Gen. Wesley Clark: "this is a Democratic Party of family values"

[ClarkUSA]

Today, three days after the birth of their second grandson, Wes Clark headlined the first-ever Ed Muskie Lobster Festival fundraiser at Thomas Point Beach. Governor John Baldacci, Gert Clark and over 500 of the Party faithful had a wonderful time today joining Wes Clark in this special event supporting the Maine Democratic Party.

This is his speech this afternoon to the crowd. I wanted to share it because it has what I think is great framing about what the Democratic Party is all about, which sadly, is something way too many voters today are no longer sure of anymore.
........

Gen. Wesley Clark in 8/7/05 Brunswick, Maine

Governor, thank you very much for that warm welcome and all
of you for being out here on this beautiful day. Gert and I are just
thrilled to be here with you in Maine. We love this state, we've
been here many times, and it's just great to see you out here. I'd
like to echo something that your Governor just said. I'm so happy
to see the kids out here, because Democrats stand for family values.
That's a message that will not only ripple across America, we want
it to rocket across America. Because our values are the values that it
takes to have and nurture a family. Values like believing in the
importance of having real employment.

Democrats know how to build a strong economy, and create jobs.
We believe in family values like education, because if you can't get
a good education for your kids, they're not going to be able to
provide for their families. We believe in family values like health
care, because if you don't have strong health care, you can't take
care of a family. So this is a Democratic Party of family values.

We're also a Democratic Party that has strong faith. It doesn't
matter what church you belong to, or temple, or whether you have
your own spirituality, by yourself or with groups, it doesn't matter.
But, Democrats lead in faith. Because what's common to every
religion I've ever been associated with or studied, is one simple
fundamental principle, and that is those who are more advantaged
in life should reach out and help those who aren't so advantaged.
And that's what this party stands for.

When you talk about moral values, it's all over the new testament.
I want to remind my Christian friends, Jesus was concerned about
the problems of poverty. Jesus wanted to do something to help
men andwomen and families on this Earth. And He considered
that a moral value, and so do we. That's what Democrats are all
about.

America needs the strong values and the strong convictions of
Democrats today. Because we know we've got real challenges
facing this country and our families now, and in the years ahead.
We've got challenges at home, in education. We're struggling to
make sure our children have the kinds of educational opportunities
they need to keep up in the modern world. State schools and
colleges across this country, their tuition has gone up more than
30 percent in the last four years. And I don't know of very many
peoples incomes who've gone up 30 percent in the last four years,
unless maybe they were working for Enron, or something.

We've got to have education for our young people. Democrats
know how to fix these problems. We've got to have health care.
We've got the best doctors, the best technology in the world.
We've got 45 million Americans without health insurance, and
we are driving American businesses offshore because they can't
afford the cost of health insurance for their employees. That's a
problem Democrats know how to fix. And we're going to ask
the American people to give us the power to do so.

And if you look abroad at the challenges there, of course we did
to Iraq. It was a war I think increasingly is clear, that we did NOT
have to fight. George Bush chose that war to take us into, God
only knows what his motives were. We've heard explanation after
explanation after explanation. I don't think we've ever heard the
truth about it. My heart goes out to the families of those who've
served over there, especially those who've lost loved ones over
there. We know what those sacrifices are like.

And one thing Democrats know very clearly, we believe in a
strong national security. But we will use all the instruments of
national power before we use the military. The military needs to
be used only, only, only as a last resort. So that's what Democrats
stand for, and that's why this country needs strong Democratic
leadership in office. And I want to congratulate your Governor
John Baldacci because he's proving it right here in Maine. He's
showing this country what strong Democratic values and
convictions can do for the people in Maine.

And I want to recognize my friends (Rep.) Tom Allen and (Rep.)
Mike Michaud for what their doing in Congress. I see them
almost every time I'm on the hill. Mike is fighting for veterans
affairs and he's doing a great job of it. And Tom and Mike are
fighting for economic development for Maine and across this
country. They're looking out for the little guy. So I'm proud of
the Democratic leadership that you all have given to this country
through your work in Maine. And I thank you for it. And I want
to thank (State Dem. Party Chair) Pat Colwell and all of you in
the Maine Democratic Party too because a lot of people ask me
when I run, uh, when I RAN, they say, "What was the most
surprising thing about politics"? And I guess they thought, you
know, someone who had been in the military and never done
elective office, he'd comment maybe one way or the other about
the press, maybe about the cost, maybe about the difficulties of
getting funds and so forth, but that's not what struck Gert or me.

We spent our adult lives in public service, and we appreciated
the fact that the men and women in uniform, believe in this
country, and sacrifice for this country and serve this country. And
what we found were the kindred spirits in politics. The hundreds
of thousands of Americans who believe in this country, and serve
this country and are committed to this country's future because
they give tirelessly and selflessly of themselves through politics.
It's what keeps this country strong and alive and a democracy. I
want you to give yourselves a big hand for your service to this
country. We need you out there.

So the challenges are ahead, we know what they are. We've got
the values, we've got the convictions, we've got the experience,
we've got everything it takes to take this country forward, we
Democrats. Now, LET'S GET MOVING, in Maine, in 2006, and
then beyond. Let's get our values and our principles and our
people up front and out there. And let's get them in office and
let's lead this country forward. Thank you so much, and it's
great to be with you. Thank you.

[Zuni]

1. I like Wes Clark

he is a very good speaker and writer, among the best in the Democratic party today

[AtomicKitten]

44. Plus he looks damn good saying it

[Adelante]

2. The part everybody likes to forget

"And one thing Democrats know very clearly, we believe in a strong national security. But we will use all the instruments of national power before we use the military. The military needs to be used only, only, only as a last resort."

[ClarkUSA]

3. Here are some photos of today's event in beautiful Maine

http://digbig.com/4eegg

http://digbig.com/4eegh

http://digbig.com/4eegj

[Cha]

5. Looks like a beautiful

day for a picnic in Maine. Nice pics..you were there?

And I did like Clark's speech, too.

[ClarkUSA]

10. According to people who were there, it was 80 degrees along the beach

I wish I had been able to attend.

Thanks, zidzi. It's always good to see you. :hi:

[Cha]

24. Thanks!

I've never been to Maine but plan to travel through on my way to Nova Scotia in September to a concert with "The Proclaimers" from Scotland..

"The Proclaimers were part of the recent "Live 8" event, having opened the Edinburgh, Scotland "The Final Push" concert on July 6. They chose to open their set with "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" as a metaphor for all those coming and looking to Scotland in hopes that the G8 leaders provides some help for the world's poorest citizens. The Edinburgh spectacle was the climax of the Long Walk to Justice where Sir Bob Geldof called on a million people to march to the capital. And they were the perfect openers, not just because of their rabble-rousing anthems, but because Charlie and Craig have a long
history of calling for political change through their songs."


:hi: Clark2008!

[ClarkUSA]

31. De Nada, amiga!

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" is one of my Top 5 favorite songs and I have The Proclaimers 3-CD set. If I weren't going to be in the middle of a relocation in September, I'd join you up there. Those guys are brilliant. There isn't a song of theirs I don't like.

Nova Scotia is gorgeous, too. Where in NS will the concert be? I almost moved there last year.

[Cha]

55. What a coincidence and I'm

Thrilled you not only know who "The Proclaimers" are ..you really like them:)

SEPTEMBER
9-10 Schooner Room, Halifax, Nova Scotia
13 Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON
14 Lee's Palace, Toronto, ON
16 Paradise Ballroom, Boston, MA
17 Canal Room, New York, NY
19 North Star, Philadelphia, PA
21 Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
22 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
24 The Abbey, Chicago, IL
25 Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis, MN

OCTOBER
4 Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
5 Dante's, Portland, OR
7 Slim's, San Francisco, CA

http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/2003/

Craig And Charlie Reid's website tells you the dates of their Canadian/US tour.

I :loveya: The Proclaimers..and I have to pinch myself that I'm going to see them in person.

I only found out who they were this year(And when I discovered they were Scottish I was so excited..cause of this whole Scottish fascination I have with that part of my heritage). But, that "I'm Gonna Be(500 miles)" song hadn't left my head since I saw them on VH1 in 1994 on Kauai. I googled "500 miles" and it lead me to their website and I ordered "Sunshine On Leith" and I've played it around 500 times in 3 months. They have a Killer "King Of The Road" video on their site.

Maybe you can catch them at one of their other venues..that would be so COOL!

[ulysses]

4. it would have been nice

if he'd said it was also ok to not have faith.

Nice speech, otherwise.

[Clark2008]

8. He's said it before.

Just not in today's speech.

[ulysses]

11. ok, thanks.

I'm giving Clark an open-minded listen.

[niallmac]

22. Ditto

[FrenchieCat]

30. Maybe he believes that those who are non-religious...

do have faith in themselves, if nothing else.

That's how I read this part.....
It doesn't matter what church you belong to, or temple, or whether you have your own spirituality, by yourself or with groups, it doesn't matter. But, Democrats lead in faith.

[kittenpants]

6. He's the one in '08.....I'm convinced

[tishaLA]

7. A great speech

One thing I'd like to see--and this is a minor criticism, admittedly--is for him to create a more supple narrative about values. One that shows a kind of progression and how all-encompassing Democratic values are: that they begin even before birth, with pre-natal care for those who lack health care, through our schools, etc. Then he can hit the idea of Democratic values being about service to the nation in a variety of ways and giving back to the nation in the military or as teachers or whatever. I think that way it would sound less like a laundry list and would give an idea about how holistic, for lack of a better word, the party's values are.

But that's just me.

[Adelante]

46. I like that, Tisha

:)

[jimshoes]

9. I like Wes Clark too

What I would love to hear him say is, If I'm elected your next President, I will pull all US troops out of Iraq, immediately and let the fricking chips fall where they may.

Either we get out right now or we'll be there for a generation and that would just suck. But whoever gets the nod for prez in 08, I hope they are for pulling the troops out.

[Clark2008]

12. He's been wanting BushCo. to produce an exit strategy since

"Mission Accomplished."

Of course, the only one we're getting is politically motivated for the 2006 congressional races.

[Adelante]

13. Well, you're not going to hear that

He is not for letting the chips fall where they may. He wants a rational exit plan that doesn't leave Iraq in total chaos and on the brink of civil war.

[jimshoes]

16. That's reasonable,

Has he presented any kind of time frame? Just wondering, because I would hope he's for ending it sooner rather that later

[Clark2008]

20. Read this:

Operating on the theory that if you say something enough times people will believe it, the Bush administration and its allies have in the last few years confidently put forth an array of assertions, predictions, and rationalizations about Iraq that have turned out to be nonsense. They've told us that Saddam's regime was on the verge of building nuclear weapons; that it had operational links with al Qaeda; that our allies would support our invasion if we stuck with our insistence about going it alone; that we could safely invade with a relatively small number of ground troops; that the Iraqi people would greet us as liberators; that Ahmed Chalabi could be trusted; that Iraq's oil revenues would pay for the country's reconstruction; and that most of our troops would be out of Iraq within six months of the initial invasion.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2005/0505.clark.html

[jimshoes]

21. I like his message

If anyone can rebuild the trust in America that even the Iraqi's will will begin to trust us once again. I believe he is the guy who could do it. The way it is now, we're just plain SOL in Iraq.

[Adelante]

26. No he doesn't

He's for ending it as soon as is practical. But he takes a comprehensive approach that includes diplomacy with Iran and Syria, as well as our ME allies, to get them to have a regional stake in securing Iraq. He has a lot of ideas, so this is just a capsule version. But he would want to build an international advisory and support structure to bolster the Iraqi government, with an executive board comprising all the states bordering Iraq. He would involve the UN and NATO forces as peacekeepers. He wants an Iraqi military strong enough to secure the country's borders, defeat any unauthorized militia, and enforce the rule of law. American troops would remain in country but report to NATO. He wants the International community to work with the Iraqis on criminal justice and court systems, as well as civil rights, and rebuiding infrastructure. It's a whole Marshall Plan-type mentality and it would take several years, which is why he speaks usually in terms of "success strategy" rather than exit strategy. He believes that leaving Iraq before these things are in place is not an option.

[nosmokes]

17. amen, brother.

saddam's gone, there ain't no WMD, chalk a mark in the left hand column and bring the troops home.

[dogman]

18. When Bushco pulls the plug on Iraq in the coming year

as a political play, will he be alright? This demand to pull out might not be the real answer.

[Adelante]

14. Donna Z said there were 40 people there last year

And 400 who had reserved for this year. :)

[MaineDem]

48. If that

But this was a very different event. More people were invited and it was intended to be for the entire Party. In the past, the event has tended to be for the Party leaders. This is a new direction for the Maine Democratic Party.

I'm hearing very positive feedback. Having Wes Clark there was fantastic!

[CarolNYC]

49. Hey MaineDem

I'm glad to hear the event went over well. I have a sister who lives in Maine, not far from there, and I've been to Thomas Point Beach before...but, too bad, not this weekend. Beautiful state you have there.

Go Maine Dem Party! :)

[Adelante]

51. I see, thanks

That does sound like a good move for the Maine Dems.

[DanCa]

15. Clark- Clealand 08

Wes is a freakin poet. Ill follow this man thru the gets of hell.

[Ilsa]

19. Wes Clark 2008

We need him and his leadership and philosophy now like never before, but we'll have to wait to see him in 2008 in the White House.

[Larkspur]

23. Is Wes still supportive of outsourcing high-tech jobs, like mine to India?

He was during the primary and we know that Hillary supports outsourcing of high-tech jobs to India.

[snowbear]

25. If you're going to bash the General...

..Why not provide a link to your negative claims about him?

[FrenchieCat]

27. He's not supportive of it......but it a fact of reality that he believes

we need to address.

He ain't no scardy cat that's not gonna mention an issue, just cause Larkspur doesn't want to hear it.

If we don't discuss the fact that anyone with a computer can now do these jobs...and that's what's happening, the we are stoopider than I thought.

read this....from someone who specifically works in the industry you are speaking of....a VC
http://avc.blogs.com/a_vc/2003/11/wes_clark.html

[Clark2008]

28. Complete and utter bullshit

You just come onto any thread about Clark and make up crap, don't you?

http://clark04.com/issues/jobcreation/

Now, where, in that plan do you see his supporting the outsourcing of jobs?

Or here: http://clark04.com/issues/americanjobs/

You know, ignorance is annoying.

[ClarkUSA]

29. Yet another flamebait post from People Never Change's anti-Clark belfry

Primary wars never die for some obsessive Clarkhating Deaniacs, do they?

Bushbots aren't the only ones who spin lies, it seems.

Thank goodness there is no shortage of facts, courtesy of the well-informed.

[The Traveler]

32. That is unclear to me

Clark is, I think, still trying to think his way through the "globalization thing". It is not a simple matter. It is fraught with national security issues, and issues related to the rights and privacy of Americans. (More than labor is sent to India and China ... financial data, medical data, and other sensitive files are, also.)

I like Clark ... but it will be interesting (and important to me) how his thought processes on this matter evolve. At some point, SOMEONE has to come up with a viable economic policy that does not involve the average American grabbing their ankles which CEO salaries swell to Olympian proportions.

What we need to do is kidnap the likes of Clark, Kucinich, Dean, Sharpton, Boxer, and other leading Democratic Party thinkers, throw them into an office suite, supply them with an army of researchers and and infinite supply of coffee and pizza, and not let them out until they have put together a cohesive set of policies upon which we can base a platform. I bet after 30 days, we would have a fine, fine one.

[Amonester]

33. Excellent idea. Make sure Public Health Care would be

included in it. I suggest a partial (or complete) nationalization of all insurance corporations who profit from ordinary people (ie. they take away lots of capital that would better serve in covering the 40+ million persons not covered today, for example, instead of enriching many already rich shareholders).

Recommended for Greatest.

[Donna Zen]

36. Clark has said that we have no economic policy.

First, we are finding it difficult to compete because of our messed up health care system. Also, we need to be targeting and funding the R & D for technologies that would yield future high tech, and high paying jobs. Also, because of "point of source"<----I may have gotten the title wrong, sorry, we will find ourselves in deep do-do as China emerges within the next 25 years. He said that we must form economic alliances before we face a China with greater leverage. He has also talked about "holistic economics." I really wanted to ask him about this today, but never got the chance.

When he blogs at TPM, I hope to ask.

Clark does have a master's degree in economics, loves this country, and wants to see it a success. Unemployment for Americans is not where he would lead us.

[Totally Committed]

47. Very Recommended, and by Donna Z,

from another thread. She's probably too modest to cross-post this piece of pure magic here, so I'll do it. These are only tidbits, so I hope you'lll follow the link and go read the whole thing in its entirety:

I don't know if it is just because I like General Clark so well, but it seemed that the crowd that had sat politely, or buzzed with the friends at their table during the earlier speeches, sat up straight for the General. WKC was on today and brought us starch and words of affirmation. He delivered a domestic message, the one about family values and the Democratic philosophy. People listened and gave him plenty of encouraging applause. Education, health care, and jobs are all family values, and Democrats care, and know how to fix them. Our jobs are threatened because of the rising cost of healthcare. The Bible tells us that Jesus testified that we must take care of one another. (paraphrase) "All religions that I've been a part of or have studied have preached that those who have more must help those who have less." Those are moral values...those are our values...Democratic values.

But the money line, the one that garnered the loudest applause with all heads nodding, came as General Clark reminded everyone that the administration kept changing their story, doing the ole bob-and-weave, when it came to the rationale for the invasion of Iraq. In one swift and personal moment, WKC said: "God only knows what his motives are?" It was an arrow from his heart to our hearts. What in God's name are we doing in Iraq?

I thought all the way home about sharing that line with you, my dear readers. After all, we try to be careful here and invoking God may be a no-no. But I think I'm in the safe-zone. If those MSM and other saprophytes who suck their lives away in duty to the right-wing want to lift and abuse those words, it is because their masters cannot answer that necessary question. What in God's name?

~snip~

They stayed for quite a while, and everyone was joy mongering. Gert broke the news that Dashiell Clark was born on Thursday with mother and son doing fine. She also said that during lunch she had made the point that Democrats should focus all their campaigning around events like today's with kids and families being families. She said: "And then Wes just got up and made that speech about what we'd just talked about." She said that's who we are, and if "they" want to present our imagine as being part of some fringe, then people need to understand that "this" is who we are. I commented that we are about "picnics not limousines." "Exactly," said Gert.

~snip~

...I am so pleased that Gert and Wes Clark shared this day with us. Mr. Z. said that Wes was on fire today, I think what we heard was a man speaking from his heart. That is what is separates Wes from the rest, he speaks from his heart....

Entire post (damn, this woman can write!):

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1992474&mesg_id=1993537

[AllyCat]

39. Hmmm...I remember him talking about creating new technologies

and thus, new jobs here in the US with products and services needed around the world. Things like alternative energy...cannot provide a link, but I'm sure if you went to the issues page of his website, you'd find his plan for that. Another poster has, I believe, already posted a link.

[wiley]

34. Proud to be a Democrat

What a great guy. Will make a great president.


:kick:

[johnaries]

35. FANTASTIC SPEECH!!!!!

Can someone send this to Howard Dean? Isn't this exactly what he's been talking about as the approach Dems should take to get out the message of what Dems really stand for?

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[FrenchieCat]

38. I think we need to concentrate on Bush and the WWIII that he's started....

Before turning our guns on Clinton....doncha think?

It's like there's a time for everything....now is not time!

[inthebrain]

40. I think welfare reform and

NAFTA would be two great places to start on the Clinton years.

I am still baffled, even to this day, that a Democratic president signed that!! The Welfare Reform bill reminded me of something you would see coming from Nixons Southern Strategy.

NAFTA really hurts this party with organized labor, especially places like Ohio.

We need to move on from Clinton and address those wrongs at the same time.

[inthebrain]

41. This is a quote I have a problem with.....

Democrats today. Because we know we've got real challenges
facing this country and our families now, and in the years ahead.
We've got challenges at home, in education. We're struggling to
make sure our children have the kinds of educational opportunities
they need to keep up in the modern world. State schools and
colleges across this country, their tuition has gone up more than
30 percent in the last four years. And I don't know of very many
peoples incomes who've gone up 30 percent in the last four years,
unless maybe they were working for Enron, or something.

We've got to have education for our young people. Democrats
know how to fix these problems. We've got to have health care.
We've got the best doctors, the best technology in the world.
We've got 45 million Americans without health insurance, and
we are driving American businesses offshore because they can't
afford the cost of health insurance for their employees. That's a
problem Democrats know how to fix. And we're going to ask
the American people to give us the power to do so.]

Corporations do not offshore because they can't afford healthcare for their employess. They off shore becuase they are a bunch of greedy bastards who's MO is "Profit is king".

THey offshore to avoid paying their fair share.

They offshore thier factory work because it's easier for them to hold thier employees at gunpoint while they knit sweaters and stitch sneakers. All the while paying them 25 cents a day.

How do you talk about healthcare by avoiding the fact that the system is being gamed by big insurance and big pharma? Companies certainly dont give a crap about offering health insurance to their employess if they can get away with it.

Why do such a poor job of framing an issue that should be tackled head on?

It's simple!!!

GREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its good to talk about delining salaries but sidestepping the issue and using trickle down economics to talk about healthcare doesnt help.

[FrenchieCat]

42. I agree....

It's not because they can't afford it....it's because they don't want to afford it due to profit margin and greed.

For once, when it comes to what Wes Clark has said....you are correct on point.

I already wrote him a letter on this point.....and it's going straight to him too.

[FrenchieCat]

45. Well Wes has clear health care ideas.....

But he needs to call out the corps much more clearly....on what they aren't doing.
==============
Definition of a Democrat -
a person of high moral conviction who votes and thinks with his heart and conscience, and not with his wallet. A person of true valor and integrity, who refuses to allow corporate greed and corruption to govern his actions--General Wesley Clark
#35
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Democrat&page=4
===============
Of all the Democratic candidates, Wesley Clark laid out the clearest rationale for a health care safety net--one based on the military model. Over the course of thirty-four years in the military, he learned firsthand that those who don't receive adequate medical attention don't live up to their abilities. As Clark put it on the campaign trail, "We should be doing much more with preventive and diagnostic care. We need a comprehensive preventive medicine program for this country. We call it 'executive fitness' in the army. It's an executive wellness program. Why isn't there an American wellness program?"
If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then a few pennies of prevention could save some of the $1.55 trillion that Americans are currently spending on health care.
http://www.ariannaonline.com/books/fools/contract.php
=============
If the Democratic nominee is to return the country to an era of job creation, he must initiate a threefold plan.

First, he must propose, as Wesley Clark did, a $100 billion "Restore America" plan. Some of the money will be used to improve homeland security by hiring and training first responders, public health personnel, and security providers for critical installations and ports. Other funds will be paid out to states and cities to finance the hiring of workers to repair and rebuild crucial civic infrastructure like roads and schools.

The second job creation measure has to be a comprehensive package to plug the drain of jobs overseas. It must include tax credits for companies that keep and create jobs for

American workers and must close loopholes that encourage employers to ship jobs abroad. It is estimated that at least 15 percent of the jobs lost since the Bush recession began have been lost due to corporations outsourcing jobs to lower- paid foreign workers. And these are not just blue-collar manufacturing jobs; experts predict that by the end of 2004, one in ten U.S. technology
http://www.ariannaonline.com/books/fools/contract.php

[Warren DeMontague]

43. That is a SOLID speech.

Nice job, Wes.

I stumbled around the part about "faith", too. I would probably appreciate a clearer nod to those of us who don't subscribe to a major religion or belief system. Too often people say things which amount to, "we all believe in the same God"... but his phrasing was fairly inclusive.

I think his point gets through there. Overall, it sounds real good. He's putting out some stuff there I've wanted a Democrat with a National Platform to say for a long time.

[Donna Zen]

50. A few notes:

This speech was deliver without notes. Just as we all have times when we might have included that word or this word if we could have a do-over, so too, WKC might have included other words if giving this speech again. As Gert told me, this speech includes things that were talked about during lunch.

The pronoun "I" is used in the speech, but the main message is "We." He presents the case for our ideas with commitment and praise for who "We" are and what "We" believe. No apology necessary.

Yes, he does simplify the jobs problem in America, but hey, this is one short speech. Hopefully we will learn more when he participates on a panel about Global Warming, and opportunities that alternative energy presents for both decreasing environmental damage and creating new jobs. WKC will be doing that in September.

All I know is that I was a political cynic, and while I still am, Wes Clark has never given me a reason to sneer and walk away. In fact, he has turned my once deeply held doubt about the American government, into a glimmer of hope. He loves this country, our country, far too much to see it sold to highest bidder.

Look at the Federal Budget. Look at the money available for discretionary spending. That money is withering because of this damn war, the bloated Pentagon, out of control pork brought on by years of politicians rewarding their biggest donors, and the shrinking revenues of a debt ladened economy. I may live deep in the woods, but those woods are still part of the USA. I don't want to be part of a nation where the citizens are forced to crawl on their bellies in search of food and medicine.

The General doesn't have to drum up non-existent foreign policy and military credentials with photo ops to air force bases. He doesn't have to pad his ability to lead as an executive. He doesn't have to lay on the macho; Army Rangers who repel down mountains under fire, are macho. And unbelievable as it may seem to some, he doesn't have to parrot words about the economy written by handlers, he gets it. One doesn't achieve a Rhodes Scholarship and four stars because they just happen to be born in the right moment, or have the right last name. And all of this outside packaging wraps around a liberal-progressive message.

^^^^^^^^

The hundreds of thousands of Americans who believe in this country, and serve
this country and are committed to this country's future because
they give tirelessly and selflessly of themselves through politics.

^^^^^^^^

That's you he is thanking DUers, whether you like him or trust him, he is thanking all of us who refuse to sleep through America's great decline. Who fight back everyday. Few things crack me up more than when he refers to us by our screen names. He is truly pleased to honor all of us who carry on the Jeffersonian ideals of questioning authority, and participating in a democracy based on informed discussion and debate.

I want you to give yourselves a big hand for your service to this
country. We need you out there. ~Wes Clark

[ClarkUSA]

52. More Photos from the Muskie Lobster Festival

http://digbig.com/4eekp

http://digbig.com/4eekq

http://digbig.com/4eekr

[cyn2]

53. I was there....

As usual, Wes was great.

Here are some pictures:

http://www.plaidheron.com/Politics/WC2005/

[ClarkUSA]

54. You lucky gal! It looks as if you had perfect weather, too

Thanks for the photos - Gert and Wes Clark sure look as if they were having a great time. :party:

Is that blue bracelet on General Clark's wrist one of those Democratic thingies?

[Arkana]

56. Anyone who says the Dems don't stand for anything needs to read this.

[CarolNYC]

57. Here's the Maine Dem Party's press release on the event

Overwhelming Success of Inaugural Muskie Lobster Festival

BRUNSWICK - Sunshine, lobster, live music, and Maine Democrats were
cause for celebration Sunday at the inaugural Muskie Lobster Festival
at beautiful Thomas Point Beach.

"The large crowd at this year's Muskie Lobster Festival shows that
Maine people are active, engaged, and feeling positive about where
Maine is headed," Governor John Baldacci said.

Governor John Baldacci, Congressman Allen, Congressman Michaud,
Senate President Beth Edmonds, Speaker of the House John Richardson,
Senate Majority Leader Mike Brennan, House Majority Leader Glen
Cummings, Attorney General Steve Rowe, Maine Democratic Chair Pat
Colwell and nearly 500 attendees welcomed esteemed guests General
Wesley Clark and Democratic National Committee Secretary Alice Travis
Germond.

Keynote speaker General Wesley Clark remarked on the strength of
Maine's Democratic delegation on Capitol Hill.

He specifically praised Congressman Michaud's work in protecting
veteran's benefits as the Bush administration cuts veteran funding
while continuing to send our troops overseas to a seemingly endless
battle.

"It is our responsibility as a free nation to use every possible
means of intelligence and diplomacy in conducting our international
affairs," he said. "Military force is an absolute last resort."

Clark, who is a retired four-star general, was a presidential primary
candidate in 2004 and delivered the keynote address of the first
annual Muskie Lobster Festival. General Clark helped draw the
impressive 500 plus crowd that congregated among waterfront pine
trees enjoying lobster, barbeque, special speakers, music, and
festivities.

Germond addressed the crowd with praise and support of Maine's
Democratic majority on behalf of DNC Chair, Governor Howard Dean.

"We love Maine," Germond said. "We love that Maine has a Democratic
Governor, Governor John Baldacci. We love that Maine has two
incredible Democrats in the U.S. Congress, Congressman Allen and
Congressman Michaud. And we love that Maine has a Democratic
controlled legislature."

This, Germond stated, is where the DNC is building from. "I love
Maine so please invite me back! Governor Howard Dean and the DNC are
working toward a 50 state campaign strategy, becoming more
competitive in Maine and every state across the country."

Maine Democratic Party Chair Pat Colwell was thrilled with the
success of the event and the hard work of the volunteers and sponsors
who made it possible.

"We are honored General Wesley Clark and DNC Secretary Alice Germond
could share in this inaugural event with us," Colwell said.

"This event is a preview of the kind of organizing and fundraising
that is to be expected of the Maine Democratic Party in protecting
and strengthening our Democratic majority in Maine while contributing
to the national momentum of the DNC."

The Maine Democratic Party hosted the fundraiser with business
sponsors Blue Dog Consulting, Poland Spring, Gifford's Ice Cream,
Diageo, Maine Street Solutions, GFI Partners, Direct Mail of Maine,
and the Maine Education Association.