Kucinich shows support for striking workers in St. Louis
Originally published in theSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
Kucinich shows support for striking workers here
By JO MANNIES
Post-Dispatch
10/15/2003
Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich wasn't surprised when striking grocery workers told him Wednesday that they were fighting an employer proposal to give health care benefits to new workers only after they'd been on the job two years.
Kucinich said such proposals proved his point that a government-run health care system was the only way to guarantee coverage for all Americans.
"Health care is being used as a tool to strip you of your economic vitality," he told about a dozen strikers picketing outside a Shop 'n Save on St. Charles Rock Road in northwest St. Louis County. "It shouldn't be something you have to beg for at a bargaining table."
Kucinich's plan to, in his words, expand Medicare to all Americans was among several proposals that touched off cheers at an early morning rally at the nearby Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The audience of about 100 also embraced Kucinich's opposition to the death penalty, tax cuts for the wealthy and the war in Iraq.
"This invasion of Iraq was a mistake!" Kucinich declared, adding that support for the United States is declining worldwide. He emphasized his opposition to the Bush administration's request for an additional $87 billion for the war effort, and to rebuild Iraq.
A congressman from Ohio, Kucinich is among the nine Democrats vying to challenge President George W. Bush. Most polls have put him near the bottom of the pack, but Kucinich said he's confident that his low-budget, grass-roots campaign will "be the surprise of the 2004 season."
Kucinich says he plans to compete in Missouri's presidential primary Feb. 3. Filing begins Tuesday, and a spokesman for the secretary of state's office said most of the Democratic candidates have inquired about the procedures.
Although the Legislature cut out the money budgeted specifically for the primary, the state Office of Administration plans to use money from a special-election fund to cover the expected $3.7 million cost.
After the rally Wednesday, the Rev. Larry Rice said he was backing Kucinich. "He lines up with me on a lot of issues that are close to my heart," Rice said.
As Kucinich mingled, he cited his low-income background as one of seven children in a family that at times lived in cars.
"I am an FDR Democrat," he said, referring the many programs created by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "FDR created Social Security. FDR created the agencies that regulate the engines of capital.
"Many people can't tell the difference between the two parties. My candidacy helps them do that."
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