Representative Cleaver's speech to GKC DFA

[proud2BlibKansan]

Emanuel Cleaver, US Congressman for the 5th district in MO, spoke at the Greater Kansas City Democracy for America meeting on Wed, August 2. Cleaver is a Methodist minister and the former mayor of Kansas City, MO. He is a Democrat.

Cleaver said it costs $5 million to convene Congress. Last week’s votes were about a cross in San Diego, the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a nonbinding resolution approving of the Israeli bombing of Lebanon. Cleaver expressed frustration that none of these votes accomplish anything that truly helps Americans. He compared this congress to the “do nothing Congress” Truman complained about in the 1940s.

Cleaver also talked about the so-called “death tax”. He said that only 8000 people in the US benefit from eliminating the “death tax” and 125 of them are in MO. He said the two wealthiest men in America spoke out against eliminating this tax. Cleaver also complained that it was necessary to vote against the minimum wage to prevent the elimination of the “death tax”.

Cleaver said Democrats are right on the issues and need to stop running away from the word ‘liberal’. Cleaver emphasized that Liberal means:
Fair deals
Fair medicare benefits
Fully funding NCLB
Using gifts God gives scientists to fund stem cell research

Cleaver accused the Bush administration of playing on the emotions of the American public.

He also said the president smiled at him recently and Cleaver obviously was disgusted by this. Cleaver said that while Bush was speaking at the NAACP convention, the crowd booed him and Cleaver rose and asked the crowd to be respectful of the president. Then Bush smiled at him.

Concerning the war in Iraq, Cleaver was clearly frustrated that 46% of Iraqis say it’s okay to kill Americans and 80% of Americans want our military out of Iraq. He reminded us that liberal means we are for peace. Cleaver also expressed frustration that we are the only country in history to invade a land and then give them our money. Most countries invade another country and then take their riches. (LOL)

Regarding the economy, Cleaver said that the Bush administration is borrowing $600 thousand a minute and they have borrowed as much as all other presidents combined.

Cleaver reminded us that we only need 15 seats in the House and 5 in the Senate to take back our government. He closed by reminding us that there is only one thing we need to do – be Democrats. His speech was followed by a standing ovation.

[evlbstrd]

1. I wish I could have been there.

I wanted to shake his hand and thank him.

[Mabus]

2. Me, too

Completely spaced it out. :spank:

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. I am sorry I meant to remind you

He is a great speaker.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. He was on fire!

The look on his face when he talked about el pretzeldente!! It is obvious the reverend does not care much for the decider. LOL

There was also some excitement over SC business. I will call you later. My internet at home got knocked out in last night's storm. I am at Toto's now using the wireless.

[evlbstrd]

6. Okay.

Looks like I won't be working late tonight. Figures.

[Mabus]

3. Don't run away from being liberal - from a MO Dem!

He's right, we need to embrace both the word and what it stands for. It should be used proudly and often.

I wish I had remembered. Things got a little wacky last week when we both came down sick. I'm still not quite up to full strength but I'm doing a lot better.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. After his speech, we heard from the asst minority leader

in Jeff City. He talked about taking MO back from the pukes.

[Philosoraptor]

8. MY MAIN MAN!

He also fights for stem cell research. I love a man who makes sense.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. He was as passionate as I have ever seen him

And I lost count of all the standing ovations. And lemme tell ya, he obviously can't stand el pretzeldente. LOL

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. kick for Friday