An Open Letter to the honorable Senator - John Edwards

[Divine Discontent]

Dear John,

Thank you so much for your valiant fight in bringing to the forefront the issues that matter to the real Democratic base. The invasion based on lies, the lack of care for our homeless and veterans, and most diabolical of all, the spying on the American people's phone calls, internet surfing, and financial & private medical documents being perused by the BFEE (B*sh Family Evil Empire) are just some of the outrages we've had to suffer as a nation. They do not care about the poor & working class anymore than an overlord cares about his slaves - which is - if we die there will be some other servant there to take our place. They have broken our respected laws regarding privacy, torture, and going to war when only warranted. They are clearly the biggest threat this nation has faced. How sad that the threat comes from within.

I have been very heartbroken by your choosing to suspend the campaign that many across this country looked to as a real hope in recovering the America we know and love. I have never been so excited for a potential nominee as I was for your candidacy, and I gave all I could, made videos for you, and spent 8 straight hours during the big grassroots fund raiser a few weeks back, posting messages on youtube videos talking about why people should support and donate to your campaign.

You represented our issues with a powerful and strong voice, and I took great admiration in the drive within your family to support you, especially from your blessed wife, Elizabeth. However, John, since that occurred I have been at odds as to whether care about this at all or just turn a blind eye to the process and vote for the nominee.

After several days of paying attention to the remaining candidates, and nearly coming down on the side of Senator Clinton, I realize I cannot swallow her vast connections to the movers & shakers in national and international politics and policy, who sway millions of jobs overseas, lowered pay for workers and union members in America, and who have very ominous connections to her and her husband.

I believe you saw something in Senator Barack Obama that was hopeful and that is why you pushed him at times, and I believe you, being the strongest white male candidate that the Democratic Party had running this time can make a serious and significant several point shift in Obama's favor if you would make a very thoughtfully spoken & well prepared arrangement to support Senator Obama for president next week.

I have taken some personal issue with Sen. Obama's choices in whom he has allowed on his campaign stage, but I realize his votes in defense of GLBT rights show that he has only made mistakes and does care about our civil rights, and hopefully he has learned a thing or two. I would not hesitate, and I hope others who are friends of GLBT people or are GLBT themselves, would tell him that they do not want to see those who work for the ex-gay groups who brainwash and torment gay youth, to be associated directly with his campaign in any form in the future.

Having said that, I realize this nominating process is very close, but I still see Senator Clinton with an advantage nationally. I tend to believe from thoughts you have spoken, that I was grateful to watch you give, and in your demeanor, that you do not support the kind of campaign she has run, and that you more than likely support Senator Obama as a true agent of change.

I realize, John, there are unknown feelings, circumstances, and preparatory plans you have made in making your decisions, but I still politely ask you, because of the effect I believe you will have, to make a very impassioned speech on behalf of Mr. Obama and help bring about change that we can believe in - not merely a watered down version of it that Senator Clinton will bring forth if elected.

It is a big step for me to support Senator Obama, but I feel with Senator Clinton as our nominee, that not only would we have a harder time getting the White House back, but that she would continue this false war longer, possibly go into Iran to prove her mettle, and make, as my Mother stated to me, everything "corporate" in nature, and include those who have funded her campaign deeply into every decision. Things would get better for the people (B*sh isn't a tough act to follow), but, not as good as they could be under a President Barack Obama.

Please, John, back Barack soon. Our country needs real change. I believe, outside of you being there, the best hope we have of getting change from the 3 senators who appear to really have a shot at the White House, an Obama presidency gives us the best chance of doing the things that you and millions of your supporters like me have given so much to fight for, and will continue to do so with Barack as our presidential hopeful.

[AX10]

1. Shilling now.

Are you....

[Divine Discontent]

2. riiiiiight :)

unlike you, I have something thoughtful to bring to the table. You didn't even read the post about what I had to say and responded as quickly as I posted it with attacking words, because you are a nasty partisan, which kinda makes me laugh at your arrogance. I didn't ever recall you starting a thread or recognize your user name, so I went to look at some of your posts, and you typically say 2-5 caustic words in a post title and nothing of substance otherwise, nor donate, nor have a journal filled with infomative posts.

[knight_of_the_star]

3. Not likely

He doesn't seem like he's going to endorse anyone but the nominee.

[Divine Discontent]

4. I understand

but I am hoping he believes that Hillary will not bring forth the change we need. I don't believe his endorsement will have the same effect it would have if he used it at this time. I admit, I could be wrong, but I believe it would boost Obama's campaign. Thanks for your input!

[Uncle Sinister]

5. I was also an Edwards supporter, from the minute he delcared. I disagree with your conclusions,...

but appreciate the way you laid them out. And I'll be honest, I DO have misgivings about Hillary. But she is, at least, a known quantity. With Obama, the more I learn, the less I like or trust him. He should have stopped with the keynote address.

[Divine Discontent]

6. thank you for your mature comments

and I understand, like you, we will not have the best candidate running out of the lot of 9 or so who started this race, but I feel the best bet for positive change will come from Obama. Thank you again...

[Uncle Sinister]

14. you know, at this rate, we might just get some civility back here after all!

[Divine Discontent]

15. I'd like to think civility will blossom, too, before the election

and not afterwards, like is normally the case. ;)

I am so sick of B*sh that I couldn't even watch him, even for a few min., do his SOTU speech - I would hope that we would coalesce around our nominee. They're not going to be who a lot of us here wanted, but I truthfully will consider leaving this land if we get, President McCain. :puke:

[mirrera]

18. Have you read his books? I find it hard to believe anyone could not like him!!

Trust is something one earns, but after reading his books I more than like him. He is thoughtful, measured, extremely articulate, funny, and up front.
My 2 cents.
My biggest reason to support him is that close to 80% of the 18-29 year olds want him. They are the ones that will live the hardest life if things don't change. They are a power that we need.

[Thrill]

7. Edwards will endorse Obama probably right before Ohio

[Nutmegger]

8. Good post themartyred though I disagree.

But you sorted through your feelings and are doing what you feel is right.

R&K

[Divine Discontent]

10. thanks! I understand many will not agree, but I appreciate the people I respect on here

saying they respect my thoughts, like your strongly worded statement saying you will continue to support him, which I respect also.

best to you... and thanks for the K&R

[flyarm]

9. as an Edwards supporter and donator i pray he does not endorse Obama or Hillary.

i especially do not like Obama the more i research him..you know research ..right??..well i don't like what i see!!

http://firedoglake.com/2008/02/06/nobodys-hands-are-perfectly-clean-in-politics/#comments


http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/2/4/20117/25087

How To Buy A Mansion You Can't Afford
by truthteller2007, Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 08:11:07 PM EST

Posted on behalf of No Quarter blogger City Nell

The Obamas' new home has received a lot of attention in the corporate media and on the blogs. This post will discuss other perspectives.

[Divine Discontent]

12. they both have troubles

I feel the difference is, I'd need just one can of Raid to fend off the bugs from Obama's most questionable dealings, whereas Clinton's past would require the vat. I'm not happy my favorite candidate for office, ever, left the race, but I am looking to the most positive change for the American people, and I don't see it coming in large amounts with Hillary. I hope I'm wrong if she's the nominee.

[unc70]

16. Also an Edwards supporter becoming alarmed by Obama's

elasticity with the truth. A lot of what is in his books seem more like fiction based on a true story rather than the telling of a true story. I fear he might have inherited too many of his father's traits. I know that Professor Wahl reminds us that "when facts conflict with the myth, print the myth". It still alarms me.


"He was the bravest of them all"
- Gene Pitney

[midnight]

21. Interesting information about politics in Chicago.

I can't seems to embrace a candidate on character, but I agree with the article that Hillary and Barack have similiar views. I don't have a link, but have read that Barack voted for Cheney's enery policy, and funding for this war. Any one have similiar info. on Hillary?

[lame54]

11. good letter - but I hope he endorses neither...

neither of them will bring the real change and repairs this country needs.
I will dutifully vote against the repugs in November, but I don't have a lot of hope for the next 4 years

[Divine Discontent]

13. hey, thanks for your video work, btw, it's a good tool that we Democrats need to inspire change! eom

[MissDeeds]

22. I agree

I hope he doesn't endorse either of them. I suppose after the primary he will come out with the typical pre-election statement supporting the nominee.

[quark219]

17. Not a good fit, IMHO

I don't see Obama and Edwards as being compatible politically. In a nutshell: Obama = rise above "partisan bickering," get everyone at the table, and compromise so as to move forward. Edwards = Fight entrenched corporate powers head to head. As a former Edwards supporter, I am not enthusuastic about Hillary, but even less enthusiastic about supporting Obama.

[1776Forever]

19. Obama's Ideas are closer to Edwards then Hillary's are - Read on....

Since Hillary has said she has 35 years of accomplishments and ties this to Bill's tail - let's take a look at what they have accomplished:

NAFTA, CAFTA, Communications Bill of 1996 Act, and outsourcing money to India -

Her vote against the people and for the Corporations in the Bankruptcy Bill -

Voting for the Iraq War to invade - not to help protect the troops after they are all ready there -

And not least: Her vote of the so-called "Lieberman-Kyl" resolution on Iran.

Now for Obama's accomplishments:

Obama, Schiff Provision to Create Nuclear Threat Reduction Plan Approved

Obama Introduces Bill To Prevent Veterans Homelessness

Obama Demands Answers on Blackwater Immunity Deal

Obama Joins Senators to Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Industry-Funded Travel for Federal Regulators

And finally and not least of these:

Ethics and Lobbying Reform that he initiated!!!!

More at this link:

http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ethics_and_lobbying_refo... /

For this and for the reasoning that we need a future and not a past with old markers to be paid -

I support Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for this very reasonable and passionate plea for Edwards to step up and be counted. If he had backed Obama he might have been closer is some states like NM.

[Divine Discontent]

23. excellent reply post

those are very differing actions done by each Senator. I believe, despite the union's support of her from the top brass, that most union people would support him because of what the Clinton's were supportive of in the 90's that has hurt the workers.

[K Gardner]

20. I'm just glad someone finally said it. Thank you. K&R

[Divine Discontent]

24. hey! thank YOU very much! n/t

[lisainmilo]

25. I hope he does endorse him...n/t

[Divine Discontent]

26. if he really doesn't want Clinton in there, he will.

I cannot claim to speak on what he is thinking, but goodness, things are looking very bleak for Clinton's fund raising abilities, and Obama is soaring. John could seal the deal as he was around 15-20% nationally and I think a lot of those will vote for Hillary unless he states why his supporters should vote for Barack.

Here's to hoping John agrees!