No to the ‘blockade,’ says Kucinich in Miami

[Say_What]

Kucinich makes history in Miami. The only Dem candidate with enough balls to not PANDER to the exile minority in Miami and when he said he'd bring down that failed blockade he got a standing ovation. Bravo for Kucinich!!

<clips>

“Congressman Kucinich,” I said, “Many in the audience here tonight would like to know what your feelings are on the Cuban embargo.”

Alvaro Fernandez during SVREP event

He answered without hesitation: If elected president, he said, I would bring down the failed “blockade” (that was the term the presidential candidate used) against Cuba. His speech, and the reference to Cuba, were given during the second annual dinner and reception offered by Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) before approximately 150 people gathered in Miami, Florida.

The crowd reacted with a standing and rousing ovation. Kucinich also addressed other very important issues during his speech that night, including health care, taxes, the Iraq War and others; but the crowd had waited impatiently for his pronouncement on Cuba. In my opinion, his answer assured him at least 100-plus new voters from the Miami area.

A lesson, I believe, other Democratic Party candidates should learn. For too long politicians running for national or statewide office pass through this area and take the traditional Cuba hard line. And my advice to them has been, “Sure it works for Bush and others like him within the Republican ranks.” But I continue by reminding the candidate that if it’s the Bush-backed republicans they’re trying to overtake, to not kid themselves into believing that if you parrot the hard line, the Cuban vote will turn to you.

http://www.rprogreso.com/

[Vogon_Glory]

1. Good For Kucinich!

I am towards the right-wing end of the Democratic Party (The old Lloyd Bentsen/Bill Clinton/Al Gore end, as opposed to Dixiecrats like Zell Miller), but I applaud Dennis Kucinich for denouncing the embargo and for having the grit to do so in Miami.

While I think that Cuba is a lousy place to invest in as long as Fidel's Marxist-Leninist socialism remains in place, I see no reason why US companies shouldn't be allowed to trade with Cuba.

I wish theat Kucinich had spoken against the travel ban for US citizens wishing to visit Cuba. The travel ban is an egregious restriction on the liberties of American citizens.

[Mika]

2. Here's the link to the story

http://www.rprogreso.com/2003/11Nov/01week/Alsloupe.htm

“No to the blockade,” said Kucinich in Miami

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But the words he uttered in Miami on the Cuban embargo were historic, though. I don’t remember a legitimate presidential candidate from either of the two major Parties ever registering such a strong message against the failed Cuba policy.

40+ years later, and FINALLY there's one prez candidate willing to take on the CANF. :party:

[Osolomia]

3. Three chears for Kucinich!

The rest of the spineless, hypocritical Dems better hang their heads in shame for their silent complicity with the Bush Doctrine. Who on Earth do they think they're fooling other than apathetic DUhers!

[Judi Lynn]

4. Beautiful. He has shown he's ambitious enough

to get off his behind and take the INITIATIVE to research and learn what Cuban history is, and what US-Cuban history is.

Anyone who actually lowers himself long enough to read enough on the subject recognizes that pathetic, drooling, label-slapping identifies the person as being either a Cuban right-wing extremist, or wildly unaware of the actual events which brought Cuba to the point, after years and years of struggling, to require the second revolution.

Ignorance never recognizes itself. It's beautiful when someone intuits there are facts contrary to the popular myth, and starts looking into the history. Kucinich has proven himself to be far more complete, and far more courageous. I couldn't be more impressed.

Wow. :bounce: That's true character.

[Judi Lynn]

5. Looks like this subject is getting to be more familiar now

Kucinich was asked about his Cuba position during a talk to students in Exeter, Ohio, on Monday.

His speech was covered in the local paper. On the Cuba question:

Accordingly, he is a proponent of engagement with all the governments of the world, including, he said in response to a student’s question, Cuba, which has been isolated by every American administration since Fidel Castro led a revolution there in 1959.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/hampton/10282003/news/57645.htm

[Say_What]

6. Kucinich may be a long shot, but he seems to have what the rest lack

character and integrity.

[Desertrose]

8. I'd rather go for a longshot with integrity, than....

anyone else (who "may" be less of a longshot ) without it......

Dennis seems fearless...I admire the way he will speak honestly and stick up for the best interests of the people.

with Dennis its people first...not corporate interests!!!


Peace
DR

[Dhalgren]

7. Once again it's Kucinich who steps up!

How can anyone put this man down? Why do people see character, integrity, support for the common people, and plain common sense as being "unelectable"? If this man, who tells the truth and fights for freedom, equality, liberty, and justice is "unelectable", then America is dead.

[Say_What]

9. Gives you an idea about values in 'muriKa

Those fine qualities are nearly non-existent in the ultra self-centered US of A. Sad. If a small fraction of the pols in the USA had just a little bit of the character this man seems to have, we'd have a hell of a country that the globe actually COULD look up to. Instead we have the likes of George F*ckface Bush and his gang of Nazis. Count the assasinated over the decades who stood for the people--it's a pretty long list.