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
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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virtually destroyed, our educational system raped along with hard fought for environmental laws being systematically repealed.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 |
