All Things Ed

I am supporting Dr. Howard Dean for President in 2004. Your first reaction may be, "Howard who?"

Dr. Dean, a physician by trade, has been the longest serving Democratic governor in the country, serving the state of Vermont for the past decade.

Naturally, the first thought that a person would have is this person qualified to be President of the United States? Governor Dean has been a successful, progressive governor whose record in Vermont certainly reflects many of the values and positions that I agree with. And remember that Presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton and W. Bush were all former governors elected President. The skills required to administer a state government prepare a person to deal with the complexities of running the federal government and setting foreign policy - just as well, if not better than sitting in the Congress or as a bureaucratic wonk.

Governor Dean's record in Vermont reminds me of the old progressive wing of the Democratic Party - Humphy-esque in compassion and justice, with the pragmatism that twice made President Clinton's administration so attractive to voters.

I don't wish to restate all the accomplishments and background of Governor Dean. There are website links listed here that will provide that information if you are interested in learning more. What I want to say is that the future of the Democratic Party lies with leaders like Governor Dean. He expresses opinions, not spin. He has tested his principles in Vermont and his record proves his ability to lead and succeed.

In order to revitalize the political process, there must be real choice, real debate.  We saw a bit of this in the last election exhibited by Senator McCain - but he swings too far right for me.

It is the expressed convictions of Governor Dean that excite me, provoke me and attract me.

Governor Dean is pro-choice, endorses healthcare reforms, investment in both social justice and the environment.  What distinguishes him from others is that these are more than propositions, they are part of his record as Governor.  I particularly like his Marshall Plan proposal for nation building in the world's trouble spots. 

But alas nothing in life is perfect.  Politics is the art of compromise and I must express one disappointment with Governor Dean.  I do not agree with his stance on firearms.  I believe the federal government does have a role in preventing handgun violence (especially with mandating so-called bullet fingerprinting).  Maybe circumstances will force Governor Dean's hand and he will see the correct path as he did with civil unions in Vermont.

I am also a bit disappointed in his stance in South Carolina about the display of the confederate flag.  I understand why he thinks it is a 'local' issue - not a national issue that requires his two cents.  However, it is offensive to officially sanction the use of that flag by the state - any state - and I wished the Governor had stepped-up to the plate to say that straight away.

2004 will bring voters a clear choice and I pray our country will decide one term of a Bush administration is all we can endure.

Last updated 02/15/03