Kucinich was here

Dennis Kucinich was here today down at Kafoury's law offices. It was a gathering of volunteers and supporters and they expected a "handful" of people. My guess is that well over 200 showed up, and there were 40 or 50 folks who couldn't get in because the space was packed - literally packed into a space that might have accommodated 30 comfortably. Those who couldn't get in were upset and felt excluded. A reasonable feeling and someone from the campaign should have come and explained the situation.

Kucinich was obviously surprised at the turn out. He has a tremendous amount of energy, and is a quite passionate speaker. The focus of his brief speech was war and peace. He spoke to the fact that the US is being run right now by the politics of fear and that the grip of that fear had to be broken. He spoke of this being a time of a critical decision - to take the path of ongoing war or to take the path of peace - and that he was taking the path of peace.

While he did not detail all areas of his agenda, he did speak to wanting to fund three universal programs: quality daycare for children 3-5 years old, college education, and health care access (including alternative health care). To fund these initiatives he would cut back the Defense budget, cancel the Bush tax cut, and restructure existing social programs funding.

One thing that did come out is that Kucinich's campaign is definitely a people's campaign. He is not accepting any contributions from corporations. That alone speaks volumes about other issues he did not elaborate on - such as the power of big business on government. He did stress that it was time for the people to take back the power.

I left before it was over because my claustaphobia was getting the better of me, but I heard that they would be opening a Portland Campaign office.

He is still my first choice for a candidate. If he gets a broader audience, he could surprise a lot of folks.