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"What America Lost When Dennis Kucinich Lost" ---John Nichols, The Nation
"Though he never got near the nomination in either year, Kucinich earned high marks for forcing the other contenders to address fundamental issues of war and peace, civil liberties and trade policy. At the same time, he remained sufficiently in touch with his blue-collar Cleveland-area district—turf that had previously elected a Republican—to keep his seat in the face of primary and general election challenges from candidate backed by the political and media elites that had been after Kucinich since his days as the uncompromising “boy mayor” of Cleveland.
<snip>
"But losing Kucinich will be hard. In some of the toughest days for the American experiment as a Republican administration plotted to wage a war of whim in Iraq, Democratic “leaders” stood down. It was Dennis Kucinich who spoke up for peace and who kept speaking up with a determination that gave hope to activists across the United States and around the world.
The Republican mapmakers in Ohio may have drawn Dennis Kucinich out of his district, and out of Congress. But they will not draw him out of the history of these times. Indeed, when the story of America in the first years of the 21st century is told, Dennis Kucinich will be remembered as the rare member of Congress who opposed wars that could not be justified, who defended rights that could not be surrendered, who demanded accountability from the presidents and vice presidents who could not be allowed to have their way with the republic."
<snip>
"But losing Kucinich will be hard. In some of the toughest days for the American experiment as a Republican administration plotted to wage a war of whim in Iraq, Democratic “leaders” stood down. It was Dennis Kucinich who spoke up for peace and who kept speaking up with a determination that gave hope to activists across the United States and around the world.
The Republican mapmakers in Ohio may have drawn Dennis Kucinich out of his district, and out of Congress. But they will not draw him out of the history of these times. Indeed, when the story of America in the first years of the 21st century is told, Dennis Kucinich will be remembered as the rare member of Congress who opposed wars that could not be justified, who defended rights that could not be surrendered, who demanded accountability from the presidents and vice presidents who could not be allowed to have their way with the republic."
[font color=firebrick][center]”Unlike the other candidates, I am not funded by those corporate interests.
I owe them no loyalty, and they have no influence over me or my policies.”
---Dennis Kucinich [/font]
[/center]
15 replies
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He was often a lonely voice against the Bush Administration when it was difficult to do and was the target of right-wingers during those years.
He also lost three of his siblings over the course of a few years, but never stopped fighting in Congress despite his own personal losses.
His brother Frank, who served in the military during Vietnam, died in 2009:
http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/10523
Kucinich served in the military during the Vietnam War, and following his time spent overseas he assisted many local veterans' organizations in their activities.
In just the past week, Frank accompanied his brother Dennis to a White House reception where he met President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The President told Frank, "Thank you for serving. I'm proud of you."
Of meeting the President and Vice President, Dennis Kucinich said:
"Frank told me that was one of the proudest moments of his life. HHe had a great love of country, which informed every moment of his life. His patriotism was an inspiration to everyone in our family and to everyone he met."
In just the past week, Frank accompanied his brother Dennis to a White House reception where he met President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The President told Frank, "Thank you for serving. I'm proud of you."
Of meeting the President and Vice President, Dennis Kucinich said:
"Frank told me that was one of the proudest moments of his life. HHe had a great love of country, which informed every moment of his life. His patriotism was an inspiration to everyone in our family and to everyone he met."
He lost his sister, Beth Ann in 2008:
http://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2008/11/beth_ann_kucinich_48_musician.html
"She was pure love," Dennis Kucinich said of his sister in a prepared statement. He represents Greater Cleveland's 10th Congressional District. "Every action, every sentiment, every piece of art, every word she spoke was an expression of love. Beth Ann was our family's angel, our 'Heavy Metal Angel.' "
Kucinich, of Medina, had served in the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Ky. She was a musician and artist who sold many of her pieces to her fellow veterans at the Brecksville Veterans Center. She was an avid heavy metal fan.
Kucinich, of Medina, had served in the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Ky. She was a musician and artist who sold many of her pieces to her fellow veterans at the Brecksville Veterans Center. She was an avid heavy metal fan.
And in 2007 Kucinich lost his brother Perry:
Larry Kucinich had taken his brother shopping Tuesday and then took him home but couldn't get an answer when he tried calling him Wednesday morning, Caesar said.
Dennis Kucinich, who represents the 10th U.S. congressional district in northeast Ohio, returned from Washington after learning of his brother's death.
Upon arriving in Cleveland, the congressman said that his brother was a talented artist whose style and structure was influenced by such modern artists as Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso.
"He was a genius," the congressman said. "He had extraordinary insights. Although he struggled with mental illness, with the help of friends and family he led a productive life. We are a close family. It's just devastating."
Dennis Kucinich, who represents the 10th U.S. congressional district in northeast Ohio, returned from Washington after learning of his brother's death.
Upon arriving in Cleveland, the congressman said that his brother was a talented artist whose style and structure was influenced by such modern artists as Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso.
"He was a genius," the congressman said. "He had extraordinary insights. Although he struggled with mental illness, with the help of friends and family he led a productive life. We are a close family. It's just devastating."
