Meeting Dean at the Fireside Cafe

by Dan The Bassman Friday, Sep. 05, 2003 at 5:13 PM
danthebassman2001@yahoo.com

Electing Dean will obviously not solve all or even many of our nation's problems. But, if this kind of civic minded motivation could carry though from households to school boards to state houses, I think we could see some meaningful change.

Meeting Dean at the ...
dean_summertour.jpg, image/jpeg, 290x178

September 3, 2003

The way I see it Dean has the "mo" right now and Kerry better get his act together if he wants to make a challenge. The rest of the field appears to be out of the race. I don't care much for Kerry and since we are ruled by a two party system the choice is going to come down to Bush or Dean, IMHO.

I heard him speak a couple of Sunday's ago and was impressed by much of his speech and the attendance. So I went to the Fireside Cafe (Portland, OR) last night on finding out more about Dean and his campaign.

I couldn't believe it -- I have been involved in political organizing and campaigns and I have not seen this kind of grass roots support and energy before, ever! The place was packed and full of Dean Cheerleaders. Yes, it was rah, rah, but not in a bad way. Ages ranged from 18-80 with of all types of people.

I met two very interesting gentlemen. The first was a Republican, Gulf War One vet who could not stand where Bush was taking us as a nation. The other person was an international Aid worker who had been in the Peace Corps and who had recently been working in Kosovo.

I got the impression that the motivation of the campaign and the sentiment went way beyond Dean and I hope it does. Electing Dean will obviously not solve all or even many of our nation's problems. But, if this kind of civic minded motivation could carry though from households to school boards to state houses, I think we could see some meaningful change.

And for that reason I am on board. I think you should be, too.

If you just can't stomach it then, by all means, create your own movement and invite me to visit. As far as the 2004 race for President goes I don't think you anyone stands a chance against Bush or Dean (see my post above). If you don't think the presidential race matters the don't bother back biting those of who do. It's my belief that this movement promotes the general values of those who subscribe to IndyMedia so please, don't look this gift horse in the mouth even if you don't like the looks of all his teeth.

Rah Rah!