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Politics : WHO IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2004 -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: American Spirit who wrote (4765)	9/15/2003 1:53:38 AM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10965

Remember that Bill Clinton is a close friend of Wesley Clarks and he still has a lot of influence behind the scenes...the next few months could be very interesting. -s2@don'tunderestimateClark.com

To: American Spirit who wrote (4765)	9/15/2003 9:15:22 AM
From: JakeStraw	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10965

John Kerry, Commander in Chief? Exclusive commentary by Albert K. Marmero Sep 12, 2003 washingtondispatch.com Although he has been campaigning for close to a year now, John Kerry made it official on Tuesday by declaring his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in 2004. In making this announcement, Kerry wisely drew upon his Naval war hero status by standing in front of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, while a high school band played the Navy Hymn. Admittedly, I have great respect for Kerry’s war hero status and I, as well as all Americans, will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Kerry for his service to our country. However, despite his military background, John Kerry is unfit to hold the title of commander in chief. Kerry first came to prominence in 1971 when he appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as the leader of a group of disgruntled Vietnam veterans. He is now well known for his “winter soldier” speech where he questioned the motives of the United States in the Vietnam war and the necessity of the United States to contain the spread of Communism. While Kerry is entitled to his opinion, the way that these opinions were expressed were an insult, not only to the military, but also the United States. When Kerry was a member of the radical group, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, he would often be seen mocking the uniform of the United States’ soldiers by wearing tattered fatigues, as well as dishonoring his country by often carrying an upside down American flag. This type of behavior is acceptable from a private citizen, but not from someone who now aspires to the presidency. Perhaps Kerry was best known for a very public incident involving the medals he was awarded following his courageous service aboard a gunboat in the Mekong delta. Upon his return from Vietnam, Kerry participated in a mass protest, where Vietnam veterans marched on Washington wearing torn fatigues and war medals. Once they arrived at the Capitol, these veterans threw their war medals over a fence, in a protest against American policy in Vietnam. Kerry was one of the veterans who relinquished his war medals, however, after his election to the United States’ Senate, Kerry suddenly changed his tune. Kerry’s war medals were then prominently displayed in his Capitol Hill office. On his campaign website, Kerry explains how the medals that he once appeared to throw away in public are now in his possession. Kerry says, “I threw my ribbons back, not my medals.” He then goes on to say, “Afterwards…I went up and threw back medals a couple of veterans had given me.” Whether or not Kerry threw away his own war medals is unclear, but what is clear is that Kerry now says he is proud of his medals and his military service, and he has been using his military service as a selling point for his campaign. This blatant disrespect of the military, along with Kerry’s waffling over the issue of use of force in Iraq, are enough to show me that Kerry cannot be relied on to protect the United States during our ongoing war against terror. Although Kerry voted to support military intervention in Iraq he is now claiming that he only approved the threat of force by the United States. Unfortunately for Mr. Kerry, he can’t have it both ways. The Senate vote was to use force in Iraq, not to threaten the use of force. Kerry approved the use of force, and now he’s waffling for campaign purposes. Once again, John Kerry truly is a war hero, but his actions towards the military since Vietnam show that he is not prepared to be the president of a nation at war. In today’s dangerous world, we need a Commander in Chief that is ready to act quickly and decisively and John Kerry does not seem up to the task. That being said, besides Joe Lieberman, Kerry is the Democratic candidate that I would most trust with our country’s security, and that does not bode well for the nine Democratic challengers.

To: American Spirit who wrote (4765)	9/15/2003 9:40:57 AM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 10965

Retired General Wesley Clark says, ‘I told you so’ dailystar.com.lb <<...“Everything I said about Iraq has turned out to be correct,” the retired army general averred in a telephone interview several days ago. He rattled off the concerns he voiced before the invasion: Iraq didn’t pose an imminent threat to the United States; it wasn’t directly linked to the war on terrorism; an invasion might make the terrorism problem worse; there wasn’t an international coalition supporting the war; America had other ways to contain Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. “This has been a root canal,” Clark says of the Iraq campaign. And he warns that the worst may lie ahead: “You could have a catastrophic unwinding of this at virtually any time.” So are the Bush administration’s troubles in Iraq a boost for Democratic critics of the war such as Clark? Right now it certainly seems so. In last week’s debate, the Democratic candidates were lining up to denounce what they branded a failed policy. And Bush’s somber speech on Iraq over a week ago was all tunnel and no light...>>

To: American Spirit who wrote (4765)	9/15/2003 10:53:36 AM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 10965

Thousands of folks have written General Clark...here are an interesting set of comments... draftwesleyclark.com FirstName: Irwin LastName: Shishko City: West Stockbridge State: MA Date: 09/15/2003 Time: 09:46 AM Comments: Dear Gen. Clark, I am one of many Americans who would be uplifted and inspired by your presidential candidacy. I share the belief that you may be the only one who can defeat Bush, and take our country off its present path of bellicose unilateralism abroad, and corporate state militarism at home. (It’s ironic that a general may be the leader needed to check the rash, cavalier use of our super-power war machine.) It is, of course, evident that, if you do become our presidential candidate, you will face very formidable obstacles. The first and most obvious is apt to be a vast concerted effort by the extreme right to defame you, since you pose a grave and unexpected challenge to their mounting power. (My guess is: the zealotry of that right wing campaign will surpass the barrage unleashed against the Clintons ) In my view, however, the more critical challenge to your success has to do with the style and character of your election campaign. I respectfully suggest that the dangerous pitfalls to be avoided are: 1) a “Gore” the public approach which is overtly “political”, stiff and formulaic 2) an attitude that is boastful of past wisdom, and sensitively defensive towards any criticism. 3) any tone of weakness in the war on terror and 4) a policy platform that is so one sided that it fails to connect with middle America. In short, it is my rather presumptuous notion that, while attacking the awful failures of the Bush Administration, you need to frame your case in a way that appeals to the critical swing vote in America. Tonally, that means blending Truman plain talk with FDR humor and grace. Policywise, it means that mediating differences is as important as any necessarily partisan attack. That leadership approach requires the rare combination of candor, wit and wisdom which I believe you possess. -Irwin Shishko ______________________________________ a lot of veterans support Clark too... veteransforclark2004.us <<...As veterans we have served our country in defense of a way of life that Americans cherish. Over the past three years we have seen much of that being threatened. We have seen our economy virtually destroyed, our educational system raped along with hard fought for environmental laws being systematically repealed. We have a justice department that is ripping up our constitutional rights in the name of Homeland Security and we have a President who has wrapped himself in the flag and used the tragedy of 9/11 to implement military conquest in lieu of diplomacy and engagement. And finally we have seen our sons and daughters and brothers and sisters on active duty put in harms way, many to return in the dark, and many more returning with lifelong wounds that will require care in Veterans Hospitals around the country. Care that has been cruelly cut by this administration. We believe that fellow retiree, General Wesley Clark has this ability to change all that. Clark is also a Southern Democrat, has an unbeatable record on national security, progressive on social issues (pro-choice, supports affirmative action), brilliant academic background and accomplished professional career. He's highly articulate, and has a telegenic persona (as evidenced by his frequent appearances as a national security consultant on CNN during the Iraqi War)...>> veteransforclark2004.us If you would like to add your own comment, please go to How to Help. I'm betting the General reads these comments from fellow vets. Richard G. Burton, CPO, USN Retired 1963-1983 _________________________ We need an accomplished, knowledgeable, internationally experienced person for President and Commander-in-Chief who respects the troops with action and not just empty words or as a political backdrop. Please run for President! Thank you! George C. Richwine Major (Retired) USAF San Diego, California 1976 - 1994 _______________________________ Enough of Bush!! This county needs a true leader like Gen. Clark Donald Rank - E-5 USAF Scottsdale, Az 1979 thru 1992 ____________________________________ Dear General Clark, Please consider running for President as this country sorely needs good leadership and I'm sure you could win. Eric K. RIchardson Capt USAF Scottsdale, AZ 1983-1991 __________________________________ THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MY THOUGHTS KNOWN. I WORKED FOR GENERAL CLARK WHEN HE WAS OPERATIONS COMMANDER AT THE NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, FORT IRWIN, CA. IN 1985. HE WOULD FILL THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT WITH AN EFFICIENT AND TRUSTWORTHY ATTITUDE NOT SEEN IN MANY YEARS. DOUGLAS M. JOHNSON MASTER SERGEANT U.S. ARMY SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 1970-1990 ___________________________________ Comments - Sir, as a vet, we all need you, someone who will look out for the needs of the vets now and those to come. Someone who knows what war will do to a family. James Dumas, SSG, Army Braham, Mn 68-82 _______________________________ Comments - General Clark, you have lifted my spirits just by considering to run. The country really needs a great man like your self. I will volunteer, wear buttons, make phone calls and contribute money to make this work. This country is trending in the worst direction I have witnessed in my 43 years and screams for your leadership, intelligence and experience! Steve Lumpkin E-5, USA and USA National Guard Higley, Arizona 84 to 91 ___________________________ "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." -Sun Tzu. Let's hope General Wesley Clark seizes this opportunity. Dennis Tabella Specialist 4th Class Army Providence, Rhode Island 1965-1967 ______________________________________ General, we need your knowledge and leadership now more than ever! The country is moving in the wrong direction, and our allies around the world are losing respect and lowering cooperation. Our domestic situation continues to erode. It is time for you to mount up for one last, massive effort; we will support you all the way to the White House and beyond! Archie T. Scott E8, Army Colorado Springs, CO 1948-1972 ________________________________________ Neither party has a candidate more needed by our country than the General. It is an awful lot to ask of a man and his family, but great men always have risen to the occasion. We need you General Clark- that much is clear, the only issue is if leading us is the calling for you. Best wishes and Godspeed whatever path you choose, and thank you for your service to us all. James Troy QM2/E-5 USN Miami, Fla 1989-93 _______________________________ I met general Clark at Atlanta Harstfield International Airport, March 22, 2003. As he walked pass me I called out his name. He never hesitated but stopped and came over to me and asked my name. I begged him to run for president and told him I would be honored to serve as a volunteer in Georgia was so impressed by his ease and friendliness. I have watched him on TV every chance I have. I am convinced that he is the right person for the job and I want to help any way I can. I have several young people here who would also be honored to volunteer. Louis Childers, Major, USAF Stockbridge, Georgia 1970-1990 ____________________________ We need a plainspoken honorable real military leader in these dangerous times who understands liberty as well as security! Charles H Nadler Lieutenant, USNR Iowa City, Iowa 1962-1964 _____________________________ General Clark is an ideal candidate for President in 2004. He stands head and shoulders above the other candidates, and will be a formidable foe for "G.W." As a professional soldier and Rhodes Scholar, he brings sterling credentials to the task of leading this great nation in the trying times ahead. Thomas B. Vaughn Colonel, Retired, U.S. Army McMinnville, TN 1958-1988 _________________________________ No Democrat can win in the post 9/11 era unless he has great credentials on defense. You can be for a strong defense and still believe in things like tax equity and the environment. Clark would be a great President Mark Cohen Capt, USAF Nederland, Colorado 1983-1987 _____________________________ It is time for someone with brains, integrity, experience, and compassion to run for president. The current occupant of the Whitehouse has none of the above. Between Rumsfeld's foreign policy and Ashcroft's PATRIOT act, and tax cuts for the super rich, America is turning away from the country that I swore to defend with my life. Michael Galletly, SGT, Army Norman, OK 1988-Present _____________________________________ Just as the numerous other military service veterans have mentioned at this site, I believe we need the credentials of a General Clark at this time in our nation's history. If he does run, we will all need to work hard to ensure his victory, because a sitting President has such an advantage, no matter what happens or who is opposing him. So, if the General does run, we will have to run with him! Chuck Newton E-5, "Redcatcher - 199th LIB" US ARMY, Vietnam Service Catonsville, Maryland 1965-1967 ______________________________ As a former airborne infantryman and junior NCO I understand full well General Clark's insistence upon leadership accountability. I was taught that the mission was the highest priority, then the welfare of my troops, and lastly, my own needs. George Bush has never been held accountable for his myriad failures in life, including his failure to serve his country during war. This, I believe, is a reflection of the value system at the heart of his personal and professional history and why he became so popular so quickly with the GOP establishment. He is the son of privilege whose understanding of work is to hustle money for himself and his friends at the expense of the public. The Ballpark in Arlington, constructed with public money-sales taxes-for the private profit of a privileged few is a perfect example. Now he is doing to the people of this country, especially our young soldiers, what he has always done with impunity: screwing us all. It is time for a reckoning. I believe Wesley Clark would make a fine champion in our fight to take our country back from the greedheads who care only about themselves and their friends and damn the public and notions of responsibility to community. Run, Wesley, Run!! Michael Welsh (E-5), US Army Fairbanks, Alaska 1970-72 _________________________________ I was two years behind Wes Clark at West Point. In addition to being first in his class, he was also a Cadet Regimental Commander. He was distinguished then and much more so today based upon his magnificent service record. Our country is in desperate need of a man of his integrity, intelligence, judgment and true leadership qualities, all characteristics lacking in President Bush. Run Wes run! Bill Mc Adams, Captain, U.S. Army Houston, Tx 1968 - 1973

To: American Spirit who wrote (4765)	9/15/2003 11:44:20 AM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10965

$10 Trillion in Deficits? _______________________________ Federal liabilities and accumulated deficits may actually soar by tens of trillions of dollars over the next few decades, leading to fiscal catastrophe, a Congressional expert warns. FORTUNE Wednesday, September 10, 2003 By Jeffrey H. Birnbaum Everyone knows that the federal budget deficit is going to be huge in the next fiscal year: a half-trillion dollars or more. And that's before the $87 billion the President has requested for rebuilding Iraq next year. But over the next few decades, the budget deficit may actually soar tens of trillions of dollars above and beyond that amount--due to largely unaccounted-for costs from entitlement programs, warned Comptroller General David Walker in an interview with Fortune.com this week. A deficit that high could be a fiscal catastrophe, says Walker, who runs Congress's investigative arm, the General Accounting Office. Most Americans don't know about these liabilities because they don't appear in any of the ten-year estimates that official Washington relies on to write its budgets and to form new policies, says Walker, who is scheduled to give a major address to the National Press Club next Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to warn about the matter. He intends to "issue a wake-up call that we face serious and structural deficits that we need to start doing something about." Washington experts have been forecasting annual deficits of around $500 billion, but Walker says those numbers don't take into account that, as the Baby Boom starts to retire over the next decade, entitlement programs, especially Social Security, Medicare and veterans health programs, will balloon in cost. "There are tens of trillions of dollars in discounted present value of commitments and obligations that aren't adequately addressed," Walker says. "We would have to have tens of trillions of dollars invested at Treasury rates today to make good on those promises and we just don't have it." And the gap between incoming revenue and expenditures on these programs "is too great to simply grow our way out of the problem," he says. "Tough choices have to made." Walker declined to give a complete listing of solutions he will suggest next week. But he gave a few hints. For instance, he plans to propose that better, more accurate measurements should be published about the long-term costs of programs now on the books. He also would like to begin "a massive education campaign" to inform the public about these concerns. "One of the biggest problems is that the American public doesn't understand the nature and magnitude of our challenge," he says. As the Baby Boom hits retirement age starting in 2008, "we face a demographic tidal wave that is unprecedented in the history of this country," he says. How to fix the budget? "We're going to have to look beyond entitlement programs," Walker says. "We're going to have to review and examine a wide range of government activities on the spending side and on the tax side. We need to engage in a fundamental review and reengineering that will take years, and it's important that we start now." Walker's warning comes at a time when President Bush and Congress have their hands full dealing with short-term problems, particularly rebuilding Iraq, so it's not clear how much impact his comments next week will have. He doesn't have the authority to change laws. But as a high-ranking officer of Congress, his speech will be widely broadcast and is likely to become part of the burgeoning debate about the budget deficits this year. Nonetheless Walker says he hopes his notions will be discussed at some point and "the sooner the better." fortune.com