Welcome Back Kerry

[ProSense]

Welcome Back Kerry

Issue date: 9/18/06 Section: Editorials

We were happy to see Democratic presidential hopeful and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry come to Howard while campaigning back in 2004. Although he didn't win, we were pleased to see him remain an active politician after the elections, and we appreciated him taking the time to come speak with students last Thursday.

During a speech about national security, Senator Kerry looked to students to be the change needed in our government and made no secret of his displeasure with the actions of the Bush Administration.

Snip...

We, at Howard, are sometimes spoiled to have the privilege of visits from prominent speakers, as is the campus tradition. Last year, when word began to spread that President Bush and the first lady were making their way to Blackburn, it was not a big surprise.

However, the outcome of their visit could not have been predicted. Unlike the two times Senator Kerry visited, students were not allowed to attend the event the first lady hosted. We were even locked out of our own student center and accused by Courtland Milloy of protesting only because we could not get our soul food.

Therefore, Kerry's return leaves us nostalgic of what it would have been like had he been elected. This editorial would have been about the most powerful man in the world talking to students - not about someone who could have been. The Senator's visit also leaves us frustrated that he didn't fight a little harder to make sure the election was fair, and that he waited so long to scream "foul."

Regardless of his failure to challenge the Bush Administration and his loss in the presidential race, the fact that Senator Kerry has come to Howard twice in the last two years says a lot, and we appreciate his faith and respect of this institution. It only leaves us wondering why Senator Barack Obama has yet to make his acquaintance with the Howard student body. . .

http://www.thehilltoponline.com/media/storage/paper590/news/2006/09/18/Editorials/Welcome.Back.Kerry-2282612.shtml?norewrite200609182229&sourcedomain=www.thehilltoponline.com

(emphasis added)

Seems there is some consensus snark in there, but also some wonderful comments.

[politicasista]

1. Somehow I knew they were going to bring up the election thing

I wonder will they be mad at the next nomiminee that doesn't "fight"?

Go figure. :(

[TayTay]

2. I took that as a nit and not as severe criticism

This really was a nice editorial. They expressed frustration, but did not file for voter-divorce like some people in some fickle forums do. (Hurumph.)

This editorial, especially coming from a University as prestigious as Howard, is a rave. Ahm, jeepers, they praised Sen. Kerry and gave a little dig to Sen. Obama.

This has been an incredibly interesting day. Lots of improbable things are happening.

[politicasista]

4. Yea, you're right

I guess it's the "Democrats take the AA vote for granted" is just as sensitive subject sometimes.:shrug:


I do agree with you that this has been an interesting day and good things are happening. At least they welcomed him back with an positive editorial, but I still wish they they would realize that he is one of the few that's on our side. :hi:

[ProSense]

3. They obviously

believe Kerry won. In my book, that's a huge plus. The positive comments acknowledging the work Kerry continues to do, his accessibility, his genuine interest in their community show they value his leadership.

[politicasista]

5. Yes, that's a plus

He should do more of this in the future. :)

[wisteria]

6. This generally a nice thank you Senator Kerry editorial, however

it erks me to no end that the misconception that Kerry didn't fight hard enough keeps on cropping up. He did fight for fairer elections, during the election and after. And, what was there he could of contested on the day after the election? It seems like this is an excuse to get a dig in again and again. Will this plague him forever? I sure hope not.

[politicasista]

7. That's what I am wondering too

I remember Tavis Smiley wanting to ask Kerry the question about why he couldn't have been the senator that stood with the Congressional Black Caucus in 2000 (like Boxer did in 05) and challenged the Florida electoral votes? And focus on the issue of voter disenfranchisement between then and 2004. (See Fahrenheit 9/11).

People like Jesse Jackson and other leaders still want to know why he gave in so soon. I know the votes weren't there, but after reading the editorial, it sounds like they want an explanation as to why he didn't "fight it out?"

[ProSense]

8. I think

the efforts will become known when the focus on the election issues increases, and it will. This was not a topic the media was interested in, and still they probably would have put it through the spin cycle. The information will get out eventually. As far as these students, making them aware of the efforts will go a long way.