There was a break in the news. On Cable News Network Wolf Blitzer was noticeably moved. He excitedly reported; Dick Cheney confessed. Broadcaster Blitzer's words were a bit more tempered. He said, "This just coming into The Situation Room. The Vice President, Dick Cheney, has given ABC News an interview and confirming now publicly that the Bush administration did engage in the very controversial interrogation tactic of waterboarding." The Commentator then asked America to listen to the clip. ABC News Correspondent Jonathan Karl inquired of the outgoing high-level government official, "Did you authorize the tactics that were used against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed?" Without hesitation, the Vice President responded. "I was aware of the program, certainly, and involved in helping get the -- the process cleared, as the agency, in effect, came in and wanted to know what they could and couldn't do. . . . (T)hey talked to me, as well as others, to explain what they wanted to do. And I supported it.
Viewers vented. Some shifted nervously in their seats. However, The Judicial Watch was not amused. Nor were they elated. The answer was not the one this Conservative organization, hoped for, groped for, and searched for though the courts, for all these many years. Vice President Cheney did not confess to sins conceived long before September 11, 2001. He told said nothing of the maps and charts of Iraqi oil fields. Foreign suitors for Iraqi oilfield contracts were not discussed as they had been in March 5, 2001, six months and six days before the infamous September 11 attacks.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may say impeachment is off the table; nonetheless, on June 9, 2008, Congressman Dennis Kucinich placed it on the floor. For five hours, the Ohio Representative stood before his colleagues and an expectant national audience. Kucinich spoke of what has remained unmentionable for far too long. The President of the United States of America has committed high crimes and misdemeanors.
Shame seems to be the issue of the day. The North America Free Trade Agreement is also among the topics discussed. Health Care plans are reviewed. As the Presidential campaigns progress, let us reflect, and recall why these matters move the media and the people.
Americans acknowledge "The sky is falling." We, the people must unite and take our country back. Democrats must choose the most desirable candidate. The best candidate is defined as the one who can win the White House. The Top Three are fine; perhaps, not as good as, they could be, but they will do the job. Dennis Kucinich, for many is ideal. His proposals are well thought out and he fully addresses the issues that affect the common folk. However, Americans hear at every turn, Dennis Kucinich does not have a chance.
Presidential aspirant Kucinich was excluded from the American Association for Retired Persons [AARP] debate in the Hawkeye State. In Granite country, ABC News declared Dennis Kucinich would be barred from the dialogue. Silver State voters were not able to see the profound Presidential hopeful on stage. He was relegated to the streets allowed to speak only to the neon lights. The Palmetto State decreed, "Dennis, this is not your kingdom." Indeed, you are locked out in this land of liberty. Now, Texas tells its tall tale. Dennis Kucinich will not be the hero in the Lone Star State.
On the first day of the New Year, a banner headline screamed to elite readers of The Wall Street Journal,"What Kucinich Saw: Witnesses Described His Close Encounter." Murdoch News Corporation Journalist, Michael M. Phillips offered what booklovers yearn to learn, the personal history of each of the players in a Presidential campaign. Tall tales and tittle-tattle capture the attention of Americans. The substantive information provided in these yarns, is scant. Nonetheless, the entertainment value is vast. An expectant public wants the dirt. We are happy to sling mud and spit in the face of historical leaders.
The night was young, and yet, the messages were old. The top-tier Democratic hopefuls huddled together around a round table. The stage was prepared and the performance would be unparalleled. Each character in this play reveled in an accepted reality. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, or Barack Obama, are "right" for the country. No one else could compare to this cast of characters. In truth, the three were one. The dramatic debate was cordial and quaint. The candidates were polite, prim, and extremely proper. The production was well-managed. No one was scolded. Regrets were expressed. Geniality grew as the hopefuls promised to do no harm to the others.
"The dog ate my homework," said young Jonathan. In those tender years, he hoped an authority figure would trust the statement to be true. As an adult, Jonathan grumbled in frustration, "The computer ate my vote." The concerned citizen wanted to hear no excuses. Just as he knew the sweet little pup on his lap never digested the paper he did not write, Jon understood; the central processing system did not devour the votes. Constituent choices were not read or recorded accurately.
Candidates having been raising millions of dollars and traveling (or private jets) around the country in luxury buses, arguing over who has the most 'experience' - who is a Mormon (therefore disqualified) - who's not a true Republican (Ron Paul) who's picking on Hillary (Edwards) - who can grab the Evangelical vote - who is totally ignored (Kucinich) - who claims 911 makes him the protector of us all etc; the real story of what is happening in America (evictions - foreclosures - unemployment) is being totally ignored!
A tired and emotionally torn Hillary Clinton trembled slightly as she voiced her concern for the country and her campaign. A somewhat shaken Senator said, "You know, this is very personal for me. It's not just political. It's not just public. I see what's happening . . . It's really about all of us together." Indeed, Senator Clinton, it is.
(I am honored and privileged to present this thoughtful tome by Jerome Grossman.
If only change were more than a word, or a missive. Might we consider change, as it applies to equality and tranquility, our mission. - promoted by Betsy L. Angert)
It is hard to say what this political campaign is really about except that ambition has propelled some admirable and some not so admirable people to run for president. And, as though they all drank the same magical elixir simultaneously, to begin to utter the mystical word, "change."
America is faced with an interesting dilemma; whom might the citizens place in the Oval Office. November 2008 will arrive quickly. January 2009 cannot come soon enough. Many qualified candidates vie for the attention of the people. Among the Democrats, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, and Barack Obama cross the nation each day. All wish to meet expectant constituents. The aspirants ask for only one favor. "Please give me an equal opportunity." Presidential hopeful, Congressman Dennis Kucinich might make this request with more fervor and with reason. Kucinich excluded from ABC debate.
On January 4, 2008, Public Broadcasting Services [PBS] Bill Moyers will discuss what most in the press barely acknowledge; the mainstream media is counting Dennis Kucinich out. Perhaps the truer statement is they do not let him in. Perchance, if we reflect on what has occurred throughout the Presidential campaign we might realize, the moguls who own the airwaves fear true change. They trust Ohio Congressman, Dennis Kucinich will actually work for the people, just as he has done throughout his career.
I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat! ~ Will Rogers [1879-1935]
Those were the days, now long past. When Author, Philosopher, Philanthropist Will Rogers was alive, people had the freedom to think for themselves. Citizens were not told they must follow the lead of autocrats. Less than one hundred years ago, the United States Constitution was considered the supreme law of the land. In the twenty-first century, the Democratic National Committee sets the standards. Party officials determined that law abiding Congressman, and Presidential hopeful, Dennis Kucinich will not appear on the Texas primary ballot.
Americans, mired in debt, desperate for adequate Health Care, fearful of foreclosures, and worried about a protracted war, cry out for change. Compatriots wish for a wizard, one who will work for the common folk, and not solely for self, a Commander-In-Chief who will acknowledge the current crises, and lead us into a Land like Oz. We want America to be the perfect country. We wish to be known as benevolent, caring, compassionate super power. We yearn to say aloud with conviction, "There is no place like home!"
Millions of Americans awoke to the news; Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack. The daughter of a former Prime Minister, and twice Prime Minister herself, Bhutto, months ago returned to her homeland, after a self-imposed eight year exile.
May I offer my sincerest gratitude to Representatives, Robert Wexler, Luis Gutierrez, and Tammy Baldwin. These glorious members of the House Judiciary Committee, recently raised the volume on the issue of impeachment for Vice President Cheney. The three invite us, the average citizen, to join them. Please express your distress; sign the petition. Call for Hearings. Without you the Vice President will continue to avoid an official and necessary censure.
Please do not stop there. Americans have seen what occurs when we are complacent. For too long Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke of what many thought obvious, and only a few listened.
During this Christmas Season, nothing epitomizes more to me, the great divide in this country, than [the image we often see splashed across the airwaves, and the one we rarely see published in print or on the silver screens]!
The Des Moines Register Democratic Debate was an event like no other. Gaffes, gossip, gushing, and gabble were all present and accounted for. Former Senator Mike Gravel was not. Nor was Congressman, and potential President, Dennis Kucinich. Each of these aspirants would have been happy to meet and speak with the people of Iowa, just as they have for months. However, they were intentionally excluded in this more formal forum.
Excuses were made, and easily countered. Nevertheless, evidence to the contrary mattered not to the Des Moines Register. The Editors had spoken and so too would their ultimate first choice for the office of President of the United States speak. Hillary Clinton clones, and future Cabinet appointees would have an opportunity to commune with the local and television audience. America had all it needed on the platform, powerbrokers and their pawns, those the wealthy tell us are prepared to be President.
Well over a week ago, I was elated when I first heard broadcasters on National Public Radio's Morning Edition state they would host a Democratic Debate. I thought; finally, Presidential hopeful, and an authentic Progressive, Dennis Kucinich would actually have a chance to speak. People would hear the words of the most mainstream candidate for more than a minute. Congressman Kucinich could truly discuss the issues in some depth and possibly detail. Perhaps, a publicly supported media service would at least grant Dennis Kucinich equal time.
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