Kucinich Cuts Through Minor Debates With Proposals for Fundamental Change
The following is a press release from November 24, 2003, by the Kucinich campaign
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Kucinich Cuts Through Minor Debates With Proposals for Fundamental Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2003
While other candidates traded charges and accusations over slim differences of policy, Dennis Kucinich presented a clear contrast and fundamentally different solutions.
Dennis Kucinich this afternoon cut through the debate about cuts in Medicare by pointing out that as long as private insurance companies are left in control costs will continue to spiral out of control. Kucinich's plan for single-payer universal health care (HR 676) would provide comprehensive health care for every American and cost less in a tax on employers than employers who provide coverage currently pay on average.
Kucinich pointed to the need to address basic economic issues, the kind of issues that parents talk about at the kitchen table, the issues that unite people across regions and across races. He cited his proposals for a full employment economy, single-payer health care, free college tuition, and the creation of affordable housing.
Kucinich made clear that other candidates' talk of modifying NAFTA is little more than talk, that modifying NAFTA will prove virtually impossible because of the WTO. Kucinich has promised to make his first act in office replacing NAFTA and the WTO with new bilateral trade agreements based on workers' rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles.
The debate about Iraq this afternoon made clear that Kucinich has been the strongest opponent of the War on Iraq and the Occupation of Iraq. Congressman Gephardt cited Gov. Dean's record of support for the war and the occupation. Tom Brokaw cited Gen. Clark's similar record. Kucinich presented his plan to bring U.S. troops home and turn control over to the United Nations. He challenged the other candidates to join him.
As Gov. Dean said, only Kucinich had the courage to vote against the war.
Dean also said this afternoon that he opposed the $87 billion. But in a debate aired live on CNN on Oct. 10, 2003, Kucinich challenged Howard Dean on the $87 billion and the occupation. What follows is a transcript:
"KUCINICH: I want to comment as the only person on this stage who actually voted against the war in Iraq. I want to say that Governor Dean's answer was incomplete before, because he told CNBC two weeks ago that we have no choice about funding the $87 billion. And this morning in the New York Times, he wouldn't take a position on the $87 billion, and the governor says that he's still for keeping 70,000 troops in Iraq...
"KUCINICH TO DEAN: I want to ask him, do you believe in spending $87 billion to keep our troops in Iraq? Because I don't. Do you?...Would you fund to keep the troops in Iraq?
"DEAN: Yes."
For more information: http://www.kucinich.us
For Rep. Kucinich's Schedule: http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.htm.
Contact: David Swanson 301-772-0210, cell 202-329-7847, fax 301-772-7293, swanson@kucinich.us
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