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Politics : Don't Blame Me, I Voted For Kerry -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: American Spirit who wrote (38927)	7/30/2004 9:34:37 AM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 81568

Some interesting thoughts on the Kerry speech... dailykos.com As most commentators have noted, this was John Kerry's best speech. He highlighted the substantive points of policy he will implement and many visions & ideals that will shape his administration. I was impressed and did not expect such a well shaped message and charisma from Kerry. I believe he has improved his viability for office with undecided voters who watched this speech. I only have a few criticisms. A strong focus on God, however since this secularist understands the importance of this issue with the majority of Americans , I can live with this focus. However he did make one statement of faith that I completely agree with, the place for faith in America: "And let me say it plainly: In that cause, and in this campaign, we welcome people of faith. America is not us and them." I think of what Ron Reagan said of his father a few weeks ago, and I want to say this to you tonight: "I don't wear my religion on my sleeve, but faith has given me values and hope to live by, from Vietnam to this day, from Sunday to Sunday. I don't want to claim that God is on our side. As Abraham Lincoln told us, I want to pray humbly that we are on God's side. " Additionally, constant reminders of his efforts as a solider in Vietnam were overdone, but I understand the message consistency was designed to convince voters of his "strength". Nevertheless, early in his speech he stated: "I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us into war. I will have a vice president who will not conduct secret meetings with polluters to rewrite our environmental laws. I will have a secretary of defense who will listen to the best advice of the military leaders. And I will appoint an attorney general who will uphold the Constitution of the United States." These concise and forceful points clearly shaped the criticisms and hesitations a large proportion of Americans have with the current administration on their hawkish desires for war. These points were stated in an indirect manner that relies on a continuing storyline of this administrations weaknesses. Kerry also adds: "And let's not forget what we did in the 1990s: We balanced the budget. We paid down the debt. We created 23 million new jobs. We lifted millions out of poverty. And we lifted the standard of living for the middle class." Kerry carefully draws the audience attention to historical Democratic accomplishments in a happier time in American life. Democrats has always had an incredible strong record on job creation. The economy has always done better under Democratic leadership. The stock market performs ~50% better under Democrats (~8% R -> 12% D). Democrats have always implemented policy to improve the standard of living for the working class. Strong visionary words: "We value an America that controls its own destiny because it's finally and forever independent of Mideast oil. What does it mean for our economy and our national security when we have only 3 percent of the world's oil reserves, yet we rely on foreign countries for 53 percent of what we consume? I want an America that relies on its ingenuity and innovation, not the Saudi royal family. And our energy plan for a stronger America -- our energy plan will invest in new technologies and alternative fuels and the cars of the future, so that no young American in uniform will ever be held hostage to our dependence on oil from the Middle East." Incredible words. If Kerry can deliver on this vision and priority, America's economic prosperity and security will have a strong outlook. Our future economic strength will rely on our ability to control our energy production and we must ensure that the coming rise in oil prices will have minimal effects on our economy. If America needs to rely on Middle Eastern oil, then we are in incredible trouble. I don't think Bush has this idea anywhere in his priorities. It's the energy stupid. It's price, creation, and environmental consequences is fundamental my people. He also directed these critical words to President George Bush: "In the weeks ahead, let's be optimists, not just opponents. Let's build unity in the American family, not angry division. Let's honor this nation's diversity. Let's respect one another. And let's never misuse for political purposes the most precious document in American history, the Constitution of the United States." The Federal Marriage Amendment was a clear political device to divide America for the express political benefit for his and the Republican's party electoral chances. The president claimed to be a uniter and not a divider, however he has prove time and time again that he anything but a uniting figure in America. The levels of partisan rancor and vindictiveness developed over George Bush's term is pulling Americans away from focusing on issues that help brings success to more families and individuals. Our President should seek to do the best for all of America and not for solely his party or supporters. I'd like more substantive talk from commentators on issues and ideas; the tone of the convention and the requests from the speakers is a strong call to unite us. Nevertheless, the political campaign run by Republicans has been dominated by negative campaigning. I don't expect any change from this group as they don't have any options. If they went positive on Bush's record, what would they have to talk about? -Nicholas engagingthought.com