Kucinich's compassion for a homeless man

[no name no slogan]

When the others "talk the talk", Dennis Kucinich Walks the Walk. Read this, quoted from an entry in Justin Walker's Campaign Diary:

...It begins with me, a life-long Republican at an Iowa Democratic Party fundraiser. Four presidential candidates speak. Thousands of dollars are raised. As we leave the ballroom, I ask Kucinich a question that mentions a homeless man sleeping in the stairwell of the hotel's parking garage. Kucinich immediately responds, "He's there now? I'll go visit him." And 20 minutes later, we meet at the garage's entrance - a congressman, an aide, a security agent and me.

...

Below, the congressman stands motionless, staring at this man whose poverty is absolute. Is Kucinich thinking of his own past? As a boy, his family sometimes lived in cars. Tonight, Kucinich's face says more to me than any speech he's ever given. I believe that he is suffering right along with this helpless and hopeless sleeping man. It is 25 degrees out tonight. How cold was the boy in Cleveland who called cars home?

The congressman finally kneels beside the man and leaves a gift. What will the homeless man buy with the significant amount of money Kucinich has left him? I'd like to think he is a Jean Valjean, a discouraged man for whom one display of compassion and generosity will inspire a new beginning. I'd like to think he will not buy drugs or alcohol. I'd like to be less cynical.

Before I joined the campaign trail, friends quipped that I'd come back a Democrat. I doubt it. But I also doubt that I will ever forget the sleeping man whose name I never knew and whose face I never saw. Nor will I forget the look of compassion on the face of a motionless Dennis Kucinich, as he visited a man whom most of his party and most of his country would rather ignore.

Compassion comes from a Greek word meaning, "to suffer with."

Here is a US Congressman who has a net worth of no more than $30,000, giving a homeless man a "significant amount of money", according to the Republican reporter. How could anybody NOT support this man for President?

[redqueen]

1. Thanks for posting this

Cynicism, that's how. :(

[JohnKleeb]

3. yep

:(
I know I support Kerry as an equal now, but Dennis Kucinich is still god. Thats why, youre right, cynicism. People will say, oh I would support him if he polled better, you go to Dennis, Dennis doesnt come to you. Sigh. Win or Lose he is my hero and if I do political science next year, I am now almost positive I will work for him as an intern. I hope history has a place for him, he'll be back. Kucinich is the best on the issues no doubt, Ive met the man, Ive heard him speak, he makes me believe. I hope if hes not the nominee, and we win, they find some place for him, or have him stay in the house so I can work for him. I can think of no one of the 10 presidential candiates we have had that I like and admire more than this man. We may lose in numbers but we never will lose heart. The unsung hero of this primary is Dennis, most of America doesnt know who he is, but I take great comfort in knowing that I have a man like Dennis out there fighting for me and all those around me.

[redqueen]

4. He is my hero as well

And no matter how many people betray themselves to cater to their fears, we will win in the end.

It may take 10 more years, or 20, or 50, or 100...

The very idea that he has even had the BALLS to put himself out there for us, should be an inspiration to everyone. If only more people had that kind of courage.

He knows very well how he's been attacked in the past. He knows very well what would be done to him in this race... but still he does it.

God bless him, and thank God for Kucinich. :)

[JohnKleeb]

5. Its funny Red

I remember before last monday, IWR didnt seem like people's litmus test for supporting or opposing a guy, then Kerry wins in Iowa, and then I see this more and more. If IWR meant so much and future IWR situations, why not DK? I tell you what it is, its what you said, its cynicism superficially cast over an abyss of sorrow, to paraphrase Remarque in All Quiet on the Western Front. I am admittingly a pacfist in a way, most people who know me won't tell you that though, I am very quiet about it, but I am, if we want to prevent future Iraq's, I think DK would be best for that, like me to him it doesnt matter what party supports the war, DK was a rare party opponent of Kosovo which I know many here supported but I didnt. I dont like to talk about that conflict in particular because its sorta personal, and what I have learned, oh how I wanna cry, second hand accounts. We need Kucinich's, these are what RFK called the tiny ripples of hope. I'll support the nominee but Kucinich is my favorite always.

[redqueen]

8. Cynicism cast superficially over an abyss of sorrow

Excellent way to put it.

I agree with you on Kosovo, btw. I understand.


"Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change the world that yields most painfully to change...

Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. It is the shaping impulse of America that neither fate nor nature nor the irresistible tides of history, but the work of our own hands, matched to reason and principle, that will determine our destiny. There is pride in that, even arrogance, but there is also experience and truth. In any event, it is the only way we can live."

--Robert Kennedy in a speech made to youths in South Africa, 1966. (This was quoted by Ted Kennedy in his eulogy)

[JohnKleeb]

10. Thanks

In fact thats why I get along with my Kucinich Komrades best, you guys understand Kosovo, and I dont feel alone. It really is personal, it really makes me uncomfortable to discuss it. I used to, but now I dont. Yep Ted used that in RFK's eulogy.
Bobby theres a huge hero of mine.

[Terwilliger]

2. bring this up when they talk about "electability"

The American people want someone to trust, not someone who will lie to them. They believed Bush was great because he said very little. They would believe what Kucinich says because they can see that Kucinich believes in what he's talking about.

[no name no slogan]

6. Speaking of "electability"

I've just received a couple of articles via email about this very question. I'll probably post something on them later.

Right now, I have to work! :D

[Rainbowreflect]

7. Thank you.

Just when my cynicism is rearing it's ugly head again I hear or read something about DK and I feel hope again.
As we teeter on the edge of disaster knowing bush would gladly push us over the edge. I believe any of the democratic candidates can build a bridge to climb across, but Dennis Kucinich would give us wings to fly across.

[iowapeacechief]

9. I'm glad to see this story again!

It's disappearing too fast at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=202393

Good replies both places.

[Rainbowreflect]

11. A kick for my hero.

:kick: