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Civitas: I'm a registered Republican. My political tradition is the Republican version of Progressivism, tempered by a family inheritance of old-fashioned Midwestern conservatism. And I have to say that quite a few Republicans don't like fearmongering and negativity in politics either. In particular, some of us totally reject our party leadership's false claim that Republicans somehow have a monopoly of wisdom about issues of national security. Like all untruths and all attempts to establish monopolies, this one has the dangerous consequence of shutting down debate and innovation. It has been toxic to both political parties and to the country. Hopefully the verdict of the midterm elections signals that more people are beginning to see through it.
Senator Kerry, thank you for setting high expectations and trusting that Americans will live up to them. Thank you for steadily reminding all of us--regardless of party--that we should not be afraid, should think for ourselves, and should act on what we believe. That openness and confidence was what most attracted me to your ship in 2004, and it's still a major factor that keeps me here by choice. I appreciate the chance to learn something about practical politics here, and to give something back when I can.
Peace to all. ***********************************************************************
Charles: I'm not a young person. This ain't my first rodeo. I've been around awhile and I've always paid a lot of attention to politics. I'm cynical as hell and I'm not easily impressed.
And your guy here is pretty much just about the only nationally-ranked politician out there today that doesn't peg my built-in b.s. meter way into the red zone.
Maybe that doesn't sound like much of a compliment to some folks. But as far as I'm concerned, it's a really big one.
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These both deserve a lot of responses. They just make you smile and get to the root of why we all support JK. :-)
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