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jfbI've been collecting reasons to vote against Bush for over four years (with a brief hiatus after 9/11). You've heard them all.
I've spent much of October volunteering for the Democrats. I've registered voters and I've knocked on doors. I've watched the debates with a crowd of liberals, and I've written letters to strangers in swing states about why they should vote for Kerry. In the process I've learned more about Kerry's positions and proposals and record. I don't like all of his policies, but I like a lot of them. I won't bore you with the list.
In the end, I not only voted for Kerry but was happy to do so because, well, I think he's a good guy. A little stiff, but intelligent, moral, and, in that waspy way I know all too well, compassionate. He's spent most of the last 40 years serving the nation. He's identified real problems and worked in incredibly frustrating political situations to solve them. He hasn't always set the goals I'd like; he hasn't always met the goals he set; but, well, that's how legislative politics works. I want to see what he can do, given the chance to lead.
I've spent much of October volunteering for the Democrats. I've registered voters and I've knocked on doors. I've watched the debates with a crowd of liberals, and I've written letters to strangers in swing states about why they should vote for Kerry. In the process I've learned more about Kerry's positions and proposals and record. I don't like all of his policies, but I like a lot of them. I won't bore you with the list.
In the end, I not only voted for Kerry but was happy to do so because, well, I think he's a good guy. A little stiff, but intelligent, moral, and, in that waspy way I know all too well, compassionate. He's spent most of the last 40 years serving the nation. He's identified real problems and worked in incredibly frustrating political situations to solve them. He hasn't always set the goals I'd like; he hasn't always met the goals he set; but, well, that's how legislative politics works. I want to see what he can do, given the chance to lead.
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no subject
Date: 2004-10-29 06:29 pm (UTC)To clarify: This is a man that voted FOR invading Iraq, and has stated that he would have American troops committed in Iraq for the entire tenure of his first term in office. Is this progress?
Exactly how is he like Bush? And you had better come up with more than "he voted for the Patriot Act." That was a singular action occurring immediately after a horrible attack on this country which, for many months, changed the very face of this nation.
Well, you cute lil' anonymous chickenshit scamp, this is actually a significant point. Voting for the USA PATRIOT Act was a choice and one which he was incorrect on -- you seem to think that the severity of the paranoia/fear that the US was caught up in justify the passage of Draconian measures, when there clearly was a lot of dissent about this, even at the time.
What's John Kerry's mantra these days? "We will KILL and FIND the terrorists" (actually phrased in that bizarre reverse order occasionally). Democrats are falling over themselves in an attempt to appear like moderate Republicans.
Kerry is a weak Democratic candidate whose only plus is that he's not George W. Bush. Ultimately, that's enough for me, but trust me, if I didn't live in a swing state, my vote would be going to a candidate other than these two.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-29 07:29 pm (UTC)I think my anonymous friend's main point was that there are other issues to care about besides "war on terror". I have grave doubts about Kerry's vote for war authorization and, of course, the patriot act. But he's done good work on, for example, environmental issues, campaign reform, and government transparency. This article (http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040315&s=corn) details some of that.
I'm not trying to convince you that he's the best president we could have. I'm not sure I'm trying to convince you of anything. But, for me, he has more redeeming characteristics than not being Bush.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-29 08:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-29 11:06 pm (UTC)If I upset you with my posting, I sincerely apologize. I was certainly not trying to "snipe." I was simply disagreeing with a couple of your points. There's no need to make a simple debate personal.
I would, however, just like to say one thing: guts and bravery. These words do not apply to posting on the internet. They simply do not, unless you live in China.
I don't have a livejournal account and I try to avoid posting my full name on the internet. If it helps, my name is Ray.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-30 02:12 am (UTC)And, since you seem to rely on statements such as "changed the very face of this nation" and calling Kerry a "war hero," I can summarily dismiss any future opinion of yours.