I haven'tcried at all this primary season but I cried tonight

I cried with all the rage and frustration and bewilderment and abandonment I felt four years ago. I hadn't been keeping up with my email as closely as DU so the email from Senator Kerry came as no surprise. The well of emotion that came up while writing my letter back surprised me. I suppose I can blame my flu or that I'm a girl or maybe, just maybe I can't take that kind of gall from that man just right now.

My Letter as follows:

I worked long and hard to forgive you for what you did to us on that November morning. I had to remind myself to be angry at the ones who stole our democracy, not the ones who were complicit in its stealing. But my heart was broken and it has taken years to heal. I've watched what you've done in the Senate and so many of the things you've done were good and worthy, just as your actions were prior to November 4th, but on that day, for as inexplicable reason as Chief Justice Warren must have had on his day of capitulation, you were forever tarnished, destroyed.

I've watched and I've been able to build my respect for you back to a decent level. I've often said since, that I do not begrudge you your senate seat and in fact, am grateful that such a statesman, no matter how badly tarnished can still be such a useful person. And really, isn't the best any of us can really be?

There was no need for you to endorse a candidate. In fact, there was a strong need for you to continue your work quietly and to stay out of this fray. It isn't your fight nor do you any longer have the right to fight in this arena. In dog training parlance, you've already shown belly. Don't remind us. I don't know why you did what you did that day and I've mostly made piece with it but to have you interject yourself into a fight that isn't yours brings me back to that day when you, our war hero, showed belly and crawled away. I'm crying again, with the memory of the rage and the humiliation and the betrayal I felt for myself but also for all of us. I wish you had just stayed where you've been doing such good work and just stayed out of this fight. It isn't your fight anymore, ever again.

Don't tell me who to fight for and who to vote for! That I might end up fighting for and voting for Obama is neither here nor there! And it is not your business to even speak to me anymore. I've stayed on your lists because there was good stuff coming out of them and I'm sure there still will be but I don't wish to here it from you anymore. Whether you realize it or not, the Republicans may have stolen many an election in 2004 but it was you who stole our hope.

Teresa Mueck Avalon RNC

Butnotunderstood.

nothing more too be said.

I had a sinking feeling about this, but couldn't quite put my finger on the cause. You are so right! He "showed belly" for sure!

Mark my words... both Obama and Clinton have paved the way for NOT holding the criminals responsible... listen to their words. You can count on them to say things like "our nation needs to heal"... I say a wound cannot heal until the rotten parts have been cleaned away!

Want to question is Vietnam service while you're at it?

it was his capitulation in '04 that this letter addresses - period. and it's clear to anyone who can read a sentence.

Those feelings went deep.

jesus, what do you do when you burn the coffee?

Abandonment goes to the core. That often happens when one loses a parent when they are eight. Abandomnent becomes the number one most painful situation.

It's unfortunate that you have to deal with the rest of us, isn't it?

Julie

Is it "here" or "hear"?

Your membership here tells me it's not that RNC.

I'm just curious.

true democrat throughout

But I didn't want to hazard a guess.
:hi:

Jeebus f'n Christ, people.

At the end of the day, his endorsement carries no more weight than any other politician's endorsement.

I am disappointed in Kerry too, having worked my ass off for him in 2004 -- in Ohio, no less -- a state that was HIS but yet he decided it was not worth it to contest the results. So if anyone has any right to take umbrage at his endorsement, or any other involvement by him in the presidential process, it should be me. But I recognize that it is his right to endorse whomever he thinks is best qualified, and he owes me no particular explanation for said endorsement. And to be perfectly honest, I really don't give a damn who he endorses.

Some here just need to get over themselves. Seriously.

endorse. I'm truly sorry this has upset you to such a level. I certainly hope Al Gore doesn't "endorse" anyone and incur the same wrath. Kerry is a good and decent man who has suffered, as we all have, at the hands of a Machine that has proven to be nearly unstoppable. My respect and admiration for him holds true.

,...hundreds of millions of peoples' voices ignored, a wave of pain spread across this earth due to absolute reckless human greed and power.

There are LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE,...UNNECESSARILY,...UNNECESSARILY SUFFERING under the rule of "amoral" elitists.

Those elitists are not suffering a nanosecond in their lives.

Just a guess, but you'd be giddy if he was endorsing your candidate.

when he stopped the vote counting he lost any right to tell me anything.

I totally agree

I worked myself sick on his campaign because I was devestated by what happened down here in Florida in 2000. Back then I worked on Gore's campaign and I had a front row seat to that theft; even had correspondence with Greg Palast about what I saw and I believe that he wrote about it in one of his books. When Kerry stopped the vote counting I just went numb. I even wondered if it was some sort of setup-if he were just acting as a candidate for our benefit, intending to hand it to BushCo all along. I know that that's about as CT as anyone can get, but DAMN! WHY DID HE DO IT??? After all of that "I will fight for you"! BS at every rally. I still see a bit of red every time I see his image or hear him speak. All of us who volunteered-who gave up every minute of personal time and took unpaid time off work for his campaign for the better part of a year-felt sadly used after that day. I never would have expected it from him, especially after 2000-I guess those two elements are what made it so shocking.

I don't believe that's accurate. I do believe thought that there were a lot of people planting stories about his concession in the press and even here.

and his responsibility to us. i remember it being reported that john edwards called him and said "you can't do that, we promised" and he did it anyway.

It's just a formality. If you're talking about recounts or challenges, those also have nothing to do with speeches.

Why are repeating obvious falsehoods here, anyway?

it wasn't about him, it was about the people he was supposed to be working for. like we worked for him.

He showed us that he didn't really care about the good of the country, saving face or bowing to pressure or whatever the hell possesed him to "show belly" mattered more than what really matters. he knew the potential consequences of his actions, and should be ashamed for not even trying for a real chance to change the course of history. of course we'll never know, but that "if" will and should haunt him forever.

Thank you Tavalon, and extra kudos for suffering the fools.

Doctors aside, I do not suffer those fools gladly and they often wish I had not suffered them at all.

with poor information and we worked by the seat of our pants. I was shocked at the poor organizaion at the office but that
is another rant for onother day, But we cared, we loved and we helped to our ever loving best. There was no boss to lead us sho I lead us until I stepped on feet. Those were heady days and the end to painful to remember and yet I do.


No,Kerry has no street cred to tell me who to swing my vote to. He lost that on an November morn in 2004. I hope he votes his concience, I know I will.

Why would you make such a ridiculous claim?

However,he cut his supporters off at the knees by refusing to stay and fight right after saying he would stay and fight.. We knew the initial counts weren't going to do it, but we knew if our contender stayed in, we could have continued fighting in Ohio, Florida and yes, even Arizona. And please don't use that tired statement that he conceded for the good of the country. Abu Ghraib, Torture, "Renditions", FISA violations. telecom spying, I'm getting tired of writing and I haven't even started. Good of the country, Feh! He quit, because he knew politically. it wasn't going to look good for him. It was politics or us, and it was a no brainer which one he was going to choose.

STFU.

RANT ON: what makes anyone think that an endorsement from a 10 percenter is a good thing? the american people have given them this rating for a reason. they are ne'er do well do-nothings. none of them should be allowed to retain their jobs. they have obstructed as much as republicans on doing anything meaningful that would help the american people. the american people are suffering and they do nothing. no need to ask where their loyalty lies. the congress/senate have deserted us ... again, and again, and again. what kind of doormats are we anyway? i'm sick of this shit & the shit they keep spewing from their almighty podiums. i agree wholeheartedly that they should just STFU! bunch of DLC asswipes is what they are. RANT OFF

:thumbsup:

:)

Very nice writing btw.

I wasn't lying for effect. I was hitching and sobbing and coughing (I've got the goddamn fle on top of everything else. It was just over the top at the wrong moment. I already know how it's going. I don't need the establishment to remind me of what I'm supporsed to do even if I don't want to do that. They're much smarter people than me, right? Right?!

Shit I'm tired of being their peices on a chestbard.

both to Senator Kerry and here.

You are discussing something that impacted you deeply four years ago, something which impacted EVERYONE four years ago whether they want to admit it or not. The decisions made at that moment were monumental in how they affected our country and the world.

For anyone supporting the Democratic ticket in 2004, it was very disappointing indeed, even if some understood and accepted the reasoning behind not countering the election fraud issue.

Even if I disagreed with how you viewed that day or your resultant opinion of Senator Kerry, I would still applaud the fact that you gave a citizen's opinion to an elected official about an important matter. You were harsh, though IMHO essentially respectful, but you felt betrayed by his and/or his campaign's decision.

His endorsement today didn't push any buttons for me, but in reading what you wrote, I can see how they would for many Kerry supporters from 2004. It was enlightening and something to keep in the back of my mind as people interact.

Now, in the time it's taken me to type this out, I wonder how many people will post about trivial shit rather than the root message of your OP.

issue is, it's election fraud, i.e., counting all the votes?

I've been fighting that fight since 2000. The year 2004 was just a bad acid flashback for me. Yet some of the same people who "hate" Kerry for giving up are the same ones who decry people who want the votes to be hand counted in NH. It just seems you're damned if you do, damned if you don't... :-)

Yes, I was speaking of election fraud, but I can't keep things straight on DU as to who is contradicting themselves about what. LOL. Now that I check out GD and GD:P, my brain cells are rapidly diminishing.

:hi:

Thank you for really getting it. I didn't need people to share my level of hurt, just to hear it. Thank you again.

So perhaps you should be angry at them as well for seeking it.

Have you yelled at all the other people and organizations who are endorsing particular candidates yet, telling THEM you don't want THEM telling you what to do either?

It's just an endorsement. I'm taking it under advisement, but I haven't decided how much weight I will give it yet. All he did was make me feel like giving Obama another look. No more, no less.

It is their nature. To choose to lower the discourse by pandering to the snakes who are after all, only doing what is in their nature, to stoop to their level is well, slimey.

Unnecessary for a statemen who should no longer be playing the game, is unfortunate at best ______at worst.

what a repugnant letter. My sympathies are not with you. What epic petulance.

for being exposed to so much inanity (and I am of course refering to much more than one self-centered email) and still doing the right thing with class.

Thi is all leading up to Bloomberg. Obama knows it.

all my comments and I'll keep yu off my ignore list okay?

We muffled our objections when Kerry let Bush steal the election from him. No more. Kerry is an arrogant, self centered, lazy ass.

:hug:

I felt (as did the other K/E campaigners I was with at lunch that day) as if I had been kicked in the stomach.
For him to fold up so quickly made me sick. It was emotional- far more than I ever thought it would be.
I felt betrayed by him then and I feel betrayed by him now.

Though it was to be expected, because Edwards dared to speak out against Kerry. Also, I actually believe Edwards would be the front runner now if he hadn't accepted the veep bid. The baggage from that election is haunting-I really think that's the problem-besides the fact that Obama is new blood (nothing to do with 2004!) and he does have many great qualities too.

Nobody wants anything to do with the nightmare of election 2004.

Kerry has been the biggest political disappointment of my life. (I WAS a big Kerry supporter) Edwards keeps trucking on.

Anything?

and begged the staffer to tell him not to concede. I still feel betrayed by it. He conceded too quickly. It broke my heart.

we will now never know who actually won since the record is now gone.

kerry's an ass, and an untrustworthy ass at that.

I'm not among those who resent Kerry eternally for conceding an election which he clearly lost.

And for you to tell John Kerry he "has no right to fight in this arena" is pretty ridiculous, as was your insulting dog training analogy.

I'm sorry you're upset about this issue, but I did not care for this letter.

It wasn't written for you.

We were on the road, many hours into the road trip all amped up and ready to join the crowd to fight for our country.

Then we got the news on the radio.

Kerry said he wouldn't fight.

...

You speak for me.

:hug: I want you to know I cried too, and I'm not
ashamed, to say it! It doesn't matter to me,
which candidate you are for,I want you to know,I care! :hug:

:( Why, did he have to do this today? why not last week?
I can only imagine, how hurt John Edwards and his wife are?
I'm not into sports but I don't believe, you should
kick a team mate when they're already, down!

Bear in mind if Al Gore, ran for president--
obviously! we wouldn't have been, one bit
surprised if LieBerman did this,but,,,
:wow: but, John Kerry? :cry: :grouphug:

I too was upset that Kerry gave up on over 50 million of us, but I suppose I was a little more forgiving. Deep down, most people are cowards.

:dem:

-Laelth

Let it go already, you'll live longer.

K&R

LOWER THAN BUSH?!?!?!? :LOL:

I just wish that people posting incredible BS like this on this subject, and many others for that matter, would somehow be forced to re-read their own posts 6 months or a year from now, maybe more. If that were the case, I do hope that most of you, once this craziness is over, would still have the decency to lower your head in SHAME.

:applause:

:rofl:

I cried because of the emotions it stirred up from that very painful time.

have to endorse anyone and he should have stayed out of this fight. Good for you for telling it like it is.

unsubscribe (one-click unsubscribe).

Hit it.

is sour grapes on your part. He did not tell you who to vote for, he simply endorsed a candidate who he felt could lead the party to victory better than any others. He even mentioned the others were great candidates. He did nothing any different than other former leaders of the party have done in the past.

He has every right to endorse a candidate as much as you choose your candidate here on DU. Yes, his influence will have more of an effect on others than DU but that is the purpose of a candidate getting an endorsement from someone like Kerry who commands respect around the country rather than a snide remark such as yours " but it was you who stole our hope." because he did not endorse who you like.

You want to swift-boat him on his honorable military service as well, go ahead.

though you are in great need of it.

really would not expect someone of your caliber/intellect indication to be able to assist as this is the best reply you could come up with; which evidently proved me right, as all you could come up with was some sort of a feeble attempt to attack me for the truth.

I noticed your replies are basically the same to everyone who thought your post was a little ridiculous, suggesting reading comprehension to them which shows you really need to get some help yourself. Also, those replies are rather juvenile which again proves the idiocy of your post since you have no better answer to them other than suggesting reading comprehension, lol.

I raged at him on my blog, too. It's nice to know that he probably will NEVER hear any of this. After all, those millions buy a lot of insulation.

Here's the question -- what's in this for John Kerry? After all, it's all about him, isn't it?

Julie

Sweet Baby J, learn to put a little distance between yourself and politics. I assume at some point you signed up for something that got you on a list to recieve mail From Kerry. Not like the dude showed up at your house, came in univited, made a ham sammie, pulled a up chair and said "Hey Teresa, here's what you should do..."

and just for future reference, I have a number of nicknames, Sweet Baby J, isn't one of them and I don't particularly like it. If you and I ever get on first name basis, I'm sure you'll find out my nicknames, until then, please refrain.

If you don't want Kerry to communicate with you, it's easy to opt out of recieving E-mail from him or be taken off his snail mail list. Your "how dare you contact me with an opinion" OP is silly.

And I have opted out of his further mailings. I was continuing to get them because he has been a fine senator, but I don't want salt rubbed in a wound that clearly isn't healed completely.

sent money.......I wanted a Democratic President, to stop the madness of Caligula Bush. Kerry let us down when he wouldn't question the Ohio vote. Pure & Simple.

Your letter is eloquent. I love the way you recognize him for doing good things -- which he surely has, before and since.

But I do find the letter to be a bit misguided in quite a few ways.

John never stole our hope and he most certainly didn't do a damn thing wrong in endorsing a candidate. The emotions you put into the email and your claims that you cried are hard for me to reconcile with the situation itself. It just seems, well, a bit over the top to be honest. But to each their own I guess.

Welcome back my friend. You may now commence pissing me off.

just wondering?

I'm surprised he did it, but which one he endorsed doesn't mean squat to me. I don't think I'd cry over it, either.

This is only rumors I've heard flying for the past 3 years, but I've heard quite a few times that Hillary was a big part of the DLC block that pressured Kerry to avoid a recount fight. If so, that might be part of why he endorsed Obama.

I can link to it if you like but as far as the Dem establishment goes nobody, except maybe Kucinich, had Kerry's back on this one.

But the capitol hill staffer rumors I kept hearing were that Sens. Clinton, Lieberman, and Bayh (then-chair of the DLC) directly pressured him to concede quickly to avoid the "sore loser" taunts of 4 years earlier.

Again, just rumors.

Thanks for the tip.

And I'm sure Kerry's staff will give your e-mail a courteous response just because he's got class.

of Obama reeks of DLC. It seems calculated to strangle Edwards campaign before it can get off the ground. MSM ignored his showing in Iowa but this was all over the place. Most of my ordinary friends in Texas are more positive toward Edwards and like his populist message (they don't know my preference). He seems middle of the road for them. He doesn't have the baggage that Hillary does and they just aren't sure about Obama as they think he is tied to business.

I watched them in 2004 and I always had the feeling that Edwards wanted it more than Kerry. If they had swift boated Edwards instead-he would have been all over those bastards like white on rice before the 5:00 o'clock news that day.

Makes me take my wallet out and give Edwards more.

I couldn't have put it better, but I had the identical reactions -- then and now.

i cringed when obama got kerry's endorsement

(i don't know who i want to vote for in the march primary yet, but i can't stand kerry any more--it was a negative for me the same way murdoch gave clinton a donation was, and reading nader endorces edwards. sometimes the best support is to just keep out of it.)

while Nader allowed his ego to cloud his judgment, he always cared about the people. He was a populist, through and through. He caught a wave of sentiment at just the wrong time and handled it badly. I know it's the proper leftie thing to spit when you speak his name, but he had goodness in his heart and I'm not the least surprised that he sponsored a fellow populist.

BTW, along with Consumer Reports, he has been responsible for the saving of thousands if not tens of thousands of lives. Nader did exist before he became a pawn and he was a good man.

take the election by 10% margin--and was so depressed he put up NO fight whatsoever. Edwards went up in my book when he was willing to fight.

The entrenched Dems have done nothing--led by Kerry--to fight the problems with disenfranchisment
and voting machines. You can't fix a problem until you acknowledge the problem!

Hubby and I were so depressed after the 2004 election being stolen on top of the stolen 2000 election, that we decided we needed an escape hatch from this country, given the direction it was headed. The last 3 years of Bushies have validated that opinion. In 2005 we bought property in Panama and we are planning our retirement there.

Neither Obama nor Hillary are acknowledging the problem that corporations have gained way too much power in this country, at the cost of individuals without piles of money. Although I'd rather be retired in Chapel Hill, NC, where we live now, it's looking more and more likely that we will vote with our feet and be gone to Panama either by the end of this year or sometime in 2009.