Clark headlines fundraiser for Charlie Rangel

[Jai4WKC08]

Monday, June 28 at 5:30, rsvp Walter Swett at 212-862-4990.

Price of admission is kind of steep (too rich for my blood anyway--starts at $1000 and goes up--I don't live in NYC anyway) but Charlie's a total hero in my book. I almost wish I could move to his district just so I could vote for him.

Here's some of the text of the notice he sent. Don't know if it just went to Clark-supporters or to all on his donor list.

"I am happy to annouce that our friend General Welsey Clark will headline a fundraiser for my campaign....We have decided to make the night - A Four Star Salute to General Clark.

"I'm very proud to have supported the General and you should be too! He is a great patriot, war hero and loyal Democrat. He continues to make a tremendous difference in our efforts to re-defeat George W. Bush and I am proud to have him as my friend.

"General Clark has been working tirelessly in the trenches for Democratic victories at all levels. He not only gives our party enormous credibility on matters of national security and diplomacy, but he has shown a willingness to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. There is rampant speculation about his terrific potential as a Vice-Presidential candidate or member of the Kerry Administration. I stand behind the General 100% and am confident that there is no limit to how high his four stars will rise......"

If you can't make it to the fundraiser, you can always donate at www.charlierangel.org.

[bluestateguy]

1. I couldn't donate money to someone who wants to bring back the draft

Rangel besmirched his career with that awful bill. He thinks it will make the military more racially and economically equitable, but it will do the opposite. Rich kids WILL find creative ways out of the draft, as they will always have institutional advantages over poor kids. A shameful thing to do for a congressman who represents a poor district.

[Jai4WKC08]

3. Single issue voter?

So you'd overlook all the good he's done, how he sticks it in the face of guys like Novak and the rest of the right wing, how he stands up for the poor and disadvantaged and takes no crap from anyone, just because you disagree with one bill he proposed? A bill that stands NO chance of passing, but certainly brought attention to the disparity in the racial make-up of the lower enlisted ranks? The "cannon fodder"?

Personally, I think a draft, or some sort of universal service, would be a good idea, if administered properly. I will grant you there's always the danger that the rich kids would find a way out, but I don't think you can hang that on Rangel. He knew what he was doing.

[bluestateguy]

4. Vote for him yes, but give him cash no

I am not a single issue voter, otherwise I would not vote for Kerry over the gun issue. And he's from a safe district, so I think it's mostly a symbolic gesture anyway.

I oppose mandatory "national service" too. It's strikes me as a statist thing that would be done in in totalitarian regimes. If local school districts want to require it for students to graduate I think that should be up to them, but the federal government has no business doing that kind of stuff. Programs like Americorps, made up of eager volunteers, work just fine.

[Jai4WKC08]

7. LOL--well, of course you don't have to donate

And I see that's all you said.

Hey, I can think of lots of candidates I'd vote for but don't send money to. Only got so much--I have to prioritize.

But I guess I'm more of a "statist" than you. I like libertarian ideals, but I think in the real world, people have a responsibility to contribute. And I don't think it can all be voluntary.

'Course, my biggest reason for supporting a draft, or something like it, is that I see the military getting farther and farther removed from the citizenry. I was in for over 20 years, and sometimes it scares me how far it's gotten over the years. When we lose that connection, our democracy is in real trouble.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. He wrote that bill to make a point to the repukes.

He knew they would NEVER vote for his bill because his bill calls for EVERYONE to be drafted, not just the poor. There's no way his bill will pass.

[incapsulated]

9. You beat me to it

He knew that bill would never pass, it was to make a point about exactly who is fighting our wars and who isn't.

[cosmokramer]

2. Charlie Rangel and the General: CLASS ACTS!

[KittyWampus]

10. Those Two Guys Really Like Each Other

great commraderie they had on the campaign trail.

And what was that General's name... the fellow from the south who campaigned with Wes towards the end?

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. Yay, Wes!

Charlie Rangel and Wes Clark. Love 'em both! Wes is everywhere, isn't he?

Go Wes!

[wellstone dem]

8. I like CR

I like seeing Rengal and Clark together. Two great patriots.