Kucinich speaks at LLC
Originally published in the Oregon Daily Emerald
Kucinich speaks at LCC
The Democratic presidential hopeful urged participation in the May 18 primary
By Chelsea Duncan
Senior News Reporter
March 29, 2004
Rainbow flags calling for peace and global justice dotted a large crowd at Lane Community College on Sunday, where hundreds gathered to hear Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich speak on issues of social justice and political change.
The often overlooked candidate and Ohio congressman stopped by the college on his tour through the state to encourage Oregonians to vote in the primary election on May 18.
Kucinich acknowledged that though the Democratic nomination may be a "forgone conclusion" determined by other states' primaries, Oregon voters have the chance to influence the Democratic Party's direction throughout the election process.
"The issues which are going to frame the debate in 2004 are going to be decided here because you happen to be at the end of the primary cycle," he told the crowd. "(The Democratic Party) needs to represent the broad-based concerns of the American people if it has any chance or hope to win the White House."
Kucinich, who may be lacking in stature but not in charisma, often drew bouts of applause, laughter and many standing ovations as he revved up the crowd with his ideas of universal health care, progressive taxing and world peace.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening and mending America's relationship with the international community and stressed the need to turn current operations in Iraq over to the United Nations.
"We must understand that the Iraqi people are not going to settle for a second-class citizenship," he said, adding that along with relinquishing control of the country, America owes reparations to Iraq.
"We have to pay for what we destroyed in Iraq," he said. "We have an obligation."
Eugene City Council candidate for Ward 7, Andrea Ortiz, also spoke at the meeting about her own campaign, which emphasizes the need for underrepresented voices to be heard in the political process.
"We need to make sure when we make these policies and changes all voices are heard," she said.
Oregon Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, also spoke both in support of Kucinich and to inform the crowd of his own re-election campaign.
Holvey focused on the importance of increased health care, fair wages and financial support for education.
"I have seen the rights of working families chipped away," he said. "I remember when health insurance was a right, not a privilege. Now as state representative, I'm seeing the rights of all working people further eroded."
He said recent budget cuts to higher education are detrimental to the development of Oregon's workforce and will ultimately hurt the economy, adding that schools need more revenue support from the state.
"Educational institutions must be able to increase and maintain enrollment in order to provide the opportunity for all families to improve their skills and quality of life," he said.
Holvey concluded by praising Kucinich's presidential campaign.
"I admire those who bring progressive ideas to the presidential race and ask hard questions of the current administration," he said.
After Kucinich's initial speech, the crowd was offered the chance to ask questions, which ranged from gay marriage to international trade agreements.
Kucinich said he has reviewed Oregon's constitution and believes it guarantees marriage rights to all couples.
"Equal protection of the law ought to be afforded to all Americans," he said.
Josh Kennedy, a first-year law student at the University, said after the speech that he planned to change his party affiliation from Independent to Democrat in order to vote for Kucinich in the primary election.
"He didn't say anything that I disagreed with, which is unusual," he said.
He added that he agreed Oregon has the chance to influence the Democratic Party even if Kucinich has little chance of being elected.
"We can at least make a statement for what we believe in," he said.
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