Conservative journalist speaks out for Kerry

[Dover]

Got this in an email from a friend. I'm not familiar with this journalist:


You might be interested in the following just written by Charley Reese of
the Orlando Sentinel. If you know the writer and his strongly conservative
reputation, you should find it eye-opening.

Note particularly what he says about John Kerry. Conservative journalists
Robert Novak and William Kristol happen to be saying the same things.

Here's a column from the VERY CONSERVATIVE
Charley Reese of the Orlando Sentinel.

Vote For A Man, Not A Puppet

Americans should realize that if they vote for President Bush's re-election,
they are really voting for the architects of war - Dick Cheney, Donald
Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz and the rest of that cabal of neoconservative
ideologues and their corporate backers. I have sadly come to the conclusion
that President Bush is merely a front man, an empty suit, who is manipulated
by the people in his administration. Bush has the most dangerously
simplistic view of the world of any president in my memory.

It's no wonder the president avoids press conferences like the plague. Take
away his cue cards and he can barely talk. Americans should be embarrassed
that an Arab king (Abdullah of Jordan) spoke more fluently and articulately
in English than our own president at their joint press conference recently.

John Kerry is at least an educated man, well-read, who knows how to think
and who knows that the world is a great deal more complex than Bush's
comic-book world of American heroes and foreign evildoers. It's unfortunate
that in our poorly educated country, Kerry's very intelligence and refusal
to adopt simplistic slogans might doom his presidential election efforts.

But Thomas Jefferson said it well, as he did so often, when he observed that
people who expect to be ignorant and free expect what never was and never
will be.

People who think of themselves as conservatives will really display their
stupidity, as I did in the last election, by voting for Bush. Bush is as far
from being as conservative as you can get. Well, he fooled me once, but he
won't fool me twice.

It is not at all conservative to balloon government spending, to vastly
increase the power of government, to show contempt for the Constitution and
the rule of law, or to tell people that foreign outsourcing of American
jobs is good for them, that giant fiscal and trade deficits don't matter,
and that people should not know what their government is doing. Bush is the
most prone-to-classify, the most secretive president in the 20th century.
His administration leans dangerously toward the authoritarian.

It's no wonder that the Justice Department has convicted a few
Arab-Americans of supporting terrorism. What would you do if you found
yourself arrested and a federal prosecutor whispers in your ear that either
you can plea-bargain this or the president will designate you an enemy
combatant and you'll be held incommunicado for the duration?

This election really is important, not only for domestic reasons, but
because Bush's foreign policy has been a dangerous disaster. He's almost
restarted the Cold War with Russia and the nuclear arms race. America is not
only hated in the Middle East, but it has few friends anywhere in the world
thanks to the arrogance and ineptness of the Bush administration. Don't
forget, a scientific poll of Europeans found us, Israel, North Korea and
Iran as the greatest threats to world peace.

I will swallow a lot of petty policy differences with Kerry to get a man in
the White House with brains enough not to blow up the world and us with it.
Go to Kerry's Web site (http://www.johnkerry.com) and read some of the
magazine profiles on him. You'll find that there is a great deal more to
Kerry than the GOP attack dogs would have you believe.

Besides, it would be fun to have a president who plays hockey, windsurfs,
rides motorcycles, plays the guitar, writes poetry and speaks French. It
would be good to have a man in the White House who has killed people face to
face. Killing people has a sobering effect on a man and dispels all
illusions about war.

[JohnKleeb]

1. He's very right

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Yes Charley Reese is

more of the old style true conservative, and he has been talking
against bush for oh, since soon after the begining of the war

[RevCheesehead]

3. Wow. First Pat Buchanan, then this guy.

Do I sense a Right-wing mutiny?


:

[cthrumatrix]

33. computer voting is their only hope

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

43. I'm almost positive Buchanan said he wasn't going to vote for Kerry.

Great points taken:

This election really is important, not only for domestic reasons, but
because Bush's foreign policy has been a dangerous disaster. He's almost restarted the Cold War with Russia and the nuclear arms race. America is not only hated in the Middle East, but it has few friends anywhere in the world thanks to the arrogance and ineptness of the Bush administration. Don't forget, a scientific poll of Europeans found us, Israel, North Korea and Iran as the greatest threats to world peace.

I will swallow a lot of petty policy differences with Kerry to get a man in the White House with brains enough not to blow up the world and us with it. Go to Kerry's Web site (http://www.johnkerry.com ) and read some of the magazine profiles on him. You'll find that there is a great deal more to Kerry than the GOP attack dogs would have you believe.

Besides, it would be fun to have a president who plays hockey, windsurfs, rides motorcycles, plays the guitar, writes poetry and speaks French. It would be good to have a man in the White House who has killed people face to face. Killing people has a sobering effect on a man and dispels all illusions about war.

[dmr]

50. I heard Buchanan say he probably wouldn't vote for Kerry, BUT

he wouldn't answer the question about voting for Bush*. My take is, if he votes, it will be for Kerry.

[KC21304]

4. I think Reese leans a little to the Libertarian side

http://reese.king-online.com/Reese_20030317/index.php

I don't agree with everything he says but most of his columns are right on.

The first 3 columns on left aren't accessable for some reason.

[rfranklin]

5. This is a man who values intelligence. Most Bush voters do not.

And that's the problem--as he mentioned. They cling to their fear and paranoia, and thrill to Bush's swaggering threats against "evil-doers" who are brown-skinned and don't believe in Jesus the Holy Avenger.

[kentuck]

6. What a great quote !

"But Thomas Jefferson said it well, as he did so often, when he observed that
people who expect to be ignorant and free expect what never was and never
will be."

[necso]

7. Press them! Press them hard! n/t

[spooky3]

8. I have a great deal of admiration for him, for admitting he was wrong

and being open-minded and intelligent enough to investigate something that was so far away from what he thought he believed.

[madmax]

9. I said these exact same words in 2000

..."Bush is merely a front man, an empty suit, who is manipulated..."

I screamed myself horse during the last 3 months of the pre-selection. I wrote to Begala everyday. He was co-host on a show with that criminal Oliver North.

I saw it, I know most you saw it..why the hell didn't more people and the media see it. We've lost so much because of this idiot. The war, deficits as far as the eye can see. I'm so damn pissed off.

ok, rant over.

[DemVIctory]

10. Kristol?

How can William Kristol be saying the same thing as this Orlando Sentinel guy? Isn't Kristol Mr. Neocon himself? You would think that, if anything, Kristol is one of the puppeteers!

[maverick hombre]

12. Another Republican speaks...

This is my first post here, and I suppose I might be putting myself in the firing line, but I'll be up front and respectful. I am a "moderate" conservative who is a registered Republican. I have enjoyed "lurking" in this forum for some time now. I agree with the original post. I honestly believe there are many more Republicans who you'll find to be "reluctant" Kerry supporters.

I am not a "social conservative", but a "fiscal conservative" and follow only the truths that are behind the "Republican Oath." Unfortunately, this president and his fellows do not reflect such a "spirit" of conservative politics. This is not a "patriot" who is "Commander in Chief". This is a corrupt theological "neoconservative" Junta that is moving to abolish the Bill of Rights. I can site clear examples of each amendment that this administration has arrogantly violated and continues to assault. I believe that this country is well into an already "disguised" totalitarian state as a result of this president. From my what I see, not since the Nixon presidency has this country faced such a grave constitutional danger.

In the last presidential election, I voted for John McCain. I did not vote for president in the general election because I did not like GW or Mr. Gore. But admittedly, Mr. Gore has come a long way and should have shown America in 2000 the face we see today. It would have made a difference.

I have no choice but to vote in this general election because it may be our last. I am not fond of Mr. Kerry's positions, but none of the goons under the direction of Karl Rove and Richard Cheney can honestly diminish his patriotism or leadership that has been combat-tested, and has also withstood the test of political time. I have always said that no two presidents did more damage to the office of the presidency than "Tricky Dick Nixon" and "Slick Willie Jeff." Well even that has changed as a result of GW. Although I could not stand Mr. Clinton's manner of running this country from the administrative and philosophical standpoint, and not the "scandal" which I paid little attention to, I have to admit that even Mr. Clinton was a better president than GW.

So when I go to the polls in November, I will "hold my nose" while punching the Kerry slot. I sadly realize I will be giving a degree of my freedom away to what I consider some unwise liberal policies. But there is no way I will surrender all of my freedom at the feet of a dictator. In closing, I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite Republican, Mr. Lincoln, from his first inaugural address in 1861:

"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it."

Thank you for allowing me to take part in your forum. I promise not to be a heckler.

[wellstone dem]

16. Welcome to DU

and thank your for such a thoughtful first post. Welcome.

[EST]

17. You have absolutely no idea how thoroughly we welcome you.

There is more rejoicing over the one than the ninety and nine-which is as it should be. Welcome to DU!

[frank frankly]

18. excellent words. thank you for them.

I've been reading a book called Free Men, Free Labor, Free Land. It is about the change from Whig to Republican preceeding the Civil War.

Lincoln's words are extraordinary. Thank you for your vote and good luck reshaping the Republican Party after these neocons are removed from office.

We need two good parties, or at least two reasonably honest and decent ones, to have a good country.

Thanks again.

[madmax]

19. Welcome to DU

I appreciate your candor and I know many other members feel the same.

[Chili]

22. I'm really too new myself to say this, but...

welcome!

[lasttrip]

37. same here

DU helps me keep my sanity.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

44. Welcome to DU, Chili, if I haven't welcomed you already (been

a hectic couple of weeks for me)!

[The Magistrate]

24. Welcome To The Forum, Sir!

You sound like a sensible and honest fellow.

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[iamjoy]

25. Good Post and Welcome!

and while this is supposed to be a Democratic forum, we do support different ideas as long as they are politely discussed (which yours was) and not extremely anti-Democratic (note large D)

While I am both a social and fiscal liberal (maybe we need another thread for that debate) a part of me recongnizes the inconsistancies in such a stance, just as I see the duality of the Republicans who are fiscally conservative and socially conservative.

If we can say nothing else about social liberals who are fiscally conservative, at least they are consistent and I believe, far closer to what the Republican party was supposed to be.

[karlrschneider]

28. Excellent first post, Maverick. Welcome to DU...you will see that many of

us are actually more "conservative" in some ways than we're willing to admit, particularly in the fiscal area as you mentioned. There's really nothing wrong with being a "real" conservative, (which label SHOULD apply to social issues such as keeping the Gov't out of bedrooms) and there most assuredly isn't anything pejorative about the term "liberal" either. You've surely noticed we are a rowdy bunch, prone to arguments amongst ourselves, but at the end of the day we almost unanimously agree we need to get rid of the cabal running 1600 PA Avenue. I cast my first vote at age 21 (before it was lowered) for Barry Goldwater, who was somewhat of a personal friend of mine (and I thought he was an honorable guy) but his principles have been abandoned by the contemporary GOP.

Nice to have you here. :D

[demokatgurrl]

35. Thank you

for your post. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I do understand and appreciate fiscal conservatism, and even I can see that the current administration is as far from that as you can get.

I am curious, just for my own education, which of John Kerry's positions offend you the most. I ask because from my point of view, he is no "liberal". Of course, I also consider "liberal" a GOOD thing, which I strive for and don't quite make. I view Kerry as really middle of the road- I mean he's a hunter and gun owner and pro-death penalty- those are things that bother ME.
So, I'm wondering where he and you part ways.

And I also appreciate very much your coming to this forum and sharing your views.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

45. I thought Kerry is opposed to the death penalty except for terrorists

who have declared was on our country.

[CrazyAtheist]

36. Welcome aboard

It is a good sign that all across the political spectrum, people are rallying to kick Bush out. I know more than a few conservitives who are distressed by Bush's policies. Hopefully they will vote Kerry as well.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

38. Welcome. Your words and honesty are appreciated here.

[Bandit]

40. That is all anyone could ask

Thank you for your honesty and welcome to DU. You will find all sorts here from the very extreme left to moderate conservatives like yourself. All most of us ask is the truth. :thumbsup: for your bravery in posting on a board such as this one.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

42. Welcome to DU, Maverick. :)

[yardwork]

47. Welcome to DU!

I want to add my welcome to you and other Republicans or conservatives who post here. I've debated a few of you on other threads, I'm glad to say. I always appreciate a civil debate and you posters provide it.

I'd like to make one comment, which is not a criticism of your positions, but an observation.

I used to think that the Republicans were better at fiscal management than the Democrats. However, the record shows otherwise. There's a handy chart floating around here that shows how bad the national debt has been under the Republican presidents Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II. Record-breaking deficits under each of them. They kept lowering the bar.

Clinton turned that around immediately upon election, and within a few years gave us the only budget surplus since I don't know when. That collapsed and continue to drop since W was elected.

There are similar charts that show similar trends related to all other economic indicators. The fact is - love him or hate him - Clinton was good for the United States in many ways. So were Carter, LBJ, and Jack Kennedy.

A lot of the "conventional wisdom" about Democrats being wimpy bleeding hearts who can't balance a budget is flat out wrong. Please take a look at the record.

Meanwhile, welcome again to DU and I hope you all post often! I expect I'll cross swords with you from time to time!

[kayell]

48. Welcome to DU

No matter what differences we have politically, we share the most important thing that Americans can - our belief in and defence of democracy.

[LynnTheDem]

49. Great post!

Conservatives I have no problems with; rightwingnuts I can't stand.

You, sir, are a Conservative. Together, we'll all hold Kerry's feet to the fire to fix what bush has broke; I think you'll find Kerry is far more a moderate than most people think.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[EST]

13. Wanna bet?

I picked up where you left off. Thanks-thou speakest the truth; bless you.

[madmax]

20. Back at ya, Rev

:toast: To better days.

[buycitgo]

23. I said those exact words to Mccain on Talk of the Nation in 2000

he was trying to defend Bush's service in Alabama, saying he believed dumbo's version of his attendance, when the only one defending him then was some woman he was dating, who told a reporter that Bush TOLD her he was attending Guard meetings in Alabama!

remember that?

I got into it on the phone with McCain about that, during which time I asked for a chance for a follow up question; they let me talk to McCain for quite awhile. At one point, he said, laughing, I knew we shouldn't have let you have a followup question. He was pretty charming, actually, but his defense of Bush was quite perfunctory, and when I said, at the end, that the standard-bearer of his party was nothing but an empty suit, he didn't argue with me at all, just sorta let it hang there.

[peacetalksforall]

11. Excellent, Excellent. The only people staying with the maniacal

team in the WH will be the purple heart bandage wearers, those who hold a pair of flip-flops over their head and swing them back and forth, and the CPN (Corporate Propaganda Networks) employees and the Moon people and those operatives who are funded by people like Scaife, plus the military brass, CEO's, bankers. constitution thieves, and born agains. Let them move forward to defend * to the end. Their 37% stranglehold on the past has been slipping, however.

290,000 mil citizens, 201,000 mil are eligible to vote. in 2000, only about 100,000 mil voted. the right wing per cent in peak times is only a 37% max on most core right wing issues. There have been many * supporters since 9-11 because they had the fear kicked into their hearts and minds - but maybe they'll wake up also.

[seabeyond]

14. this is like the best article

i have read in the longest of time. either democrat or reblican

[oasis]

15. Best conservative article yet.

[madmax]

21. Dover, is there a link to the original article

in the Orlando Sentinal? I looked but, couldn't find it. Thanks

[iamjoy]

26. Reese No Longer With Sentinel (n/t)

[Dover]

30. Yes, found it with a google search. Here it is >

http://www.lewrockwell.com/reese/reese74.html

[blue neen]

27. An excellent article and important in Orlando because of intimidation

of black voters that has been going on there. Bush, Rove, Cheyney, and the rest of their dirty little crowd are even pissing off the people in their own party.

[maverick hombre]

29. To the DU, take heart there are many more...

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I'm going to hit the hay soon, but I wanted to post this link because I read some bantering this afternoon about some of you all getting overly worried about polls and the corporate media influence.

You think you have worries? I'll bet there are more Republicans for Kerry then there are Democrats for Bush. This link below is one of dozens, some as bold as "Republicans in Dallas for Kerry". I don't know how long the media "tall stories" will continue making GW bigger than life, but eventually, someone's going to have to catch on to reality. I don't think the real "poll" numbers are close to what is being conveyed in mainstream media sources.

For an interesting unexpected "spin", visit: http://www.republicansforkerry04.org/

[npincus]

31. link to column

http://reese.king-online.com/Reese_20040521/index.php

column dated Friday, May 21, 2004

[madmax]

34. Thank you

Welcome to DU :hi:

[G_j]

32. Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft etc., are not popular

I've thought for a while that focusing more on them would take away from the "they are just Bush haters" meme.
I suggest more LTTEs focusing less on Bush and reminding people of the gang that surrounds him. Many are in knee-jerk mode to defend poor Georgie.

[iwantmycountryback]

39. Surely more conservatives feel the same

I think Kerry's gonna win this. I simply just don't buy that Bush has a huge lead.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

41. Reese is a RADICAL conservative

.

[JerseygirlCT]

46. I saw two bumperstickers -

on the same car -- the other day, and I thought they boded ill for Bush.

First one was a protest against the Patriot Act (cannot remember what it said, but it was pretty strong). Second was a sticker for the Constitution party guy (you know, right-wing social conservative). Now if even those guys are pissed at the degradation of the constitution that this administration has gleefully ushered in... well that says something to me.