Note to Laramie County Dems: Beware The Ides of March

My first Democratic Party county convention was 2004 -- a decade ago. I showed up as a Dennis Kucinich delegate primed for bear dove. I had had enough of senseless Bush/Cheney wars and wanted to end them. Kucinich was the peace candidate. Kerry was the candidate of destiny. At that county convention, held in the basement of the American Legion hall, I ended up as a Kucinich delegate to the state convention in May in Sheridan. There were a few of us peaceniks on hand, but we were trounced by the Kerry people. If Kerry had shown the same grit as his delegates showed at the convention, he might have beaten George Bush. But he wimped out. And we ended up with four more years of wars and giveaways to the rich and Dick Cheney's scary face.

What does a Dem delegate accomplish in an off-year election? A lot, if you're planning on running for the legislature. There's also a U.S. Senate election. That was going to be a circus when Liz Cheney entered the race last year against Mike Enzi. But Cheney dropped out and now Enzi is probably a shoo-in.

What about the Governor's race? Matt Mead is an incumbent so he probably will win, even with a lackluster record. The Dems, to date, do not have a gubernatorial candidate. We have some good people waiting in the wings, but everyone knows that Wyoming re-elects its Govs, be they D or R, because, well, it's more convenient that way.

This is my fourth Governor since moving to WYO and I have yet to see an incumbent lose. So the county convention is Saturday, March 15, at the Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne. Registration is from 8:30-10 a.m. Wonder what would happen if I breezed in and registered as a Kucinich delegate.

Me: "I'm a Kucinich delegate"
Registrar: "What's a Kucinich?"
Me: "He's the peace candidate for president."
Registrar: "It's not a presidential election year."
Me: "Isn't this 2004?"
Registrar: "It may seem like it -- this is Wyoming, after all -- but no, it's 2014." Me: "Then what am I doing here?"
Registrar: "You tell me."

I could be there to hear the Rev. Rodger McDaniel, who's the designated speaker for the day. He's always exciting and controversial. I could be there to visit with my Democratic friends. They are a great bunch, funny and argumentative. I could be there because I'm a registered Democrat and we keep showing up at these things because hope springs. Come join us. At the most recent Dem meeting I attended, there were new people there, some of whom used to be Republicans. I like that. I didn't used to be a Republican, although almost everyone is my family is a Republican and I briefly contemplated voting for Reagan in 1984.

See you Saturday.

And beware The Ides of March.

Kucinich web site attacked following his introduction of Articles of Impeachment

The Dennis Kucinich web site was one of the first I linked to when I began blogging in earnest in 2005. Now it's June 2008 and Kucinich is no longer running for president but still performing brave and amazing acts to defend the U.S. Constitution. I already noted how he stood up and introduced 35 Articles of Impeachment against George W. Bush. And then something mysterious happened. This comes from the Committee to Re-elect Congressman Kucinich:

Under circumstances that can best be described as "suspicious," the http://www.kucinich.us/ website was crippled early this morning a few hours after Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced 35 extensively documented Articles of Impeachment against President George W. Bush.

Until we can restore the website and implement additional security measures, you can find the full list and detailed Articles at http://www.democrats.com/files/amomentoftruth.pdfand http://chun.afterdowningstreet.org/amomentoftruth.pdf

If you would like to show your support for the Congressman's efforts, please go to myinfo.kucinich.us to offer your comments and provide us with contact information so that we can continue to keep you informed.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Kucinich pushes Bush impeachment

Dennis Kucinich, the tallest person in the U.S. House of Representatives, presented articles of peachment this evening. Here's a clip from the Chicago Tribune story:

Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a former Democratic presidential contender, said Monday he wants the House to consider a resolution to impeach President Bush. Speaker Nancy Pelosi consistently has said impeachment was “off the table.”

Kucinich, D-Ohio, read his proposed impeachment language in a floor speech. He contended Bush deceived the nation and violated his oath of office in leading the country into the Iraq war.

Kucinich introduced a resolution last year to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney. That resolution was killed, but only after Republicans initially voted in favor of taking up the measure to force a debate.

Send Dennis your regards at http://kucinich.house.gov/

Go, Dennis, Go!

Special Kucinich TV spot available at http://www.usalone.com/kucinich_tv.php

A man of great courage. Too radical to get elected, Democrats say, and too short. Too bad he's been so marginalized by his own party. It would be great to see him win the Democratic Party primary in New Hampshire. My second choice for great N.H. happenings would be a first place finish by John Edwards with second place to Barack Obama. I don't dislike Hillary Clinton. In fact, after today's film clip from N.H., I feel sorry for her as I admire the hell out of her. Alas, her time has come and gone.

FMI: http://www.kucinich4president.com.

Dennis: Stop making sense!

You watch Dennis Kucinich speak confidently about big issues such as global warming and the Iraq War, and you wonder why the MSM ignores him. Maybe it's because he makes so much sense. He's short on irony, long on sincerity. As the bloggers at Crooks and Liars put it, MSM would rather make a big deal of one heckler at the recent debate than spend time on actual issues.

Makes me glad my vehicle sports the only "Kucinich for President" bumper sticker in Cheyenne (that I've seen, anyway). I also was a Kucinich delegate in 2004 to our state Democratic Party convention. No delegates for K went from there to Boston, but it was a start.

Here's Dennis Kucinich speaking at a forum on global warming (via Crooks and Liars):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbkZo5YOCNM

Kucinich: Bush ready for loony bin?

Rep. Dennis Kucinich's comments Tuesday about President Bush's mental stability regarding reckless war-making bear repeating. This story comes from philly.com:

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D. Ohio) suggested today that President Bush's comment about a nuclear Iran precipitating "World War III" is a sign of mental instability.

"I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health," Kucinich, a back-of-the-pack candidate for president, said in an interview with The Inquirer's editorial board. "There's something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact."

At a news conference two weeks ago, Bush said, "I've told people that if you're interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them (Iran) from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon."

“Dennis Kucinich has always been a hard guy to take seriously. but this takes the cake," said Dan Ronayne, Republican National Committee spokesman. "Maybe he thinks preposterous quotes are the only way he can get his failed campaign any attention.”

Kucinich, who thinks Bush and Vice President Cheney should be impeached and
charged with war crimes, is running sixth in most national polls. He said he doesn't believe his comments about the president's mental health are irresponsible.

"You cannot be a president of the United States who's wanton in his expression of violence," Kucinich said. "There's a lot of people who need care. He might be one of them. If there isn't something wrong with him, then there's something wrong with us. This, to me, is a very serious question."

Kucinich: Impeach Cheney first

This was picked up from Tim Carpenter at Progressive Democrats for America and seen on http://www.democrats.com/:

At 9 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, October 23rd, in a nationwide phone call organized by Progressive Democrats of America, Rep. Dennis Kucinich announced he will go before the U.S. House of Representatives on a point of personal privilege to move the impeachment of Dick Cheney. Mr. Kucinich stated he will bring the impeachment forward before Thanksgiving. As soon as we learn more details we will post them immediately. NOW's the time to put pressure on all representatives, to impeach Cheney.

CALL NOW — here are toll-free phone numbers you can use to call congressional offices in DC: 866.340.9281 — 866.338.1015 — 877.851.6437 — 800.828.0498 — 800.459.1887 — 800.614.2803 — jam the capitol switchboard with our demand to restore justice and reclaim democracy.

Kucinich empties his pockets on Colbert

According to his campaign's e-mail newsletter, Dennis Kucinich will be appearing on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" this Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 8:30 p.m. This is Eastern Daylight Time. "The Colbert Report" comes on after midnight in the Rocky Mountain time zone. I usually catch it on repeats nightly at 9:30 p.m. So I'll have to wait until Wednesday.

Says the press release:

Throughout this presidential campaign, Dennis has talked about serious issues affecting this country, such as the war in Iraq, the eradication of our civil liberties, the healthcare crisis and other important problems. This Tuesday, we will have the opportunity to see the comical side of Dennis, as he accepts Stephen Colbert's challenge to Empty his Pockets!

The Kucinich web site is www.dennis4president.com

Vote for peace in 2008

Cheyenne is "Obama Country"

Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois won the straw poll held Tuesday evening at the monthly meeting of the Laramie County Democrats.

Obama received 13 votes, finishing way ahead of second-place finisher John Edwards of North Carolina with 8. Others votes: Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware (6); Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio (4); New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (4); Sen. Hilary Clinton of New York (3); and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut (1).

Mike Gravel of Alaska did not receive any votes. That may be due to the fact he wasn't represented in the mock debate that preceded the vote. But all the other Democratic hopefuls were. Locals Dems represented the candidates. Sen. Obama, in the person of Wyoming Democratic Party Chair John Millin, held his own. Rep. Kucinich, played by LCD treasurer and Vietnam veteran Bobby Marcum, landed the hardest blows. Give Bobby credit for his strong performance. But he had good material to work with, as Kucinich is a guy who takes a strong stand on the issues and isn't afraid to say what he believes.

Sen. Clinton (played by Beth Lance) had the squishiest perfromance. But don't blame Beth -- Mrs. Clinton is wishy-washy on the biggest issue of the day: Iraq. She also represents the DNC wing of the party, the people who gave us wimpy stances that led to defeats in the 2000 and 2004 elections.

The turnout Tuesday at the Plains Hotel was impressive. I didn't get an official count, but at least 50 people attended, although they all didn't stay for the vote. Lots of young people in the crowd, including Dem activists from local high schools. Many African-Americans in attendance, including former Wyoming State Legislator Liz Byrd. This is notable in Wyoming, which is 92 percent white.

The Laramie County Democrats will hold a salute to the late Jim Byrd, Liz's husband and party activist for decades, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 6-9 p.m., at the VFW Hall on Lincolnway. More details in upcoming posts.

Speaking out -- when it wasn't easy

Dennis Kucinich was against the Iraq War way back in 2002, when it wasn't easy, when war critics faced the venomous full-court press from Cheney and Rumsfeld and all the other chickenhawks. He voted against the war then, and continues to do so.

Here's a Kucinich video featuring speeches from those ancient days of 2002-2004: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCviUxgIWB8

Kucinich scores points on YouTube blabfest

To impeach, or not to impeach

Reported on AfterDowningStreet:

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has joined Lynn Woolsey, the other Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Congress Members Yvette Clarke, Jan Schakowsky, William Lacy Clay, Albert Wynn, and Dennis Kucinich in cosponsoring Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney (H. Res. 333). For details, see http://impeachcheney.org/

The list of state Democratic Parties that have passed resolutions urging impeachment of Bush and Cheney has just grown to 15. Meanwhile, 11 state legislatures have introduced such resolutions, which have now been passed by at least 77 cities and towns and a growing list of labor unions and other organizations. These resolutions are all listed at http://impeachpac.org/resolutions-list

Kucinich: Best man for the job

I am not the only Kucinich supporter in Wyoming. The other night, at our Laramie County Democrats meeting, Rep. Kucinich received huzzahs for his filing of impeachment papers against V.P. Dick Cheney. Although impeachment might mean Cheney returns to Wyoming before his scheduled homecoming on Jan. 21, 2009, we're willing to risk it. He will continue to be a factor in Wyoming Republican politics, but his time on the national and international stage is done.

Meanwhile, Kucinich keeps on keeping on. Bill Maher interviewed him. Kucinich came off as the knowledgeable, passionate man that he is. You can see the interview, and read blogger Manila Ryce's comments, at The Largest Minority. Here's a sample:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Dennis Kucinich is the best candidate for the presidency and an all around bad-ass mofo. Maher points out that he’s probably the most rational candidate, yet considered crazy by mainstream media conglomerates. Dennis is honest, he will end the “war on drugs”, he’s been against the “war on terror” since the beginning, he opposes offensive wars in general, he’s filed articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney, he believes in universal healthcare, he’s an environmentalist, and he has the balls to say he wouldn’t assassinate Osama bin Laden. That last fact may be a bit shocking to some of us who’ve grown accustomed to our country carrying out “targeted killings” against suspected terrorists. However, executing a suspect without trial, regardless of who they are, is against international law. Not to mention, the majority of people killed in our manhunts are always innocent civilians.

Kucinich: Planet Earth & peace in '08

Losing My Religion

This quote comes via Sojourners:

"Listen to candidates talk about religion and they seem to be following two rules: 1) Profess that nothing is more important to you than your religion. 2) Be as vague as possible about your religion." From Paul Waldman, author and senior fellow at Media Matters for America, in a recent Boston Globe op-ed.

It made me think. Pres. Bush hasn't been shy about mentioning details of his close personal relationship with Jesus. We know that Republican Mitt Romney is a Mormon and, as Bill Maher said the other night, "he wears magic underwear." I know nothing about McCain except he used to be known as a free-thinker from a Rocky Mountain state (Arizona) but now spends most of his time cozying up to fundamentalist creeps like Pat Robertson.

And the Democrats? Dennis Kucinich wrote and spoke extensively about his Roman Catholic beliefs during the 2004 campaign. There was an especially forthright column on his web site regarding his pro-choice stance on abortion. Fellow Catholic John Kerry was less open. Priests and the deacon at my Catholic Church urged us to vote for candidates that reflected the church's values, and not to vote for those who did not. I thought that Kucinich and Kerry (for the most part) best represented the church's stance on peace and justice issues, so I was a Kucinich delegate at the Wyoming Democratic Convention and voted for Kerry in the general election. Is that what father had in mind?

And then there are scores of other Dems in the presidential race. Hilary Clinton's religion seems to be power for power's sake (kind of like Bill's world view). Barack Obama? Don't know. Same goes for the rest of them. But I don't care. We've had too much religion in American politics since 2000. I'd rather know a candidate's views on how to get our asses safely out of Iraq than yet another soundbyte of a candidate spouting pompous platitudes.

Amen.

An A for Effort

Newscasters were snide when talking about Dennis Kucinich’s recent announcement about running for president in 2008. Nothing new – they barely hid their amusement during Kucinich’s 2004 run. It was a long shot then and probably is now. But one thing has changed. In 2004, he railed against the Iraq war, thought it a crime and a terrible waste of people and taxpayer money. Polls showed that his was a minority view. Kucinich was seen as a fringe candidate, a radical, someone sorely out of touch with America and even his own Democratic Party constituency in his Cleveland district. Republicans thought he would be easy pickings in the 2006 Congressional elections.

What a difference a few years make. The vast majority of Americans disapprove of Bush’s war. Most want us out sooner rather than later. They voted their feelings in the 2006 elections and Kucinich was part of the winning Democratic Party tide. Now he wants us out of Iraq. No more troops. No more money. Get out!

He may find a new batch of supporters if Bush decides to send 40,000 more troops to Iraq indefinitely.

I was a Kucinich delegate to the Wyoming Democratic Party’s state convention in spring 2004 in Sheridan. We Kucinich supporters knew that odds for a delegate to the national convention were slim to none. But we did come within six votes of getting one of our own to Boston. It helped that we piped in a Kucinich speech to the convention floor. The guy sounded good and was very persuasive, at least for us antiwar types. We offered several antiwar planks for the platform that were roundly defeated. I remember being lectured by a young delegate from Laramie on the platform committee about how we couldn’t withdraw from Iraq and desert the Iraqi people because it would dishonor the memory of the few hundred troops who had died in Bush’s war. I wonder how he feels now with a roster of 25,000 U.S. casualties and almost 3,000 dead? And hundreds of thousands of Iraqis dead and maimed?

Guess it’s time to find my 2004 "Kucinich for President" T-shirt. Let people laugh. Dennis was right in 2004 and his views have been supported by the damage this war has done at home and abroad. For more, go to the Kucinich for President site.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) is interviewed on Truthdig and asks this key question about new appropriations for the war in Iraq.

From a Nov. 16 truthdig.com interview with U.S. Rep Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio): "Today, it was announced that 2,000 more Marines are being sent to Anbar province, a place which was already declared 'lost' for the purposes of military occupation. Why are we sacrificing our young men and women? Why are we keeping them in an impossible situation? Why are we stoking a civil war with our continued presence? We have to take a new direction in Iraq, and that direction is out. "