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Politics : Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Selectric II who wrote (3609)	2/9/2004 1:35:20 AM
From: American Spirit	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 90947

I read Kerry's ex is very happy now and supports him 100%. So the right-wing smear squads are looking for dirt in the wrong places (as usual). Maybe they should check their own minds (or buns).

To: Selectric II who wrote (3609)	2/9/2004 1:48:33 AM
From: American Spirit	Respond to of 90947

From: CalculatedRisk Monday, Feb 9, 2004 12:41 AM View Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1326 As an active Republican, I am asked why I support John Kerry. I'd like to answer that question: First, I am a registered Republican and former Republican National Convention delegate. I consider myself a centrist or moderate Republican. As an example, I am for free trade (with some requirements - obviously no slave labor or child labor). I've always been more of a Libertarian on social issues and I think the religious fundamentalist are a cancer on the Republican Party (both Dole and McCain have criticized this group, but Bush panders to them). I was originally attracted to the Republican Party based on the ideas of fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility and minimal international adventurism. (On the last issue, both parties have, in my view, been faulty). So it is easy to see why I oppose Bush. He is not my kind of Republican. But I also oppose Bush because of the way he approaches problems. He is a modern day Procrustes; he has his answer and doesn't care if the information changes. We saw this in Iraq and with his tax cuts. Some of the Bush administration problems can be attributed to Cheney (Mr. Scandal), Rumsfeld (who I think betrayed our troops in Iraq by ignoring the post war planning) and others. But Bush is responsible in the end. If he had fired Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Feith, et al.I would have more respect for him. Strangely, the only people telling him that he might have it wrong, he lets go (economics: Lindsey, O'Neil. Military: Generals Zinni, Shinseki, and environment: Whitman). I just don't think he likes to hear contrary opinions. And any successful manager knows that that is a huge mistake! In the end, I think the Republican Party is just repeating old mistakes. In the 1920’s, the Republicans controlled everything (just like today). They had tax cuts for the wealthy (although Coolidge balanced the budget every year), they had scandals (also regarding Oil) and they had the propriety police with the 18th Amendment. I’m not saying we will have another depression, but as Mark Twain said: "The past may not repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme." Now on to John Kerry: the more I've read, the more I like of him. My first choice of the Democrats was Howard Dean (He tells it like it is). But, as a Republican, I don't get to pick the Democratic candidate. But Kerry is a thoughtful man who is demonstrating a deep understanding of issues. Does that translate to good policy? We cannot be certain. But I like Kerry's approach. This speech Kerry gave to the Council on Foreign Relations is excellent and shows that he understand a number of key issues: "Making America Secure Again: Setting the Right Course for Foreign Policy" cfr.org And I really liked this article in the Post that is very balanced: "Kerry's 19 Years in Senate Invite Scrutiny" washingtonpost.com I especially like that the Republicans respect Kerry and will oppose the smear tactics of Karl Rove. Quoting from the article: Republicans who have worked with him, especially the closely knit bipartisan brotherhood of Vietnam veterans in the Senate, see a more complicated portrait of Kerry. "He's bright, very articulate, tough . . . the complete package," said Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), a Vietnam vet who is personally close to Kerry. "He's the most difficult opponent we can face in November." And this article in the NYTimes gives me confidence that Kerry will stand up to Bush. Kerry is a fighter and a closer: "Facing '96 Loss, Brawling Kerry Fought to Win" nytimes.com That article will send chills down the spines of any Bushies! And finally, on a personal note: "John and Teresa Kerry steam up Democratic race". Maybe they will bash Kerry for being divroced, but Reagan broke that ground, and I doubt they will want to anger Reagan's supporters. nashvillecitypaper.com. Best to all!