I finally crossed the Rubicon last night and contributed to Edwards

[Faygo Kid]

I did not do it because I don't like Hillary or Barack or any of the other Dem candidates. I did it because John Edwards is standing up for us and not backing down. He is a tougher John Edwards than 2004, and he better be, in order to get my support. I was a Gore guy, but he's not running. And Edwards is right - there are two Americas, and he is fighting for the one I want to live in.

I will support the nominee. But Barack has got to fight harder against the bile that is the Bush/Limbaugh/Fox News machine that he would face and that has crushed the spirit of this country. And the '90s had much that was admirable, but I don't want to go back there. Both Hillary and Barack have much to recommend them, but John Edwards has the vision and spine I want right now in a Dem candidate. Dennis is a great American and human being, Bill Richardson lost me with his call to share Great Lakes water, Chris Dodd is a fine senator and human being, and Joe Biden is a fine senator and invaluable American. They will all contribute mightily in a future Edwards administration.

But I have made my call. Recently I got an email from a wealthy Republican "friend" of mine who was once a moderate right-of-center type, but has now drunk the Bush Kool-aid. It was pretty shocking, and spewed Hannity/Limbaugh talking points. It made me realize how tough this battle is going to be, that we need to stand up unapologetically for the people of this country - for health care, for financial security, for honest government, for a responsible foreign policy, for the Democratic values I grew up with. And not be apologetic about it.

So that's why I contributed. Just thought I would note it here, and I respect any and all who disagree. You won't see me slamming your candidates. But I have finally chosen mine.

[K Gardner]

1. Congratulations, and that picture is just awesome :-)

[dflprincess]

17. It is an awesome picture

and it breaks my heart.

[surfermaw]

24. Thank You and I like the picture also..

I don't dislike anyone of the group, I was a Bill and Hillary suupporter, but for the lats 8 or should I say 14 years have been an Edwards supporter, I said the first time I saw Edwards and heard him speak that some day he would be President of the United States, however if he isn't the nominee, I will support Hillary or Obama or any democrat that is our nominee, and the whole democrat party had better do the same thing or live under Republican rule for 8 years and who knows it could be more, Just remember the last of the 1920 and in to the 30's when we had Harding , Coolidge and Hoove, what a mess they left, if they had managed to get in office for another 4 years, who knows what would have happened to the nation. Than God, every day for FDR and WJC.

[asdjrocky]

2. Ditto.

I have a friend who worked in RFK's senate, that will love this pic.

[Faygo Kid]

7. Thanks. That pic is a reminder of what was at stake then, and what is at stake now.

In 1968, instead of Bobby Kennedy, we ended up with Richard Nixon.

We have had two terms of Bush far WORSE than Nixon. We can't let that happen again. Ever.

[asdjrocky]

10. His plane touched down in my little town in Central Ca only briefley...

on that day in June, and as an eight year old boy, I saw this man, briefly, on the tarmac. It's never left me.

[Faygo Kid]

11. I was a high school junior that day in 1968, and actually for McCarthy

I woke up and turned on the Today Show and they showed a clip of Bobby speaking after winning the California primary. I called to my Mom that Bobby won, and damn, because I was for Gene McCarthy.

Then the anchorman came on and said that tape was made just before he was shot.

I don't think I have ever fully recovered, from JFK, MLK and RFK. Every instant of their assassinations is seared in my memory forever. I can tell you by the second where I was and what I was doing for each. Anyway, I digress - I guess I see much of those same qualities of those three in John Edwards.

[asdjrocky]

14. You were close to my sisters age, that's who I went with to see him.

Honestly, even now, almost forty years later, it's hard to think about. I was honored to meet Dolores Huerta recently, she was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers and she stood with him that night in LA, on the podium.

[K Gardner]

15. I hid in a closet the day RFK was shot. I was in grammar school and had barely

gotten over JFKs death. Like you, sights and sounds and smells from those days are ingrained in my soul forever. Sometimes I still feel as if I live in an alternate universe - that I'll wake up and the world will be as it would have been had the Kennedys not been killed, if King were still alive. It's an idealism I've also never recovered from. Many of my generation feel the same way. Many have been waiting... and waiting..many long years.

[glowing]

23. So many in our country have experienced those days... so many

can only look back on photos, tapes, and speeches and wonder what it was like... I wasn't born until 1979.. I'm 28. I've been in Kucinich corner for a while... but have edged myself into reality and really feel enthused and excited when Edwards speaks. His eyes hold such promise... and if he let us down, it would weigh on his soul... I've signed up to help the campaign.. being in FL--I might as well try and lend my support any way I can.. this state doesn't count for a can of beans.

[MethuenProgressive]

3. Nice post.

Good luck to your candidate.

[mth44sc]

4. well said

and I agree - that photo is what this party once proudly was and what I want it to be again!

[frogmarch]

5. Edwards has the moxy it takes to win. What a fighter for the people!

Fine post, faygokid, and fine picture too!

K&R

[sandyd921]

6. Really like what you said and love the picture!

:hi:

[flyarm]

8. that picutre brings me to tears..of what could have and should have been..it could be again ...

with John Edwards.

John is a kind soul but a tough fighter..for what is right with this country..and he will destroy what is wrong with this country..he will not let the criminals walk away scott free!

fly

[Double T]

9. Sound decision on your contribution to your candidate and that outstanding picture.

[IndyOp]

12. Terrific. Thank you. (n/t)

[KoKo]

13. With his "Populist Voice for the PEOPLE" ...maybe some of us should throw more coins his way.

:shrug: He's sounding better than the rest of them...but can we trust the "words to fit the actions?"

Still..for those hoping to have a viable race this year...keeping Edwards IN keeps "OUT" those that many of us view as DLC/Corporate WHORES run by Lobbyists. Edwards...so far...has kept out of that tarring.

Maybe time to give him a few coins...?????

[saltpoint]

16. My guess is that the person Senator Kennedy is speaking with in that photo

is NOT a K Street lobbyist.

That is just a hell of a great photograph. Thanks for putting it on all our computer screens today.

The photographer captured the spirit of Senator Kennedy and some of the citizens he sought to represent.

Welcome to the John Edwards campaign. He's a good man and i don't think he'll let you down.

[mcg]

18. Made my first contribution to Edwards last night.

There are other fine candidates (and a fine non-candidate), but overall, Edwards is our best choice. Go Edwards!

[info being]

19. I did the same thing last week

[SlowDownFast]

20. K&R. Go Edwards! n/t

[Faygo Kid]

21. Thanks for the kick. Pretty funny picture!

I'm not into bashing the other candidates, but that one is pretty funny, and not really mean spirited. Might have to save that one.

[K Gardner]

22. Kick

[ozone_man]

25. Thanks for the reminder.

I just donated to Edwards.

[liberalla]

26. He's the People's President !

I'm really liking his populist message also. That, and the courage to speak out against corporate power.

He's been my second choice (after Gore) for some time now. I hope he prevails. Thank you for sharing your decision. You've just inspired another contribution for him.