Re: A Reply to Noam Chomsky

[QCao009@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/29/04 12:49:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
victor.steinbok@verizon.net writes:
If Stratman and the rest of MassRefusal want to stay home on election day, 
that's democracy at work. Somehow, I don't get the feeling that Stratman would 
return the favor had he been in a position to influence the election.
Victor, Sheria, Alan et al:

I think for us to truly value our vote, and the vote of each other, the 
discourse is better constructed with a balance of passion and sincerity.  I 
supported JK very early on before he made a comeback on the way to the nomination 
because I respected his stand on Viet Nam.  To fight a war the best way you know 
how, and then to stand up against the cruelty and dehumanization of the act of 
war, to be able to struggle with oneself and not to get down on one's demons 
shows me a level of maturity I would like from a leader.  You cannot compare 
JK with someone who hid behind Daddy's skirts and then went AWOL.  

I support  Dave's position because it was made with sincerity and faith.  I 
also think that there is little chance that Nader would abandon his candidacy.  
Therefore I will personally not plan on staying home.  Furthermore I have 
been working with 12 young SE Asians accross the country on a voter registration 
drive to defeat the Bush efforts in Asian, African and Hispanic comunities to 
spin anti-communism, job development and war on poverty programs to make those 
issues look this year as if he has been in our corner.  My attitude has never 
been anybody but Bush.  Bush is merely a puppet, an effective masquerade 
until conservatives and corporate types realize he needs to be dumped for someone 
more convincing.  Right now, Kerry is courting them to convince them he can be 
the guy.

So our work is cut out for us.  It is not simply enough to elect someone new. 
 Or criticize someone in place, as inconsequential and immaterial he may have 
become.  Our job is to envision the leader we want and create him/her.  And 
it starts with bringing everyone to the table, rather than excluding others 
because they disagree with us.

See you on the campaign trail, and at the victory celebration.  And yes, Dr.  
Cunningham is more than welcome to cast his vote again for Dick and Lynne.  
It would be a most welcome surprise for him to vote for Nader.  After all, 
anyone would be a better conservative than the cut and spend W these days.  
Morally, W can't even lick Bill Clinton's shoes.  Drugs and drinking have certainly 
affected his connection with reality.

Quan