Paging Senator Kerry! Senator Kerry?

[Darkhawk32]

You want some serious points for 2008?

Get your butt to Crawford and hug Cindy.

[MintOreoCookie]

1. Wow. I would have never thought of that.

Send him an e-mail at his office. Great idea.

[racaulk]

2. Also...

He could add his signature to John Conyers' letter.

[TankLV]

7. Can't do it - it's only for CONGRESS people, the Kerry apologists claim!

Didn't you get the memo?

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

I just "love" it when some here defend the inexcusable.

[racaulk]

16. Yeah, right!

LOL What a crock... :rofl:

While I guess that is technically true, what's to stop Kerry from starting his own letter in Conyers' mold? It could be a letter from the Senate that Senators like himself could sign.

Just like with Conyers' letter about the DSM, 85 Representatives spoke up, while all 100 Senators were silent. Oh, and also when many African-American Reps were screaming election fraud in 2000, not one Senator would allowed those claims to be investigated, thereby allowing * to occupy the White House for the last 4.5 years.

I guess our Senators are more concerned with their own Presidential aspirations that actually doing their job of representing their constituents. And as long as that continues, I'm afraid they will continue to be the minority party.

[sandnsea]

33. A crock is right

Senator Allen already called on Bush to talk to Cindy, is he going to be DU's newest hero?

Kerry likely understands better than most what makes a protest work. If he thinks he can help, he'll be there.

He spoke up first on the DSM, by the way, and cirulated the only letter in the Senate to have it included in the pre-war investigations.

The Senate did exactly what Al Gore requested in 2000, keep the country from civil war. Maybe if we'd focused on the lawsuits and investigations AFTER the election, the country would be better informed about what happened in Florida.

I think some people just want to yell and don't care what it is they yell about or what the consequences would be if they're yelling actually turned into a riot.

[MH1]

36. You are incorrect - "100 Senators were silent" - NOT

For anyone who wasn't aware - and these are just the ones I wrote myself; they link to plenty of other sources:

Glowing Embers

More Dems Speak Out on Downing Street Minutes

Potential (R) response to Kerry on DSM, and why it's bunk.

Senator Boxer joins DSM fray

Dem Senators: Sign Kerry's letter!

Harry Reid on Bolton and DSM

And if you access the June 2005 archive of Light Up the Darkness, do a ctrl-F on "Downing" and you will find many more instances where DSM was mentioned by Kerry and Kennedy in various statements. They kept bringing it up every chance they could, referencing it in speeches to keep it in people's minds.

I am sure all this is not enough to satisfy someone who is determinedly anti-Democratic Party, but you certainly cannot truthfully say they were "silent."

Oh, and some of us remember all too well how certain folks in the lefty blogosphere complained when Kerry did his DSM letter that he was "copying" Conyers. It's kinda funny to see you say that he should be copying Conyers now (although by your post, you were totally unaware of Kerry's actions on DSM, so you couldn't have been one of the ones making that particular gripe).

[Wabbajack]

63. That vote in early 2001 wasn't to investigate anything

it was to challege the electoral vote of Florida. No investiagion would have taken place.

[Eloriel]

52. It's really not safe and sure enough yet for Kerry to sign on or go

visit her in Crawford. Not Kerry's style to be some sort of trailblazin' LEADER or something.

[BlueIris]

68. There are many ways to be a leader.

One of them is not to do something potentially highly controversial, unhelpful, and arguably inappropriate without a clearly defined objective which could benefit your party, your constituents, greiveing mothers of fallen soldiers including the individual one he'd be barging in on, the anti-war movement or your country. Not only does Kerry not have such an objective, no matter what haters on DU seem to erroneously believe, he doesn't even have in invitation.

[Ignoramus]

3. The retardly designed would have a field day with that

Kerry = fraud, is firmly implanted in mainstream thought I think.

If Kerry showed up, it would be used to equate Cindy Sheehan with Kerry, which would serve to discredit her. Then rehashed arguments about Kerry would be usable to attack her.

[Darkhawk32]

6. We have to stop being cowards and do the right thing REGARDLESS.... n/t

[fooj]

13. Yep. No matter how difficult.

It is imperative that we take a stand and do the right thing.

Peace.

[TankLV]

8. I must admit, the excuses makers are creative!

That's a good one!

[LittleClarkie]

30. Excuse makers?

So any reason not to go is going to be an excuse?

The right thing isn't necessarily to go down there for a photo op. That would be capitalizing on this woman as if he were Frist and she was Schiavo.

[karynnj]

17. On what grounds do you call Kerry a fraud?

Kerry has spoken up, as a Senator and as a private citizen, on a regular basis.

I don't recall Sheehan asking Kerry to join him outside Crawford. It also might be that he has appointments that do not put him in Texas. Sheehan's demand to meet the President stands on its own and has received press. Maybe it is preferable to keep it outside partisan politics. Kerry is NOT Jesse Jackson and although he has been smeared as a showboat even a cursorly look at his biography and comments show him to be if any think understated and even humble on his role.

Why is it whenever there is any anti-Bush activity, people here whine that Kerry is not doing something? Then when he is among the first Senators to talk about the DSM - he is said to be just trying to get Conyer's glory. (Although there was precious little glory in the action, it was appropriate and understated and placed the DSM in context in a broader issue in the Senate - Where is Part II of the WMD report?)

Dean, Clark, Gore, Kuchinich, Edwards, B Clinton, H Clinton, and Sharpton aren't there either.

[sandnsea]

28. Ignoramus

Maybe it's one of those consider the source posts. :)

[BlueIris]

67. delete

[BonnieJW]

4. Sen. Kerry

No! Too contrived. It's like Jesse Jackson coming out of the woodwork whenever he thinks it's good PR.

[jobycom]

5. I was thinking of the Jesse Jackson comparison.

Jesse Jackson supports a lot of causes, but the right-wing nutjobs make him look like a PR hound every time he appears in public. Nice tactic to belittle him and his causes.

You're exactly right, that's what Kerry would look like if he showed up in Crawford now.

However, an invitation to his offices might be in order. Or some form of tip of the cap to her.

[TankLV]

9. That's another good one!

Can we think of any more excuses for Kerry's cowardly and inexcusable behavior regarding this?

[Darkhawk32]

10. I'm not attacking Kerry with this thread. n/t

[TankLV]

53. But I am, because he certainly deserves it!

Except for the Saint Kerry worshipers here.

All hat and no cattle.

Wonder what his wet finger is telling him which way the wind is blowing now?

Just keep the excuses comming!

They are entertaining!

[LittleClarkie]

19. Besides, Cindy IS our John Kerry

so it would be redundant.

And you're right. It would be contrived. He's too classy for that.

[TankLV]

54. That's a good excuse.

More.

[Darkhawk32]

11. My email to Senator Kerry....

Dear Senator Kerry,

During your Presidential campaign, I was inspired by your story with the veterans of the Vietnam war and the grace and courage you displayed in protest of that war. I know you are a loving, caring father and citizen and can appreciate the feelings that Ms. Sheehan is experiencing. Cindy lost her son to a war based upon pure dishonesty which amplifies her grief and anger exponentially.

Please Senator... please John, travel to Crawford and talk with Cindy Sheehan. Being one of the top Democrats in the country, it will help tremendously. She is a fine, genuine woman and needs to know that the Democratic party stands with her.

Thank you for your time.

XXXXXX

[FrenchieCat]

14. I think that he's damned if he does, damned if he doesn't

He'll be called a political opportunist if he goes. It would shine the light on him, and the story would be lost to partisan politics as he would be attacked by the Corporate Media.

It is up to troop family members and us to support Cindy. This is beyond politics....and politics could hurt our cause.

A slain soldier's mother patiently waiting for the President while he's on vacation is a much better story than if it turns into a circus because politicians start to file into Crawford.

Think Schiavo.....and how does politicians looked.

This may be a nobler cause....but Bush looks worse without a political finger pointing to him.

Jumping into the frey with bad timing may hurt the cause that Sheehan stands for more than it might help.

Think ambulance chaser.

[LittleClarkie]

23. Exactly

And if he doesn't, then it's "Where are our leaders! Where's Hillary?! Where's Kerry!?" Ed Schultz was crying about that. And I agree that if certain people go, it will cheapen the effort. Conyers is just about right for this. It fits his MO already.

Besides, like I said, Cindy IS our Kerry, 1971. So it would be redundant. :)

[CarolNYC]

49. Yep...I agree totally with this post, Frenchie. n/t

[MintOreoCookie]

25. Excellent e-mail.

:)

[paineinthearse]

12. Contact Senator Kerry

DC office:

[phone]
Web Form: kerry.senate.gov/v3/contact/email.html

Chances are nobody's there, so try his Boston office (especially if you are a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts):

Boston
One Bowdoin Square
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02114
[phone]

Springfield
One Financial Plaza
Springfield, MA 01103
Boston, MA 02114
[phone]

Fall River
222 Milliken Place
Suite 312
Fall River, Ma 02721
[phone]

Worcester
90 Madison Place
Suite 205
Worcester, MA 01608
Fall River, Ma 02722
[phone]

Message sent to my junior Senator:

President Nixon refused to meet with VVAW.
President Bush is refusing to meet with Gold Star Mom Cindy Sheehan.
I urge you to travel to Crawford and stand with Cindy.

[paineinthearse]

15. The receptionist Kerry's Worcester Mass office just pissed me off!

I called the Senator's Worcester office, identified myself as a constituent and asked if he had any plans to travel to Crawford to stand with Cindy.

Receptionist: "The Senator is on recess."

Me: "I realize Congress is in recess, does he have any plans to travel to Texas?"

Receptionist: "You are welcome to record your message on the Senator's opinion line."

Click.

=======

By the way, where IS Kerry? Anyone Mass DU'ers see him on Nantucket?????

[sandnsea]

29. New Mexico I think

Going to give the Spanish radio address Saturday. Heard something about Santa Fe yesterday, but I can't recall this second. He undoubtedly knows what's going on, but it would be a terrible mistake to have any politicians show up anyway.

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=1314

[paineinthearse]

42. Thanks

I'd suggest John Conyers go, but he is in his 70's. Maybe Jesse Jackson will go (as he did to Florida for Terri Schievo).

[LittleClarkie]

18. And then be berated by others for glory hogging?

Because, you know, if it's Kerry, he's doing something wrong. Either way.

[TankLV]

55. Oooooo - the excuses are getting more creative!

Keep it up - ROTFL!!!!!!

[DrFunkenstein]

20. Hug Her In Crawford? Hell No. Hug Her Discreetly, Then "Leak" It

Just make sure no one finds out you arranged the whole sham.

Any approach by Kerry is doomed to be seen as a calculated PR stunt. Ask Bill Frist how well calculated PR stunts go when you exploit someone's personal grief for political points.

[LittleClarkie]

21. Is that what Frist did?

With the Schiavo thing I assume.

[karynnj]

22. No, don't even leak it

It's still a PR stunt if you leak it. Over the course of time, if Kerry did offer condolences or hug her, it is likely she would mention it.

[nookiemonster]

24. Bad idea, me thinks

Cindy is holding her own.

Thanks again, Cindy.

[liberalpragmatist]

26. No

Best thing would be to keep this as nonpartisan as possible. Linking her with a figure as public as Kerry would instantly make it into a partisan issue.

Remember during the campaign, Bush's ratings on Iraq were static? Roughly half opposed and half favored. Finally, AFTER the election there was a sharp drop-off in support among independents and Republicans. The whole time they had refused to see the light because Kerry and the Democrats were saying it was bad - they put on partisan blinders. The same thing would happen here.

[sandnsea]

27. This is CINDY'S fight

He ought to call her, but NO politician should go to Crawford. The focus is on the suffering of the families, the death, the senselessness of it all. Drag a politician in there and it becomes about partisanship. I have heard politicians are going tomorrow and it's the worst idea in the world.

[zulchzulu]

31. What about Bono? How about Madonna? Ashley Simpson?

Make it a sideshow? Whuh?

Actually, Cindy could use one of John Kerry's famous quotes:

"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?"

Let Cindy keep the limelight. She's doing fine all by herself.

[politicasista]

32. Ms. Cindy doesn't need anyone.

[ChiciB1]

34. Yes, It's HER Party

And We Can Cry If We Want To!! Of we can cry with her!!!

Couldn't resist the pun!

[ginnyinWI]

35. did you see * 's statement today?

He is portraying this as Cindy Sheehan asking for immediate troop withdrawal, nothing more. Nothing about her question about what the "noble cause" was or anything else. If Kerry or any other Dem Congressperson were to go there, the media would immediately scream "flip-flop" because most if not all of them are not calling for immediate withdrawal. This is a populist protest of the war and I think it should stay that way. It will draw a lot more support from people from both parties this way.

[Island Blue]

37. If a senator was going to go and visit Mrs. Sheehan

wouldn't it make a whole hell of a lot more sense for either Sen. Boxer or Sen. Feinstein to be the ones? They are her senators, no?

[Dr Ron]

40. Didn't you get the memo?

The whole point of this topic is to bash John Kerry.

It is against the rules to bring such logic into it. Every other Senator besides John Kerry is automatically excused from doing what the poster wants.

It is well within the rules of topics such as this to make up your own facts, or deny what has happened (such as the inane comments above which ignore the fact that John Kerry was the first Senator to bring up the Downing Street Memos and has sent a letter requesting an investigation).

[Darkhawk32]

43. THIS TOPIC WAS NOT TO BASH KERRY GOD DAMNIT!

He's the logical person to go down and address Cindy Sheehan. I'm sorry that you're so sensitive that a request of Senator Kerry is considered to be a flame.

[sandnsea]

44. Kerry Is Superman

Yes, he's the logical one to solve every problem in the world because he's been diligently working on every problem in the world for 35 years. Environment, where's Kerry. Women's rights, where's Kerry. Gay rights, where's Kerry. Health care, education, housing, vets, AIDS, world poverty, and on it goes. Yes he works his ass off for every person on this forum, but when HE needed THEM, they said "I'll hold my nose".

Yet they STILL call on Kerry, and when he can do something, he STILL answers. Only to be dumped on, again and again and again. One of these days people are going to be shocked to wake up and fine NO Kerry or Kennedy and then they'll know what they threw away.

[Darkhawk32]

45. Oh please. So this particular situation has absolute no relation to what

Kerry did 30 years ago?

I'm not telling him to do ANYTHING, nor am I bashing him. It is a request, that's IT!

Jesus H. Christ.

[sandnsea]

46. Every particular situation has relation

He's been involved in EVERYTHING, so you can make your statement about ANY issue. But he IS NOT superman. If he thinks it will help anything to go, I'm sure he'll go. But I don't expect him to be Superman; and then turn around and spit at him because he can't work miracles. And that's what'll happen, no matter who does or doesn't go to Crawford.

And again, NO politician should go because it'll immediately turn it into a partisan circus. It is exactly the way it should be right now, home grown.

[LittleClarkie]

51. I'm not sure I see the logic though

I think his presence would "Frist-ify" the situation, even though he has anti-war chops from back in the day.

Anyway, for this time and this war, she IS John Kerry. It would be redundant.

We need grassroots folks on the ground, not politicians and photo ops.

[Dr Ron]

60. That's how it turned out

Maybe you didn't intend it that way, but there quite a bit of Kerry bashing based upon ignorance in many of the comments here.

[TankLV]

56. And by suggesting the utter failure of Kerry to do anything, is bashing?

Maybe he just deserves it?

God I just hate unjustified Idol worship!

[Dr Ron]

59. It's bashing when it is untrure

and people are unwilling to look at the facts.

I just hate intentional ignorance.

[karynnj]

61. Your profile says you are from Nevada, have you asked Reid

to go, or Dean (as DNC head), or Clark, or any of the other 98 Senators. (I think Senators being there adds nothing, so I will not even think of asjing Lautenberg and Corzine)

Sheehan is accomplishing exactly what she wants, bringing attention to the tangible costs of an unnecessary war. She is getting a lot of press and the President was forced to speak about her. It is possible, that this is more important than actually talking to the President. What would she say? What could he say? Would the disscussion be better if Kerry were there? Would the President be more likely to come out to speak to her if Kerry were there? Could Kerry influence Bush to meet with her? None of my off the top answers to these questions suggest things would be better if he came.

Also, exit strategy question - if Kerry came and Bush still wouldn't meet with her, how long would you want Kerry to stay?

[TankLV]

58. That another good excuse!

Keep 'em comming!

You guys are on a roll big time!

[sendero]

38. I'm not sure..

.... that there is a role for Kerry in Crawford. I'm just not sure that he could really improve the situation.

[nevergiveup]

39. He needs to stay away

This isn't about politicians or famous people it is about ordinary folks like Cindy Sheehan. If Michael Moore, John Kerry or Brad Pitt show it becomes a circus. The only high visibility person that would help is the Pope and this isn't likely.

[LittleClarkie]

41. I know that and you know that

but there are some here who think it is the right thing and that Kerry is a coward if he doesn't. Poor dude. Can't win. gonna get it coming or going.

[FreedomAngel82]

47. I wish he would

That'd be great!

[Independent_Liberal]

48. Come on Kerry! Get behind this woman!

She needs all the help she can get!

[LittleClarkie]

50. He can be behind her

without muddying her message.

I don't want him to "Frist" her. Intentional or not, it would look like politicizing, and would cheapen what she's doing. Call her, send her money, but don't show up.

It will be more powerful with common folks like you or I, not some politician.

[jayctravis]

57. Kerry might overshadow her...

Much as that would rock it would all be about Kerry.

Teresa...however could pop in for an unannounced visit, take a couple of pics and clear out.

Perhaps that should be the thing to do...get some famous people in there, get a pic with Cindy for posterity, bring a lovely fruit basket or some water and clear out. It should be the revolving door protest site.

There should be a guest book for everyone who stops in to sign. Fill it up and deliver it to Prairie Chapel or whatever the house is called.

[txindy]

62. Nope, this isn't political

This is for Cindy and the families. We should not enable the wingnuts to scream, "SEE! POLITICAL MOTIVATION!"

Just,... no.

[tuvor]

64. Wouldn't hurt for any Democrat to do the same. Including, say, Dean.

Kerry's history IMO, but why are you singling him out?

She's received little if any support from the Democratic Party in general.

Or am I not paying attention?

[roguevalley]

65. Okay. Has he issued a supportive statement?

[LibertyorDeath]

66. If he was worth half a Shit he'd already be there.

Flame away I could give a fuck.

[Moderator]

69. Locking

Flamebait