Presidential hopeful Kucinich rallies support in Rockland
Originally published in the Camden Village Soup
Presidential hopeful Kucinich rallies support in Rockland
By David Munson
ROCKLAND (Jan 27, 2004): A standing-room-only crowd packed into Rockland's Market On Main last week to hear Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich deliver his pitch for the Democratic nomination for president.
Well over 100 people packed the popular eatery – some to offer their support, others just to hear what the outspoken Kucinich had to say.
Arriving late afternoon following a similar rally in Belfast, Kucinich asked the crowd to "stand up to fear" and hold the Bush administration accountable for what he called "lies to the American people" regarding the war in Iraq.
Kucinich, who strongly opposed the war and the current plan for a continued presence in Iraq, outlined his plan for bringing home American troops and turning over power to the United Nations and the Iraqi people.
"It was wrong to go in and it is wrong to stay in (Iraq)," said Kucinich. "I stand alone among my fellow candidates when I insist that the United States go to the UN with a different approach that would enable UN peacekeepers to go in, and enable the U.S. to bring our troops home."
Kucinich also took the opportunity to explain his position on other key issues, including his national health insurance plan, stronger environmental protection policies, free preschool and higher education programs, and the economy.
During a question and answer session, Kucinich fielded questions on subjects ranging from war reparations to the labeling of genetically modified food.
Further criticizing the Bush administration, Kucinich explained his intention to rebuild the reputation of the U.S. in the international community.
"This campaign is a moment to reestablish the power of truth and morality in our government," Kucinich said.
Kucinich was elected mayor of Cleveland in 1977 at age 31, and his political career includes a long history as an environmental activist and human rights advocate.
He is president of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the 2003 recipient of the Gandhi Peace Award. Kucinich and his supporters have been traveling across the country by bus, attending rallies and meeting with voters to promote their cause.
Kucinich pointed to his history of defeating incumbent political opponents and called on attendees to "carry the state of Maine" in a heated Democratic race.
"I am the person who has the ability to defeat this incumbent president," he said.
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