Dennis Kucinich was amazing today. (NYC LGBT event)

rbnyc

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Sun Dec-07-03 05:56 PM
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Dennis Kucinich was amazing today. (NYC LGBT event)

I was worried about attendance because of the snow, but the room was filled. We had to set up more chairs at the last minute, and many people had to stand. A lot of people were already Kucinich supporters, but many others were undecided, and of those I spoke to at least 10 people who were completely energized by the event and had decided that the best way to stand up for ourselves this election season is to stand up for Dennis.

I had to leave the event before the audience questions, as the event took place where I work and I had to go back on duty. I noticed as I was leaving a man who is the founder of a local LGBT veterans group was about to ask a question. I knew the man had entered the event unsure of whom to support. I asked him later what he’d asked. He said he wanted to know if Dennis would issue an executive order to integrate the military so that LGBT people could serve openly. He told me that Dennis was unhesitant and unequivocal in his answer. He said that he would abolish Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and issue an executive order that would clearly end the discrimination against LGBT people who wish to serve. The man then showed me a Dennis Kucinich sticker that he’d affixed to his jacket. He said, “This is a $350 leather jacket. I don’t put stickers on this jacket. I’m not playing around. Dennis Kucinich is our guy.”

Dennis talked about LGBT issues like same-sex marriage. He talked about the difference between advocating for universal health insurance and universal health care, and how to pay for it—more specifically how we’re already paying for it but we just don’t deliver it. He talked about the Department of Peace and how it would function to promote non-violent conflict resolution both in foreign and domestic policy. He talked about a progressive tax structure and issues of economic justice. He talked about courage. His every point was infused with not only optimism, but also a knowledge of the essential value of optimism that was infectious.

He listened to the panelists very seriously. They each had a few minutes to talk about their own concerns and then Dennis had a chance to respond. I’d expected the panelists to have more direct questions for Dennis. I’d expected them to quiz him, kind of looking to stump him. But instead they all just seemed to open up about all their hopes and values. You could tell that Dennis was completely engrossed.

One of the panelists fell off his chair during the event. It was interesting to watch everyone’s reaction. The person sitting closest to him was stunned. A couple people in the audience stood up, including me. Dennis was right there next to him in a flash. He reminded me of my best friend who always knows exactly how to behave in any unexpected situation. Dennis helped the panelist up. He was fine. It was just interesting because I knew as I was watching this moment how entirely unpretentious and natural he was--and a natural leader.

I introduced myself to Dennis as he was leaving the building. I shook his hand and told him my name and that I’m a volunteer for his campaign. He thanked me. I wanted to thank him for so much, for speaking out against the PATRIOT Act, for his bravery during times when I felt so alone, for offering an example against fear, for making sense! I blurted out, “I just love you. Thank you for your voice during these difficult times.” He was so generous in the way that he heard me and made sure I understood before he left that I was the one that he needed to thank.

I was shaking for about 15 minutes, feeling seriously high.

So anyway, my report is that it was a very successful and uplifting event. I feel affirmed in my commitment to the evolution of this campaign.