Why I Admire Cynthia McKinney

[McKinneyIsAHero]

I wrote this a little after her loss. I even named my DU name after her, I was so impacted by what happened to her. Please read this with an open mind. I know the press coverage on McKinney has been awfully attacking and negative, and many people here I'm sure are wondering what has gotten into the head of someone who supports her as strongly as me. But just read what I have written, and reflect. I don't know if I can change anyone's mind, really, but I feel like I had to write this and speak out, because I feel the "truth force" -- satayagra (I believe that's how you spell it) -- that Gandhi and others talked about when they are passionate about a worldview and arriving at the truth.

----

McKinney's concession speech was beautiful.

I know McKinney has been under fire a lot from the conservative and moderate Democrats, and especially from the Republicans -- but seeing this speech brought me back to why I vehemently supported her in the primary campaigns and really since 2004: she speaks truth boldly.

She is at the side of anyone being beaten down or destroyed, anyone been oppressed. She spoke of peace and justice in a way I've seen no Democrats do that, save for maybe Kucinich.

There was no negativity in her concession speech; she spoke of hope for an America that embraces the world, that stands by working people and the unemployed across the planet and not for "Halliburton and the Carlyle Group." She spoke up for the Lebanese, and the "hundreds of thousands of Iraqis hurt or dead" because of what we did. She thanked the friends, family, the activists from across the 4th District who helped her so much (I've never seen Hank Johnson at any antiwar rally, or seen him travel to foreign countries to assist people being hurt by our policies as McKinney has).

And lastly she said she "wishes well" to Hank Johnson. She gave an overt hope to the massive crowd around her that Johnson would follow in her footsteps -- to become the quintessential "peace and justice Democrat" she declared herself to be. With his hawkish indifference to the dying poor in Lebanon, I doubt he can do that. But maybe the 4th District can compel him to.

After meeting Congresswoman McKinney in June and seeing the Sundance award-winning film in which she is a central character, American Blackout, I can heartily say she is a hero. She is a relentless fighter truly in the vein of Martin and Malcom, and I say that without a hint of hesitation.

I don't know what she will do now. In 2002 she lost to a coalition of GOP voters (at least 30,000 Republicans crossover voted in the Primary to beat her) and pro-Israeli groups (complete with people saying she took money from "Islamic terrorist groups"). She regained her seat easily in 2004. Maybe she'll regain in 2006 after the non-incident with the police officer is forgotten. Maybe she'll go on to be a powerful activist, which she had been in her 14 years in Congress and before that in the state legislature where she made her mark by lambasting the bombing of Iraq during the first Gulf War.

Wherever she goes, she will be missed by those who knew her -- who stood with her as she denounced the war against poor people here and abroad, who attended her events and festivals. She will be missed by the poor and disenfranchised who didn't enter politics because they deemed it the realm of only the "rich white man."

I wish her well and I know that she will act positively for the world wherever she goes.

[Grown2Hate]

1. Beautifully written. And welcome to DU!

I'll go to sleep with that being the last post I read. Night, all.

[QuestionAll...]

2. if only

all representatives had her heart for the truth and justice. She's a keeper, but people are trained to be stupid.

Most unfortunate that a tv series on her brought her down.

[McKinneyIsAHero]

4. It's the obsession with people's personal character

What was the entire campaign against John Kerry? That he is "wishy washy" and a "flip flopper"? What does anything about his personal character have to do with his goals, policies, and ideas?

And the "Swift Boating"? What does Vietnam have to do with NOW? You can only give abstract answers to these questions, because honestly policies and issues are logically and rationally the things that matter most, almost the only things that matter. But our media makes campaigns and politics about childish, immature, and irrational things. And one of those things was obsessing about Cynthia McKinney being an "embarrassment" and "polarizing figure." Crushing dissenting voices by shooting the messenger.

[wake.up.america]

3. It really sad that one incident could have contributed to her loss.

We really need people like her ,looking after the needs of real people.

[QuestionAll...]

6. I believe that incident was set up, to be her loss.

thanks to the Mess Media. and weak minds.

[LostinVA]

39. I agree with this

And I'm usually one to poo-poo "conspiracy" theories.

The most telling thing to me: the videotape that the Caps said showed her going all Terminator on the cop was never, ever shown publicly. They REFUSED to show it to anyone.... except the grand jury, which they had to let see it. And, they stories changed faster than a supermodel at Fashion Week.

[Skip Intro]

5. I wish her well also. Very nice post.

I've found my opinions of Cynthia had changed lateley. I had once been a big fan, but lately read something about her not showing up for debates for the primary, and I just really lost something in reading that. I never put any stock in the police incident in DC, but when she opts to skip a chance to debate her opponent - it was almost like she was taking her seat for granted. I don't even know how true that story is, but unfortunately, the "news" of it, the "headline" of it, shaped my opinion of her. Probably did for many. But reading your post has made me realize just what a brave champion for truth she was.

I hope she reclaims her seat soon. ('06?)

[fuzzypolitics]

7. She's an embarassment

Regardless of what kind of speech she made, McKinney is an embarassment to the Democratic party. She was also the kind of Democrat that Republicans love to see. She had her foot in her mouth so often, I'll bet the Republicans are sad to see her go, since they're losing a great source of material.

The final straw, for me, was when she tried to hide/blame/excuse her disgusting conduct with the Capital Police with baseless cries of racism... You know, Black people screw up and do extremely stupid things too... (although is isn't exactly politically correct to say this)

If she had simply taken responsibility for her actions and apologized immediately, instead of immediately pulling out the "they're picking on little ol' me because I'm black" race card, I don't think she would have lost her primary...

[QuestionAll...]

8. Cynthia is what the democratic party should be.

not afraid to speak out and confident in calling bush an asshole.

[idgiehkt]

10. every time I've seen her on C-span

I just want to jump up and shout 'finally someone is speaking for me'...really saying the things I'm thinking and saying instead of some rich white guy pretending to try to relate with the 'little people'.

[QuestionAll...]

16. that is why she had to be taken down.

it's quite obvious.

[fuzzypolitics]

15. You're kidding, right?

If the entire Democratic party were like McKinney, Republicans would have a 99% majority in Congress.

You may find her ideas and policies ideal (and worth mirroring across the party), but her *individual actions* are beneath contempt and a disgrace to all public servants.

Just how far will a Democratic candidate get in politics by attacking the police and deciding they're too good to show up to televised debates?

[QuestionAll...]

17. the 'individual actions' were played on Mess Media like she

was a serial killer.

meanwhile, back at the Crawford ranch, the real serial killer vacations.

get a grip on mortal sins here.

[LostinVA]

41. If all Dems were like McKinney, the Dems would have the 99%

Tell em again -- how do you know she attacked the cops? You don't... you are talking THEIR word. A Grand Jury found not enough evidence to indict her... even though the proverbial ham sandwich was indicted.

Having fun? Damn! You have the memes down cold. Gotta give you that!

[eridani]

9. What disgusting conduct?

No video, and no charges. Maybe it happened, but it was hearsay only.

[QuestionAll...]

12. embarrassment? what yardstick are You using? mine is bush nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. Good one! LOL

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. She made an excellent point when she said

that teenage pages are taught to recognize by sight all congress reps and senators. If they can learn who the legislatures are, then the cops can too.

I don't blame her in the least for what she did. The cop grabbed her and she hit him back. I can't say that I would do any differently in the same situation.

[Tsiyu]

18. Final straw?

Sure.

She has done so much for veterans, extending benefits for those suffering from agent orange, giving support to a VA hospital in her district, calling for an end to the use of depleted uranium to protect our troops in Iraq.

She has been commended by the UN for her work helping those less advantaged. She helped poor black farmers in georgia, poor rural people - white and black - by getting an Enterprise Zone designation for their area. She helped get more black judges on the benches in Georgia.

Every vote she has cast has been for the working man and against the corporate special interests. time and time again she has spoken out and demanded accountability from the rightwing extremists destroying our nation, when few had the guts to do so.

Think she wasn't a target of the powers that be?

Sure.

Final straw, huh?

Interesting....

[bananarepublican]

19. Only African Americans have the right to bring up the so called race card!

I remember going on a family vacation to South Africa in the early 70's. All of twelve years old, I was astounded by the signs on bus-stop benches, public toilet entrances... and so on... such as, "Whites Only", "Coloreds Only".

Unless you have walked a mile in the shoes someone, you shouldn't pass judgement upon them.

For the record, Cynthia is a courageous American who has been swiftboated by right wing nutsies! Plus... I think she's cute.

[mirandapriestly]

35. Love to see? Is that why they cut off her mike? eom

[niyad]

36. welcome to DU--what's with the reich wing talking points already?

[LostinVA]

42. I know -- they usually wait until they get a few hundred posts

The corps is slipping!

[nosillies]

38. Welcome to DU! And don't feel bad.

You're not the only one who feels that way.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

I am very intelligent and informed, and I don't buy into the message from the MSM. Yet I obviously am a "sheep" because I have problems with McKinney. Are other people not sheep for buying into the idea that she's never done anything remotely wrong, other than a trumped-up "disagreement" with an officer?

In my mind, it's OK to be embarrassed by both McKinney and Bush. Of course I'm much more ashamed of Bush. But I would never give a Democrat a pass for any old behavior. I don't give Democrats a pass just because they're Democrats. I don't know that Johnson is any better than her -- I'll reserve judgement until I see him in action. But I don't think she is the country and party's savior, either.

[LostinVA]

40. How do you know her conduct with the Caps was "disgusting"?

Why do you take THEIR word over hers??? NO evidence was presented publicly to show this... and the grand jury came back with no evidence to indict her. As the saying goes, even a ham sandwich can be indicted.

They DID pick on her because of who she was -- it wasn't the first time it had happened.

McKinney is a Progressive Firebrand, and I wish every damned Dem Congress Critter was like her. The GOP would be shaking in their collective boots.

[fuzzypolitics]

49. What if she was a Republican?

If so, you'd be debating how best to execute her for treason. You can't excuse her behavior just because she's a Democrat...

Personally, I think Joe Lieberman should be the model for the Democratic party, not McKinney.

[aceman2373]

65. "and the grand jury came back with no evidence to indict her"

you mean like Karl Rove?

[MrBenchley]

45. Shhhh...you mustn't talk sense to the McKinney cult

They're so zombified that they're still denying that the dreary loony slapped a cop, even though McKinney admitted to doing so and apologized.

And whatever you do, don't mention that she's an antiSemite who accused Al Gore of racism...or that David Dreier publicly thanked her for he role in diverting attention from Tom Delay.

[slaveplanet]

53. stop twisting her words

the dreary loony slapped a cop, even though McKinney admitted to doing so

She never admitted to slapping a cop or anyone else, what she apologized for was that a misunderstanding happened and that the event got escalated.

but you already know this, don't you?

accused Al Gore of racism

just as you already know, that the point she was making about Gore, was for a group of black secret service agents that had their concerns shut out from all other channels and so they turned to McKinney for their voice to be heard.


What do you have against black secret service agents? why are you twisting reality in such a vigorous fashion?

This one has a typo:

David Dreier publicly thanked her for he role in diverting attention from Tom Delay.

I'll edit it to closer support the situation:

David Dreier publicly thanked her for the media's role in diverting attention from Tom Delay.

[MrBenchley]

76. I love it when somebody verifies my posts like this....

"No...prove....Cynthia....is....asshole"

[eridani]

11. What I hope she will do

Make it her first priority to get rid of those damned DREs in Georgia!

[petgoat]

60. I hope she won't. For so controversial a figure to join the

voting machine brigade will only wrap it in tinfoil.

She has other important work to do.

[Tsiyu]

20. K & R

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and welcome to DU.

Cynthia is one of my heroes as well, and I'm proud of her record in Congress. The day will come when we will wish for more like her. Too sad that that day is not here yet.

[Rosemary2205]

21. Her cries of "racism" every other month are unbecoming.

I am a black woman, living in her district. I have voted for her many times and did this time too. She's a voice we need in Washington. However, I have to say, this thing she has about blaming "whitey" every time something doesn't go her way bothers me. Yes there is racism, yes it's important to call it when we see it. In her case though, she tends to call first before she looks.

It plays pretty well in this district, but now that blacks control pretty much everything in this district, including elections, a lot of us have just gotten to the point when we roll our eyes when she starts with accusations that local elections officials are keeping blacks away from the polls. That song is too old and too tired now. In my opinion it's a MINOR flaw and doesn't detract from the fact she's a fighter and the kind we need in DC.

[bananarepublican]

22. Unbecoming? Perhaps. True? Highly likely!!! n/t

[QuestionAll...]

24. yes, racism is unbecoming.

but when I hear someone talk it out like Cynthia does, and get squelched as a whiner....

I just have to wonder.
is america really that free and unbiased, is there no racial predijice?
give your head a shake, ..

[Rosemary2205]

27. I know prejudice

I also know the voters and who's running the elections in this district. Yes, prejudice and racism are a nasty business. This wasn't it. However, it doesn't change my opinion the McKinney is an incredible asset to her district and to America in general. I'm betting she'll be back in no time.

[Stevepol]

34. You may think you know who's running the elections, but you don't know

what's inside those black boxes. You're in GA and the elections are basically determined by Diebold. Just how that happens and who determines it and for what races I don't know.

But when the votes are counted in total secrecy by private companies without verification (without auditing) THIS IS NOT DEMOCRACY and cannot be democracy BY DEFINITION.

I suspect McKinney lost because of a concerted effort by Repubs to get her out by financing her opponent and then flooding the voting places in the open primary with Repub voters.

However, I seriously doubt she lost by the percentage given. It smells of a machine flip.

Why don't we have some exit polls for this election?

[mom cat]

68. I also think that she will be back in action soon, You can't keep a good

woman down.

[QuestionAll...]

25. well there's one whitey (*) that is most unbecoming....

or is that an adjective for women only...
specially 'uppity' ones....

[Rosemary2205]

29. You know what

The blacks in this district fought hard for the power we have now in this district. We here supported her when no one else would. We run the elections here now and for her to call us all racists that go around intimidating her supporters is unbecoming. We ARE her supporters. She spoke in haste and this is not the first time. That is part of what we get with a fighter like Cynthia. Got to take the small amount of bad to get all the good. We are all human.

But if you want me to sit here and say all the blacks in power in this district are all racists that are secretly working for the white man then you have another thing coming.

[QuestionAll...]

31. I think you misunderstood me, or I you.... nt

[LostinVA]

43. Her cries of racism are true

I'm a white female, and I see the Establishment spit on black women every single day of my life.

[McKinneyIsAHero]

51. I don't personally know enough about rhe racism issue with her

I know she was stalked by both an Arab student and a member of the Ku Klux Klan at once.

But I do think there is a reason most white citizens voted against her. A strong and intelligent african american woman is the polar opposite of what they are.

[oasis]

23. Thanks for your thoughts on this positive thread. welcome to DU.

[Nutmegger]

26. No doubt MSM played a role

I admire her too. We need more Congressmen/women in her mold. To stand up and challenge the status-quo is fundamental.

But she has made some errors and paid the price. Coupled with M$M spin and DIEbold.......if she could have gotten her supports to vote en masse, then she would have prevailed.

[QuestionAll...]

28. if the 2000/4 election wasn't fixed, something else would

have prevailed.

what are Cynthia's 'errors' compared to that stinking thing you have on the throne now. please explain, because you seem to believe in some kind of Santa Claus theory most here don't.

[Nutmegger]

52. WTF are you talking about?

I'm not going to give her a free pass just because I admire her. It seems that you are willing to push conspiracy theories around here even if folks don't agree 100%. There is something to the machines and mainstream media but when if comes right down to it, folks weren't willing to get out the vote for her.

Her pulling the "race card" and not showing up for a debate looked horrible and embarrassing.

Say hi to the Easter Bunny for me.

[Rainscents]

30. I am a very big fan of her too!

I would trade her for one of my senator (Cantwell), Cynthia is very special congress lady. In time, 4th district will see the real truth. This Johnson guy, he is hired by RW hack and they fonded him to run against Cynthia. Johnson, if he win in Nov, he will NOT represent his district like Cynthia did and I can guarantee you, he will almost always vote with Republican ( money bet on this one).

[Broken_Hero]

32. Welcome to DU...:) nt

[mirandapriestly]

33. She is one of the few who does what they are supposed to

I agree wholeheartedly, I love her, and I was devastated when i heard. I'll bet her opponent had republican backing.

[McKinneyIsAHero]

59. He had backing of republican money and votes

Georgia's open primaries are why she lost in 2002, probably now as well. Former GOP Governor candidate also backed Johnson, as well as the conservative Georgia Democrats.

Meanwhile the entire civil rights leadership of Atlanta backed her. The people with guts backed her, the people who'd rather see us sit back and shut up backed Johnson.

[Vidar]

37. Beautifully written. Welcome to DU. K&R

[EFerrari]

44. Nice thread! Welcome to DU.

[philb]

46. Good Grief!!!!!!!!!!

n/t

[goodhue]

47. thanks for posting this

I will miss her presence in Congress.

[bigwillq]

48. Nice letter!

Welcome to DU!

[Xenotime]

50. She is a great American. I don't think we have seen the last of her.

[Sammy Pepys]

54. Good Riddance to her, I say....n/t

....

[LordLovesAWorkingMan]

57. Roger that, I say n/t

[greguganus]

64. 3rd, I say n/t

[LittleClarkie]

73. And the horse she rode in on

indeed.

[petgoat]

55. Cynthia is a Hero, and She'll be Back

Her questioning of ChoicePoint after the FL election
of 2000 about the phony felons list that disenfranchsed
50,000 FL voters caused ChoicePoint to finger its
clients, Katherine Harris and Jeb Bush. See Palast,
"The Best Democracy Money Can Buy."

Everyone should see "American Blackout".

Watch her in action questioning Rummy and you'll see why
she had to go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RvLL--vSsA

If I were Rove, I would want her Diebolded both to get
rid of her, and to try to couple the black box voting
issue with someone who's been painted in the national
media as a lunatic.

[McKinneyIsAHero]

56. I was there at the premiere of American Blackout

AMAZING film.

[klook]

58. Great post - thanks.

Here's a link to the speech: http://www.cynthiaforcongress.com/blog.php?id=48

We care about the projection of US power around the world. Either we can be a force for good in the world; or we can rely on force and upset the world.

Sadly, this Administration has chosen the latter.

At a time when this country has failed to train enough certified teachers to educate our children, George Bush is spending billions, nearly one trillion, dollars for war. And in a point of personal privilege right now I echo what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "A time comes when silence is betrayal; we are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, for those it calls 'enemy.'"

One year to the day before Dr. King was murdered, he declared that the greatest purveyor of violence in the world was his own country.

Welcome to DU!

[davidinalameda]

61. did she ever repudiate what her father said about the Jews

being responsible for her loss in 2002?

[obnoxiousdrunk]

62. They were responsible

this time too.

McKinney opponent rakes in pro-Israel cash
By Jonathan Allen
Georgia Rep. Cynthia McKinney’s primary run-off opponent has tapped into the pro-Israel fundraising network that helped her virtually unknown challenger Denise Majette topple McKinney and Artur Davis beat then-Rep. Earl Hilliard (D-Ala.) in a pair of hotly contested 2002 primaries in black-majority districts.

Hank Johnson collected at least $34,100 on Tuesday from individuals and political action committees (PACs) that supported Majette, Davis or both, including several pro-Israel PACs. Overall, Johnson reported receiving $63,100 on Tuesday.

The contributions were recorded in a filing with the Federal Election Commission that requires only donors of $1,000 or more to be identified, meaning Johnson’s haul could have been larger.

Seven pro-Israel PACs gave to Johnson on Tuesday: MOPAC in Michigan, Washington PAC in D.C., SUNPAC and National Action Committee PAC in Florida, CITYPAC in Chicago, Mid-Manhattan PAC in New York and Louisiana for American Security PAC. Five of the seven contributed to both Majette and Davis four years ago, according to FEC records. SUNPAC gave to Majette in 2002 and to Davis in 2004, while Mid-Manhattan PAC gave only to Davis in 2002.


http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpag...

[rinsd]

66. Should I go grab my Yalmulke?

[davidinalameda]

72. so "the Jews" are resposible for her defeat

so there's some sort of Jewish conspiracy against her?

is that what you're saying?

[LittleClarkie]

71. What about the comments her aides made to the press after

her concession speech about them being Jews, and about how this wasn't Lebanon and such?

[nam78_two]

74. Oh so she is anti-semitic too?

Good riddance to her I say...I used to like her mildly a while back, after I saw her give Rummy a good shakedown on CSPAN...

But some of the stuff I have heard recently convinces me that the democratic party is well rid of her...I do admire her spirit to some extent and she does seem sincere in her support of some of the truly powerless-so I am a little conflicted- but this sort of stuff still makes me see red.

The democrats can do better. People that foam at the mouth never succeed...

Restore Gore !!!

[G_j]

63. I greatly admire her

If only we had more squeaky wheels like Cynthia.

she is also one of the few politicos who has ever personally responded to a letter from me

[bvar22]

67. I support McKinney

Cynthia McKinney is a top progressive, no hint of tainting by Corporate Money, and does a great job representing Americans who Work for a Living.

McKinney is also a target of CorpoConservatives (some inside the Democratic Party) who actively work to swiftboat her.
As evidence, the swiftboaters either refer to her as a "nutjob" (without providing evidence)(talking point) , or they continially spotlight a minor incident with Capitol Police (vastly blown out of proportion) instead of questioning her Voting Record or her Stand on the Issues.

As a Wellstone (FDR) Democrat, Cynthia McKinney has my full support.

[Poll_Blind]

69. I support McKinney as well. n/t

PB

[LittleClarkie]

70. Where the anti-semitic comments of her aides also beautiful?

Or is there a logic explanation for those comments?

[nam78_two]

75. THEY

put a chip in her/their head(s) that made her/them say things she/they didn't mean !

Besides EVERYONE knows the jews are responsible for everything...get with the program

[npincus]

77. BUH-BYE to the trash-talking Anti-Semite

[Skinner]

78. Locking

This was a troll.