Reply #15: I disagree with you specifically on this issue-

[diamondsoul]

Dan-First, I definitely disagree that requiring accountability from the Pentagon is running "against" it.

Jiac-But that's not how most people see it.

I disagree with you about this statement. There are huge numbers of people who see the need for Pentagon accountability.

Dan-As the NOW presentation more than adequately points out, the Pentagon is not doing the job - hence we're all less safe no matter how much money we pour into it. Dennis Kucinich's position calls for the Pentagon to be made more accountable, while reining it in by eliminating unwanted weapons systems and demilitarizing space. I think there's enough of an issue to take to the people on safety there to win on the concept of an "accountable" Pentagon keeping us safe. I think everyone can be "for" a Pentagon that works, and is accountable to the taxpayers who fund it. I think DK is for that as well.

Jiac-Again that sounds idealistica and reasonable on the face of it, but that's not how the electorate will see it. The Democrats run double digit deficits on the issues of the military, defense, and national seucirty. Running on a platform like this will reinforce the voters' (false) perceptions about Democrats.

Again, I disagree. Kucinich is not talking about dismantling the military or defense programs. What Kucinich is talking about is something military members havebeen calling for for decades. Have you ever been in the service? I have and been a child of, Grandchild of, and spouse to military members. I know what they go through. There is a Trillion dollars completely missing from Pentagon books as I type this. Nobody knows where it went, but the soldiers know where it DIDN'T go! This issue is one I'd like to see Wes Clark stand with Kucinich on. He knows what I'm talking about and the American public damned well should too. I'm sure it's obvious this issue is one I most strongly support Kucinich on, and I can assure you I'm far from alone in it. I'm absolutely livid that the Pentagon can literally lose a Trillion dollars in funding while our troops are consistantly underfunded for training, equipment and mission necessities. It happens constantly. The reason people are going to fight this particular issue is simply because they don't KNOW what I know. They will, and soon.