ON YAHOO! NEWSL "Still Voting For John Edwards"

I do not believe in abstract notions of Change. I do not believe in watering down our ideals to be more palatable to Republicans who have shown what might charitably be described as disdain for poor people, minorities, women, the middle class, the U.S. Constitution, and the American community. I do not believe bipartisan compromise can be brokered on Health Care for all, on quality Education for everyone, on a revolution in how we approach the energy or global warming crises. I do not believe there is any compromise to be had on a woman's right to choose, on the Gay and Lesbian right to be considered full citizens and human beings, on the government endorsed disintegration of inner cities and rural communities. I do not believe in preemptively caving to the politics of total self-interest to make things more palatable for G.O.P. leadership.

I do believe that we need a movement based on political and social ideals, not a movement based on a political personality. I do believe that we need to remember and remind others that caring for ourselves and caring for each other are not oppositional concepts. I do believe in the power of unions to do what they've done before: strengthen the middle class. I do believe in restoring this country's moral credibility at home and abroad not only through helping the middle class and getting out of Iraq, but also by fighting poverty globally. I do believe that this government must stop the monopolization of media. I do believe that we need to focus on being right, and focus on WINNING. I believe that if we stick to our guns, that we will win not only the presidency, but also the House and Senate. I believe when we do that, we will unite the country. I believe that sacrificing our core values in service of the misguided perception that there is no other way to win is to give up our own integrity and to sell ourselves short.

In my opinion, neither Barack Obama nor Hillary Clinton represents the best way forward. Both of them champion an approach to politics that, while superficially noble, is not necessary. Bill Clinton's centrism was needed in the mid-nineties. We don't need it now. The opportunities are too great and the stakes are too high. If we run John McCain by any other name, we will very likely lose to John McCain.

But we do not have to settle for watered down. The candidacy of John Edwards offers the opportunity to take the Bush backlash and translate it into a mandate for more than just change. I want more than just change, I want progress, and I believe it's there to be had. That's why I'll be voting for Edwards on February 5th. It's not about race, gender, or symbolism. It's about ideas, ideals, and principle. Those of you supporting other candidates may demonize me and those like me for such a stance, but that won't win you my vote even if Edwards gets out of the race. What will win me over is reason, substantive idealism (start with debating substance and not discursive style). More than anything, I need to see a push from you and the candidates you like or love to fight NeoCons, xenophobia, hatred, greed and Constitution-bending criminality. Fight them instead of fighting me, and we'll all be okay in the end. (emphasis added)


MORE: (A MUST-READ FOR ALL DEMOCRATS IMHO)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20080115/cm_huffpost/081664&printer=1;_ylt=Au9auRQIeeRpIRnMEYCGuTMe6sgF

Thanks for posting.

:hi:

I agree.

K&R

YEAH!!! Thanks Bear! :toast:

Thanks BigBear!

and I approve this article :)

"If we run John McKain by any other name, we will very likely lose to John McKain."

Thanks so much for posting this. :)

My three grown kids are all stumping for John. Peyton and I are on the stump Friday and all weekend. Go Baby Go!

Exactly! No more talk about bipartisanship. The GOP has had their way and it's been a disaster for this country. I don't want to hear the word "bipartisan" used by any Democrat.

John! WIN!