto a truely progressive social path.

[Jerseycoa]

5. I know this can't be easy

I admire your making the hard choice, though. I wish you well with your new candidate, who is someone I respect and about whom I care.

:toast:

[frank frankly]

38. I really really like Clark

But it's Kerry's exposing of Iran Contra that seems most relevant now. We need a lot, a whole fucking lot, of that.

Wes is awesome.

[oasis]

6. Good choice. Your post is an excellent read.

[Maddy McCall]

7. Thank you, eric, for taking the time to express this.

We may differ on candidates, but not on sentiments.

:hug:

[frank frankly]

35. thanks you, jchild

I have nothing but praise for Clark. He also could not lose.

[maxanne]

8. don't be surprised

when we lose again in November.

Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is how Einstein defined insanity. It also defines the Democratic Party.

another establishment Democrat who's rolled over again and again for the right wing isn't gonna change anything. Not one iota.

[frank frankly]

16. I disagree with your analysis, but agree with the sentiment

Bush-Lite = destruction.

I'm banking that John is a fighter.

[LuminousX]

9. Good for you.

I personally can't switch. It isn't in my nature.

[frank frankly]

12. I hear you

it took a lot, but then it happened.

I'll do everything possible for any of them. Everything and anything.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

13. Good job with a great post and well to the campaign!

[kerryistheanswer]

14. Very thoughtful post. Thanks!

[sangha]

18. And Kerry will fight for REAL energy independence

good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for our national security

[frank frankly]

39. that is #1

it directly affects the PNAC/BFEE cabal. he is right that we must invent ourselves out of this.

imagine 100 Billion a year for energy research. and 80% being legitimately spent! that is an exceptional rate of truth/corruption.

with BushCo, its 100% of 100%. thats why it is by definition, fascism.

[Democrats unite]

20. Great post!

I am sure the Kerry Supporters will welcome you with open arms.

[incapsulated]

21. Well said

I'm a Clark supporter but Kerry was always my #2. He is a good man, and I would have no problem transfering my support to him if Clark doesn't make it.

Your reasoning is well thought out, fair and honest.

Good Luck to all the Candidates, ABB!

[curse10]

22. This is a great post

:-)

Always glad to hear that Kerry has another supporter!

[KittyWampus]

23. Congratulations On Making Your Choice

I love reading your thoughtful posts!

There is something wonderful about making up your mind and then getting about the business at hand.

:cheers:

[frank frankly]

24. thanks, cryingshame

It was really hard to get out.

and in less insane inverted times, i live for compliments on my writing...

fuck yes, the business at hand

peace out to ya

[mitchum]

25. Beautiful post, frankfrankly

We are in agreement, but you are far more gracious
Well done

[frank frankly]

40. then be gracious

just do it

it is essential

[mitchum]

41. But it's not in my nature

and who am I to argue with Marcus Aurelius?

But you are right; it is essential

[NewYorkerfromMass]

26. Nice hurricane there

Welcome and let's go get 'em!

[frank frankly]

27. thank you

you are one of the sages here

we will get them

[candy331]

34. Each person has to make their choice

and live with it so if that is yours so be it. Expect to see the same old same old from the Democrats if they should win. Jumping ship when the harbor gets rough will never bring change. I know that real change is never easy but someone has to engage in the struggle and changing the captain's hat on a sinking ship will not stop the ship from sinking.
Let me tell you I came along at the time of the civil rights movement, started with the blacks who would not give up, then many whites joined them. Many endured firehouses and dogs being turned on them some were beaten, some killed but it made them more determined than ever to persevere to forge ahead and that is why there was a MLK holiday on Monday because some refuse to bow down and give up.

Some people seek change, some hide from change, some are forced to change but change will come, always has and always will.
When integrity and principal are gone all that is left is an empty shell waiting to be returned to the earth..........

[WindRavenX]

28. Glad to have you with us

Let us fight harder with every day to bring down the Chimp.
Welcome!!! :hi:

[Hoppin_Mad]

29. This Dean supporter says thanks - good choice - Kerry would be a fine Prez

[frank frankly]

32. thank you

Dean is always one of my heroes...I love the man.

[IndianaGreen]

30. What about Kerry's support for PATRIOT Act and the war?

I suggest that you go back to the drawing board and take a good look at Wes Clark.

Clark has all of the assets that Kerry has, tenfold, and none of the baggage (Skull & Bones, PATRIOT, IWR, etc.).

[frank frankly]

37. Clark and Kerry are both very high place players

I consider Skull & Bones vs. Stephens Group to be a wash. I'd prefer both were not true, but I will not attend to either right now.

I will do everything for either of them. I would demand Clark as VP or SOD or SOS. I think Clark would win the easiest, without doubt, and would be an exceptional president. Exceptional. Heroic and historical.

But I believe Kerry has the surgical acumen to legally prosecute Plutocrats and the BFEE. It must be done by the book. And Kerry knows how to do it. That is the deal maker for me.

Once again, Clark is amazing and I will be equally happy with him.

[IndianaGreen]

46. Kerry is unelectable!

Kerry's $75 haircut, well-manicured hands, fancy suits, and school principal speech pattern will not sell outside the North East.

His gun grabbing positions will just kill him in the Midwest.

[frank frankly]

48. I don't think so

but that is a brilliant preview of what they'll do to him

it won't be enough. freepers only.

[IndianaGreen]

51. You obviously did not see Kerry's picture eating a Philly steak sandwich

with Swiss cheese no less, and holding it with his pinkies up. Precious! Just precious!

The real world is not like one of those Heinz society cocktail parties that Kerry's attends wearing a tux!

[sangha]

69. Congratulations!

That is the most ridiculous argument I've ever seen on DU. "Kerry can't win because he doesn't know how to hold a cheesesteak sandwich"

[frank frankly]

33. kick

:kick:

[WiseMen]

36. Kerry's Record tells he can be trusted to do right, most of the time

We need more true sentiment as expressed here. Kerry has had 35 years in public life to expose himself as a fraud. He has not. I think we
can trust him to do extraordinary service for good if we rally
behind and give him a free hand by winning back the House and the Senate.

[frank frankly]

42. a Kerry/Clark ticket would give back the House/Senate

for real, for real

[BurtWorm]

43. Your story is quite similar to mine.

But I haven't made the Kerry leap yet. Or the Dean dump. I'd like to see how tomorrow and next week pan out. I may never make the Kerry leap, but I wish you luck.

[DoNotRefill]

44. Shouldn't the topic read "Kerry supporter switches to Dean....

and then flipflops back"?

Hey, if I switch my support to Gephardt at this late date, and then switch back to my original candidate, can I post "Gephardt supporters support whomever 100% unconditionally?

You're not a Dean supporter, you're a Kerry supporter who had a brief affair with Dean.

[frank frankly]

45. you don't know that, friend

I've done everything I could for Dean. Did you support Dean in July 2002? Had you heard of him? He probably saved my life by speaking for me. I was going nuts.

So say what you will, break it down to you're with us or Bush, but it is not accurate in this case.

Peace out

[JustJoe]

47. LOL! You dang Dean supporters just can't stop

telling the truth, can you?!? Anybody who
folds his paper tent after one primary was
never in the camp to start with. Can anybody
say ... Bandwagon ...

[frank frankly]

49. My alligence to Dean has always been superceeded by the removal of Bush

I am a broke jerk, and I sent Dean money. I don't think he can win, given the climate. I don't think Edwards could either.

We have to shatter the myths. It is going to take some Purple Hearts.

No, I am not by my definition a bandwagoner. I am simply on Red Alert, as is Dean, but Dean could lose and that is my final criteria.

Good luck. I haven't taken my Dean bumpersticker off and probably never will. If he wins, I would be thrilled.

[JustJoe]

50. Amen! Dumping * is #1. But if Clark wins in NH

will you post:

"A Kerry supporter endorses General Clark. 100% Unconditional 100% support."

Was your support for Dean "Unconditional 100%"?
I'll hold my nose & vote for Kerry if it comes to that,
but to bail on your guy after one primary, ya know,
that says sumpm bout yer 100%, no?

Crush *!

[frank frankly]

52. yes, it says I am scared out of my mind

and that I did everything I could for Dean, and now I will do everything for Kerry, and then whoever wins the Primary.

this isn't like rooting for the Steelers, to me.

but we disagree on this and by your definition i am a bandwagoner. in most cases, i would agree, but this is life or death.

good luck. i respect and understand your point of view. honestly, it is almost always mine.

[JustJoe]

55. Fair enough, frank, but

what drew me to Dean first was that he was a fighter.
I could see that no matter what happened he was not
going to stand down against the miserable assholes
that took over this country and are trying to take
over the world. I didnt see that fight in any of the
other candidates and still do not see it, not in Kerry
with IWR, not in Clark the Bushteam-praising phony,
not in Kid Edwards, not in none of em. I know that if Dean
was backing me in a fight that he wouldnt give up after
one bloody tussle and the spin put on that tussle by
a media mob gone Faux.

[frank frankly]

57. you are right

my only reason for this is the GE would be at best 40/60 Yes/No for Dean. I'm being pragmatic. I hope I am wrong about that, because, brother, you said it perfectly. It was a terribly hard decision. I hope Dean wins the GE, but I don't see it in 6 out of 10 times. Plus, I do believe what I wrote about Kerry.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

53. Satisfied with the IWR vote, huh?

How nice. You must be satisfied with Bush, too. Why not vote for him and get the real thing rather than a mere lackey.

[frank frankly]

54. IWR was completely wrong. You can hit me with that and can't defend it.

But Kerry does not equal Bush.

[xxqqqzme]

61. well, then, get comfy

cuz if Kerry gets the nomination, rover is gonna remind U of it 4 times a day and every other vote that supported squatter. If U think rover won't take advantage of those votes, guess again.

[library_max]

66. How's that gonna work?

What's Rove gonna do, say that the Iraq war was a tragic act of idiocy that the Senators who voted for IWR forced an unwilling Bush to declare? If he makes an issue out of inconsistency, that's just an opening for Kerry to once more point out that Bush lied, to him, the Congress, and the country. So what good does this issue do Rove?

I can see why the IWR vote puts off some anti-war Democrats. I think it has been adequately explained and I think that the context of Kerry's career removes from it any taint of warmongering. But any political hackles it may raise are among people who wouldn't vote for Bush for dogcatcher. It's important in the primaries maybe, but not in the general election.

[HuckleB]

58. "Unconditional?" Umm. This is politics. Nothing is unconditional.

Certainly not support for a candidate.

[frank frankly]

59. my ABB is unconditional

I should have said that clearer

[drfemoe]

60. I am sure that Dean will miss your support

I am sure that Clark will miss your support.

frank frankly (1000+ posts) Tue Dec-30-03 04:46 PM
Response to Original message
2. Dean or Clark
for sure.

happy with either! sending ca$h to both!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=43218

I am sure that many candidates will miss your support.

frank frankly (1000+ posts) Tue Dec-23-03 11:07 AM
Response to Reply #9

19. nice post, brother!

I like many candidates, so I like seeing a dedicated supporter with their eyes on the big picture.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=20411#21751

[Guaranteed]

63. And the Democratic party falls.

No courage.

[ACPS65]

64. Ahhh

I love the smell of hyperbole in the morning.

[JCMach1]

65. Talk about fair weather support... are you going to let the media

and a few thousand people in Iowa make your choice for you.

Not me...


In fact, I suggest Kerry supporters take a close look at anyone else... Kerry has some <un>electability factors of his own.

[library_max]

67. Kick.

[John_H]

68. "this 2004 election is life or death. It is make or break..."

I don't agree with your choice of candidates--but that sentiment wraps up the importance of this election as succinctly as it gets.

[edzontar]

70. Fair weather friend?

Some of the arguments are interesting, but why NOW?

Because Dean is down?

A month ago, Kerry was in the tank.

Could he "not lose" then?

What if Kerry falters?

In the end, this is not very compelling stuff.