Kerry Forward: Veteran environmental leader gives Kerry the green light

[Feanorcurufinwe]

by Denis Hayes

In 2004, the future of America very much depends upon defeating George W. Bush and electing someone with the capacity for greatness. When historians look back on this period, most of today's political feeding frenzies will have long since been forgotten. A few big issues -- truly presidential issues -- will be remembered.

These will certainly include:

* Did America lead the world into a super-efficient, renewable-energy era, ending the oil stranglehold and putting the brake on climate change?

* Did America lead a successful effort to guarantee a healthy environment as a fundamental right for everyone?

* Did America mount a strong campaign to stop the global epidemic of extinction -- the most tragic collapse of biodiversity since the last time an asteroid hit the planet?

* Did America elect a president whose judicial nominees preserved the Bill of Rights, respected the traditional separation of powers, and honored res judicata?

Any Democratic candidate will be better than George Bush on all these issues. But only Kerry can stand up and discuss each in depth without notes -- with a nuanced understanding of science and economics and diplomacy and philosophy -- and explain his decisions to the public in simple words that make sense.

No American public official has a stronger, more consistent record on strategic arms control, free speech, civil liberties, fair taxes, racial justice, strong schools, a sound Social Security system, and guaranteed health care than Kerry. And no one has been a stronger, more consistent champion of peace over the last three decades than this hero who was awarded three Purple Hearts. No one has a more legitimate claim to be the "Democratic wing of the Democratic Party."

And no constituency has more cause to rally to Kerry than environmentalists. With a remarkable 96 percent career environmental voting record (John Muir couldn't have topped that!), Kerry will be -- by far -- the strongest environmental president America has ever had.

http://www.gristmagazine.com/soapbox/hayes012204.asp

[blm]

1. That's the kind of endorsement that really heartens me.

.

[flpoljunkie]

2. Thanks for posting. Great article! Especially like the closing paragraphs

You will never have a chance to support a stronger environmentalist than Kerry for president of the United States. So please, go to JohnKerry.com. Organize a MeetUp. Order some yard signs. Check out his blog. Sign up as a volunteer. Give the campaign some money.

We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to replace the worst environmental president in American history with the best. Seize it!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. Kerry is not a one issue candidate

but if there were one issue I had to pick where he really stands out from the pack, it is the environment.

[Jerseycoa]

3. Very nice

:toast: