Activist stumps for Kucinich
PORTSMOUTH - There was no mistaking Patch Adams as he stepped out from the car that had just transported him from Manchester to the West End Studio on Islington Street.
Adams, who said he has treated more than 15,000 patients free of charge at his Gesundheit! Institute, sported blue hair tied in a pony-tail, multicolored glasses and clashing multi-toned clothing, as well as a large orange tie, and couldn’t have appeared more comfortable.
The social activist, clown and fully licensed doctor, made famous by the Robin Williams movie based on his story and bearing his name, was in New Hampshire on Saturday to tour the state on the behalf of presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio.
"I’m so glad to be here; this is a great cause," Adams said before entering the intimate Pontine Theater, which had been outfitted with three bowls of fruit, per the doctor’s request.
"If there were a turkey here, I could bring up the current administration," Adams said.
After poking fun at the president, Adams introduced himself as one in the same as the character played by Williams in the 1998 film.
"The film left out the most important part," Adams said, "I am a political activist, and I am extensively familiar with Dennis’ 10 main points."
With that, Adams began remarks that would show his support for Kucinich as the candidate who should face George Bush in the 2004 race for the presidency.
Adams said that, after a one-on-one evening meeting with Kucinich, he came away with a new label for the Ohio lawmaker: "The love candidate."
A love candidate, Adams said, would look at the discrepancy between the rich and the poor, would solidify the labor base and would get out of North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization.
The "love candidate" would also invest huge amounts of money into schools and take away the tax cuts for the rich, he added.
"Thirty percent of those tax cuts could feed and clothe everyone on the planet," Adams said. "A love candidate would not break the bill of rights, but would defend it," Adams said.
Adams also touted Kucinich’s proposal for a department of peace within the White House.
"Does anyone feel more secure with homeland security?" Adams asked the small gathering, getting a few chuckles.
"It is very inexpensive to feed people, related to a tank or a bomber," he said. "Where we were before the Bush economy and where we are now is a nightmare."
Susan Parenti, Adam’s "performance partner" during his stint in New Hampshire, also spoke on the importance of discussion in the democratic process.
She also used her time to criticize the current administration.
"Imagine (that) we have a president who is articulate, who leads not by bullying but by articulation," Parenti said.
"Kucinich gets the closest to it," Parenti said. "His 10-point proposal has things that we can work (toward) for the next 30 years."
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