ELVIS
10-23-2004, 01:49 AM
The Last Straw - Carl Worden Makes
His Vote Official
Carl F. Worden (http://www.sierratimes.com/04/10/20/carlworden.htm)
That's it, I've had it.
I've been a registered Republican since I pulled my first lever in a voting booth, and I've voted as a loyal Republican for Republican candidates consistently every year. I am 55 years of age. I am considered a right-wing Christian conservative and strict constitutionist who knows the Framers of the Constitution expected strict adherence to that original document unless and until it is amended.
You don't get much more conservative and constitutionally-minded than I am, and that is why I just cast my Oregon vote-by-mail ballot for Democrat John Kerry as the next president of the United States. So did my wife -- and she's a very independent thinker. I know there are thousands of lifelong Republican/Independent conservatives who are going to do the same thing on November 2nd, because they've written and told me so.
Jacksonville, OR: She was holding a 5-year old girl before she was dealt with
Mail Tribune Photo
The absolute last straw for me took place at the Bush rally, held in Central Point, Oregon on October 14th. President Bush stayed in Jacksonville, Oregon overnight after the rally, and protesters and police clashed on the streets. I sent out a photo of a Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy, all Nazi'd up in black leather riot control gear and grinning evilly as he shoved a woman holding her 5 year-old daughter. It wasn't the finest hour for local law enforcement, but even that wasn't the last straw for me. No, the last straw for me happened just before the Bush rally itself.
Three local teachers got tickets to the Bush rally, passed all the security checkpoints and scrutiny and got in. They never created or caused a disturbance, and they were perfectly peaceful members of the audience waiting to hear Bush speak. But before they got to hear Bush, they were expelled from the rally by Bush rally staff who objected to the words printed on the T-shirts they were wearing.
Tania Tong & Candice Julian - Medford teachers got booted from Bush rally
Mail Tribune Photo
No, the words on the T-shirts the ladies were wearing did not disparage Bush, nor did they suggest support for Kerry or any other candidate. The words did not condemn or support the war in Iraq, nor did they slam any Administration policy. No, the T-shirts the three women wore showed an American flag, and under it the words, "Protect Our Civil Liberties". That was all -- I kid you not.
That was it. That was the last straw for me. That was the defining moment I'll never forget. That was my epiphany.
Bryan Platt, Chairman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, said he stood 100 percent behind the person who made the decision to exclude the women, removing any doubt that one or two individuals exceeded their authority and blew it. No, it was solid, Republican neo-conservative fascist policy on open display, and the Brown Shirts weren't about to apologize for it. No way.
I am now a man without a political party. I will never again register as a Republican unless the party returns to what it was before the fascists took it over. I'm certainly not a Democrat or a liberal, but I might just register as a Democrat to help them avoid mistakes in the next primary, like running another John Kerry for president. Any moderate, pro-gun southern Democrat would have easily swept Bush aside this election. As it is, the race is so close it could go either way at this point.
My decision to vote for Kerry was a vote to get Bush and his administration out. I could have voted for a third party candidate who couldn't possibly win, but that would have translated into a vote for Bush, and I just couldn't do that. Too many kids in uniform have already been killed and maimed for nothing, and I see it as my primary duty to save as many of them as I can. If my vote for a third party candidate means Bush wins and more kids come home dead and mutilated, then I have abrogated my duty as an American, as a Christian and as a decent human being. I didn't know better during the Vietnam War, when I voted for Nixon twice, but I would be without excuse if I did it again now.
This election is different: In this election, we all have to answer the call to vote wisely. Lives depend on it, and God is watching how we vote as well. When an individual sins, God deals with him individually. When a whole nation sins, God deals with the nation nationally. It's right there in the Bible.
The way I see it, the threat Bush presents is just too great. I know what Bush did with his first four years on good behavior, and so do you. What scares the bejeebers out of me is what Bush would do with four more years with nothing to lose -- and an assumed mandate from the people for what he did the first four. At least a Kerry Administration would be strapped down by a Republican Congress, so I'm not too worried about major gun control bills being passed, and as far as abortion is concerned, it really doesn't matter what a president believes, because that issue is decided only by the Judiciary Branch now.
Regardless of the proclaimed Bush position on abortion, he never issued an executive order banning any form of abortion because he knew such an order would be overturned by the courts. Oh, and that phony Late-Term Abortion Ban Bush signed? It's as good as dead -- and I have a niggling feeling it was intended to be killed even as they wrote it. The lower Federal Courts are already finding it unconstitutional, and why?, because the people who authored it left no possibility for a woman to use late term abortion to save her life, let alone to preserve her health. In lieu of that provision, any first year law student knew the federal courts would overturn it, so why did seasoned lawyers/legislators write it that way? Don't even try to convince me they overlooked something as obvious as that.
I still believe this election is going to Kerry, no matter what the polls predict. Last time, it was so close the Supreme Court had to decide the outcome. This time, a huge number of former Bush Republicans like me have bolted to Kerry. Unless a large number of former Gore supporters are going to vote for Bush this time, I don't see how Bush can get re-elected. Add to that the massive numbers of young voters who are registered to vote for the first time under threat of a draft, and I see Bush being shown the door by more than a close vote. But we'll see...
What I do know is that any party that would find the words, "Protect Our Civil Liberties" offensive or even threatening, is a party I won't belong to anymore.
That was the last straw.
Carl F. Worden
:elvis:
Mr Worden's endorsement editorial has drawn quite a response at his website (Link in original post). Here's what folks are saying......
From: Not Given
Mr. Worden;
Please send copies of your letter to the Oregonian and the Register Guard immediately by e-mail so that more Oregonians will know what happened in our own state.
A very concerned Oregon voter
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 03:04:00 pm
From: 1VAHEATMAN
A vote for Bush shows a charachter flaw.
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 03:00:00 pm
From: Not Given
As a recovering Republican who lost a loved one in this foolish, stupid war, I am heartened by your words. Thank you.
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 02:15:00 pm
From: Dotty
Mr. Worden, god bless you for seeing the light! I've been trying so hard to talk to my republican friends who are are still voting for him. Nothing I say in most cases is working. What is the magic line you can say or show people still set on voting for Bush?
I thank you for helping to vote W out. I have felt so insecure since day one with him in office. Obviously more today. Thanks so much.
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 12:16:00 pm
From: Les Claros
Thank you for your enlightening article. I showed it a friend who discounted your article as extremist propaganda. Sadly, I also beleive that our civil liberties are a threat to the current andministration and their supporters and they will go to any lengths to subvert the truth. Thank you for speaking out!
Response From Carl Worden
LOL!! Extremist!!
Yessirree, if you want your Nazi Party to "Protect Our Civil Liberties", you are definitely a dangerous extremist.
Tell that to your extreme LOSER of a friend.
LOL!! Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 11:42:00 am
From: Alfred de Zayas
I, too, am a registered Republican, who has voted Republican since 1968.
For the first time, I have voted for the candidate of the Democratic Party.
I live in Geneva, Switzerland, and as an overseas American I have observed how all the good will that Europeans had for America has gradually disappeared. Patriotism is not chauvinism. If our country is behaving badly, we want to elect leaders who will behave in conformity with the U.S. Constitution, and in conformity with international law.
Professor Alfred de Zayas
Response From Carl Worden
We are "Conservatives of Conscience" indeed. You would be quite surprised to know how many lifelong Republicans like you and me are voting for the Democratic nominee -- for the very first time.
In order for a president to accomplish that feat, he must do some extraordinary things. The rabid Republicans still supporting Bush know little about the Constitution and don't care. For them, the ends justify the means, which is a perpetually wrong and balatantly amoral philosophy. They pooh-pooh the needless deaths in Iraq as "necessary". Some would call them sociopaths. I call them fascists, but regardless of name or association, they are NOT Christian by any measure.
Not only does this nation need cleaning up; our churches need a good cleaning up as well.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 11:23:00 am
From: Todd Phipps
Carl,
Hats off to you. I too used to vote the elephant, but this year I simply cannot. I've registered Democratic in the hopes that maybe in that tent I might be able to make a difference. It's painfully obvious to me that the GOP no longer cares for any view other than the neoconservative point of view that holds dreadful sway.
While I don't agree fully with the Dem abortion plank, I am of the mind that the GOP has simply been using this as an issue to get Christian votes without intending to ever do anything of any substance or consequence about it. They've had 4 years of Republican majority, and it's still an issue. Heck, the CDC reported that the number of abortions has increased under Bush, likely due to the worsening economic climate. Also, it strikes me as an issue better resolved by changing the minds and hearts of individual Americans rather than trying to legislate a solution. And I can't take a pro-life claim seriously from somebody who has no qualms about sending our soldiers to die for a lie, or bombing innocent civilians for the purpose of getting Iraqi oil. It seems the Christian Right has bought into the dehumanization of the 'enemy' in order to feel good about killing "those ragheads". I have a hard time squaring that attitude with the life and teachings of Jesus. I can't call Him my Lord and condone inhumanity.
Thanks again for your thoughtful and insightful column, very well done. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Todd Phipps
Response From Carl Worden
And you as well, Todd. I often refer to us as "Conservatives of Conscience". I don't know what makes the hardened Bush-lovers tick, but it certainly is not Christian. Carl Worden
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 10:37:00 am
From: Barbara
Carl,
As a Kerry supporter, I want to thank you. Not for voting for Kerry, but for being a true American.
Barbara in NY
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 08:48:00 am
From: Joan Fumento
Dear Mr. Worden:
You want to talk about Civil Liberties, well Mr. Worden what about the police office that was nearly killed at the Republican Convention by a protested that later said he was happy about what he did, or the women who have MOMS4BUSH bumper stickers on their cars and are verbally attacked by men, or the Bush headquaters that are being trashed by union memeber, or the teacher who was let go in New Jersey because she had a picture of the President of the United States in her class room, or the young teacher who was told that she had to give $1 for the unions choice of President that was not her choice what about their Civil Liberties????? Please Mr. Worden you can fool those who think like you and want to believe your story, however, you cannot fool a true Republican like me. God Bless President Bush, and God Bless America. Joan Fumento, Huntington, New York
Response From Carl Worden
Oh Darling, anybody could fool a true Republican like you. Bush did! :D
Of all these instances you cite, were any of them official, sanctioned acts of the Democratic Party? Did a Democrat officer come out and say he backed those acts 100%??
No, I didn't think so. Yes, Republicans like you are the very easiest to fool, because you vote your party while your conscience isn't even addressed. Carl Worden
Submitted: Wednesday October 27,2004 - 07:20:00 am
From: Lunza
That was pretty stupid of them. Which civil liberties are enumerated in the Constitution and how they should be protected is open to debate, but only jack-booted thugs would want to deny ALL civil liberties. May more true Americans see the light.
Response From Carl Worden
Amen to that!! Carl
Submitted: Tuesday October 26,2004 - 08:16:00 pm
From: robert h. schultz
I enjoyed the article. It simply amplifies the police state mentality in the Bush/Cheney gang. They ran off a bunch of protesters some weeks ago at a Tampa rally. Dissent and you are called a traitor or worse yet a "liberal". Frankly, I am happy to be a liberal. I like the dictionary definition of what is a "liberal". The GOPers, however want to erquate it with a left leaning socialist, limp wristed pinko and a coward. The Iraq war was ill conceived and ill planned in its operation. They had Powell lie to the UN in front of the whole world. There are so many uneducated and dumb people in the US they may think and believe the Mad Hatter in the White House is the best thing going since sliced bread and Teddy's charge up San Juan Hill. Like you, I have been a Republican for 48 + years. I have been a party officer, state and county as well as an elected public officer. The other day my affilliation changed. I have been in much disagreement about the GOP since about the time Newt Gingrich took over the House and came out with that crappy " Contract for America".. Robert Schultz, Bradenton,. Fl
Response From Carl Worden
Yessirree, I think citizens need to pass a test on the Constitution and Bill of Rights before they are allowed to vote.
Submitted: Tuesday October 26,2004 - 11:51:00 am
From: Janet - Shelton, CT
Dear Carl: Thank you for expressing my point of view exactly! I have voted both Republican and Democrat since the John F. Kennedy election. Never in the past have I seen a tyrannical, radical government in the United States such as this one. It is incredulous to me that this administration could have gotten so "out-of-control." And there are people out there who are cheering for them in the same way one cheers for their favorite baseball team. This is not a joke! This is really happening in this country and I have never been so worried in my life! I see a divisive nation struggling with its values and no longer respected by the world. The tactics used by this administration are more than unproductive; they are frightening and dangerous. Why do pro-Bushies continue to have their heads in the sand about Iraq?? It has been proven that Osama Bin Ladin was responsible for 9/11. . . why the continued hue and cry that the war was justified??? What a sad day in America when George W. Bush came into office! God help us!
Response From Carl Worden
I did something yesterday that is totally unprecendented for me. I actually joined a group of Democrats and went on a whirlwind tour of Southern Oregon, to Medford, Eagle Point, Grants Pass and Cave Junction. I spoke to hundreds of people, both Republican and Democrat, mostly about why this lifelong Republican was voting for Democrat John Kerry.
I was tired by the end of the day, but I felt like I actually got something done instead of just writing about it.
Take care. Carl
Submitted: Tuesday October 26,2004 - 04:27:00 am
From: Marine Wife
Before people think they should vote for Kerry because "Too many kids in uniform have already been killed and maimed for nothing, and I see it as my primary duty to save as many of them as I can."
WAKE UP! Visit your local military town and ask around to "those kids in uniform" who they are voting for...
You'll get an overwhelming response of BUSH!
Kerry is the one who didn't vote for funding (so they wouldn't get maimed and killed)...
Who do YOU think these kids want as their Commander in Chief? Certainly not someone willing to send them to war, with no armor to save their lives.
Response From Carl Worden
If Kerry had been president, he'd have expended every option BEFORE going to war at all.
Ever think of that? Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Monday October 25,2004 - 05:40:00 am
From: Not Given
Nice! This is the kind of bushit we can expect more often if Mr. Nucular and th Oil Gang steal another election. All hail our fearless leader! I wonder when's KGB stopping by Carl F. Worden's residence.
Submitted: Monday October 25,2004 - 05:24:00 am
From: Not Given
"And also those teachers being thrown it is nothing, i hate teachers anyways." - Hydrex
Hydrex may be correct about the police brutality. But how can he refute the teachers' t-shirt event. And if he/she 'hates' teachers, he/she must hate the idea of an educated future. I'm not here to support either candidate, although I'm leaning towards Kerry (and NOT just because he isn't Bush). I am simply here to point out (and maybe mock) hydrex's ignorance.
Response From Carl Worden
If Bush, Cheney and Ashcroft got caught on video, standing in a circle, laughing and urinating on the Constitution, Bush lovers like Hydrex would make excuses for them.
Wilfull ignorance is different than simple ignorance. We can excuse simple igorance.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Sunday October 24,2004 - 05:01:00 pm
From: Bob Denholm
October 24.2004
RE: Last Straw article by Carl Worden
With all due respect to your publication even a cursory reading of this article must leave one questioning the authenticity of Mr. Worden and the claims he makes. In short, I believe Mr. Worden and or his claims are a fabrication by someone trying to convince right wing Christians to vote for Sen. Kerry. Though I applaud the effort, phony letters should really remain in the Republican domain where the appropriate expertise in writing them has long since been devoloped and skillfully practiced by professional liars.
The writer of the letter begins by implying that he was all set to vote for Bush for the second time when the infamous T-shirt incident became "the last straw" that then and only then did he change his lifelong allegiance and move to the Kerry camp. Yet he goes on to state passionately that as a "Christian" and "a decent human being" it was his "primary duty" to vote to oust Bush to stop the killing and maiming in Iraq. ( Never mind that Kerry is also an advocate of the war) Apparently this only became his primary duty after the t-shirt incident. He also includes an amorphous paragraph on the abortion issue that leaves it unknown where he stands on it but, attempts to assure his fellow right-wing Christians it's all right to vote for Kerry because the legality of abortion is only decided by the courts!
Not convinced yet? Why the admonition against voting for a third party candidate as that is the same as a vote for Bush? Heard that one before? The Kerry team won't let a moment pass without repeating it. Want some irrefutable proof of the writers dishonesty? He states that he is 55 years old and as a lifelong loyal Republican he twice voted for Nixon. (He lamely excuses himself for that because "he didn't know any better". Loyalty?) In 1968 when Nixon won his first term the legal voting age was 21. Mr. Worden was not old enough to vote.
By the way, I am a proud liberal, I despise, indeed I hate the Bush-Cheney junta and their entire fascist regime. I am an independent as far as political parties go. I won't be voting for Kerry because I simply won't vote for anyone who advocates war. I never have and I never will. Of course there are many reasons a liberal wouldn't vote for Kerry in any other circumstance. I write this response because I hate to see non-conservatives resort to the stupid tricks and deception that is after all the hallmark of conservative politics in this country.
Sincerely,
Bob Denholm
Idyllwild, California
Response From Carl Worden
Hey Bob:
I suppose you think all the other articles I write for Sierra Times are some political trick too?
No, I decided not to vote for Bush when he rushed us into an avoidable war. I decided to leave the Republican party over the T-shirt incident.
See how wrong you can be?
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Sunday October 24,2004 - 11:26:00 am
From: Not Given
So your choice for leader of the free world is based not on the candidate but on a couple of boneheaded security yahoos. How insightful. Hilarious article.
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 10:04:00 pm
From: hydrex
First off, you're a dumbass. A 55 year old loser who has still hasn't realised that the whole police thing is police brutality and not bush's doing. I highly doubt he would approve of that. And also those teachers being thrown it is nothing, i hate teachers anyways.
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 09:49:00 pm
From: Not Given
Worden is going to vote for Kerry, does he and his wife know that both Bush and Kerry are members of "Skull and Bones" ?
Wu Siu Yan
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 05:33:00 pm
From: Leroy (Roy) Sternhagen
A big AMEN! to that one. Thanks to my Cousin Steve B. who forwarded this to me. I am so glad others feel as I do. Some 50+ years ago when I registered to vote, I wanted to vote as an independant, The county clerk said "There is no independant party you have to be Rep. or Dem. I said well H- - - put me down as a Democrat. But have never voted along the party lines except in the primaries. Thank you again.
Roy
Response From Carl Worden
Buddy, there are thousands of Christian conservatives in this nation who are not only ashamed of what "Christian" President Bush has done, but we are equally in condemnation of jackasses like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell and any other evangelical kissing Bush's butt.
The man is not a Christian, and he deserves none of the support he's getting from these institutionalized "Christian" churches.
If being a true Christian was against the law, there would not be enough evidence to convict George W. Bush.
So not only does our government need an overhaul, so do our churches!
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 04:11:00 pm
From: Not Given
Great article... I hope more Republicans come over to the correct side this time.
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 02:43:00 pm
From: Not Given
this is all bullshit!!!
And do you think a Kerry rally would have reacted differently?
Submitted: Saturday October 23,2004 - 12:20:00 pm
From: Not Given
I really believe you. A true Christian conservative would not throw the term fascist around.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 09:57:00 pm
From: Geoff King
Carl, it is a pity you only reflected on the harm Bush has done at such a late stage. I would think no politician should be given such unconsidered support.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 09:55:00 pm
From: Not Given
Too bad you and so many others like you cannot see that we must extricate ourselves from the Two Party System. We had an opportunity here to encourage people to vote in Peroutka, who is a Christian and a Constitutionalist.
You voted for Kerry? I wish this was a joke. The country isn't fascist because of Bush alone. Clinton did many of the same things. Fascism began after the Civil War and especially after about 1910. This current state of oppression is just maturity of the same identity. There is only one political party in America and it has two major marketing firms.
Nicely written though. The deck chairs were all in nice rows. At least we'll sink in style. Maximum zero for effort.
Todd
Response From Carl Worden
Hey, if Peroutka could have won, he'd have gotten my vote.
What our the immediate goals? The immediate goal is to get Bush OUT. The immediate goal was never to get Peroutka in.
Before a Peroutka will ever have a chance of being elected, we'll probably have to take this nation back by force. The fascists have it locked up, and you know it.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 07:59:00 pm
From: Bryan
Thats exactly where they want you! Voting for and/or supporting one or the other status quo parties! Americans need to wake up and stop voting for the democrat/republican party, no matter which side of the coin! I think more voters are voting against either bush or kerry this time and few are voting for either. What would happen if there were no more support for the democrat/republican party???
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 07:45:00 pm
From: Jeannie King
Mr.Worden,thank you so much for speaking out!!As someone who went through the 2000 debacle here in Florida,I'm seriously afraid they{Bush},will do it again.This is a very dangerous time in our country,and I agree fascism is running rampant.The use of fear by this administration,is unbelievable.John Kerry must win to restore sanity and peace of mind again.
Response From Carl Worden
Unlike so many Bush-lovers who insist Kerry is sooo scary, I'm willing to see what he does.
But in the final analysis, no matter how scary Kerry might be, I see Bush as an extremely dangerous psychopath who needs to be removed from office immediately.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:44:00 pm
From: Mark Baker
Right on, Mr. Worden.
What more proof of contempt for democracy could one possibly ask for than the arrest of school teachers for wearing "Protect Our Civil Liberties" t-shirts? Freedom and civil liberties are what America is supposed to be all about. What has become of our country?
It is no longer a battle between left and right, but between the sane and the insane - between those who are shocked, awed, and disgusted by the policies of this administration, and those who doggedly refuse to admit the reality staring them in the face.
And thank you Mr. Worden for having the guts to call the Bush administration what it is: fascist. For those who scoff at the use of this term, please look at the work of political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt, who studied fascist regimes and discerned 14 Points of Fascism they share.
Suppression of dissent, continuing nationalism, mingling of church and state, the supremecy of the military, disregard for human rights (Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib), scapegoats (Jews in the Nazi's case, Arabs for the U.S.)., fraudulent elections, and the merging of government and corporate power: These are some of the identifying characteristics of fascism - and the Bush administration.
Response From Carl Worden
That's how I see it, and I am joined by a lot of other Republicans of conscience. That seems to be what's missing in the hard-core Bush lovers.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 04:44:00 pm
From: Jinny Lee
This is definitely the "Banana Republic."
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 04:07:00 pm
From: edward c spooner
this article makes me very angry..I am a George Bush supporter and a Republican and this man makes me angry ...
What did the President do wrong...I am very frightened to think what will happen to our country if the "other person" gets in, I can't even say his name...........People are not thinking with their brains ,only emotions over Iraq..We've had many wars and our men had to serve,what makes this any different..God has a plan for us all and we have to accept that..Society has changed for the worst ,the devil is working very hard.........
Our young children are killing and and have gotten totally out of hand..In our area,5 kids 13,14 beat a homeless man (VietNam Veteran)to a pulp and burned all his possessions...2 others (15yr) boys killed a man ..Others planned to kill and did kill a Taxi driver...I have to stop.
It makes me ill to think someone like #$ could be our president...
The candidate and his Vice Pres were enemies in the Primaries and now they are like kissing cousins...PHONY all the way and that's what we want running our country...............
Response From Carl Worden
Well, partner, you are on the wrong side if you call yourself a Bush supporter. You are on the wrong side of the Constitution, which means you are on the wrong side of the people of the United States.
Let me put it this way: If the Founding Fathers and Framers to the Constitution were reincarnated today and given positions high in government power, they would immediately order the arrest of George W. Bush for high treason. They would probably fight over the honor of hanging Mr. Bush.
You need to learn what your responsibilities as an American citizen are. You need to revisit the Constitution and Bill of Rights, then read the full text of the Patriot Act Bush signed.
That alone will remove all doubt.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 03:08:00 pm
From: Chris Knight
Dear Carl,
I just read your piece "The Last Straw - Carl Worden Makes His Vote Official" and I sympathize with you: both as a guy (I'm 30 years old and married to a girl who is as wonderfully independent as your own dear "spousal overunit") who's a recent ex-Republican, *AND* as someone who's been on the receiving end of the Bush machine's fascist mindset. It was just early last week that I really went public with the full story of what happened to me four years ago: it's a long read, but if you're interested you can find my account, "The Night George W. Bush Sent A Thug To Tell Me To 'GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!'" on my blog at http://theknightshift.blogspot.com/2004/10/night-george-w-bush-ordered-thug-to.html
In a nutshell: Bush had me threatened with arrest and ejected from the Republican rally during the debate at Wake Forest University in October 2000 because I was a journalist with independent media. He didn't want someone he couldn't "control", apparently, getting too close to him.
I've tried hard to not hate the guy, but I'm also bound by good conscience to let the world in on what I've known about Bush and his cronies these past four years.
Kindest regards, and God bless,
Chris Knight
Response From Carl Worden
Why doesn't a tale like this surprise me?
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 01:32:00 pm
From: Kay Hudson
I agree 100% with this article. At this point I think the only reason anyone would be still backing Bush is because of blind partisanship. I don't think any thinking person could be that stubborn. Besides all that you mentioned, the huge deficits are terrible. Clinton had his faults, but he DID balance the budget.
It's obvious that all three branches of government being in Republican hands now is causing too much damage, so Kerry winning the election would at least give some balance again.
Response From Carl Worden
Kay, I cannot begin to express my personal regret and embarrassment for what the Republican Party, this administration and Congress have done with the power given them.
Taking us into an avoidable war? Needlessly killing and maiming not just our kids, but let us never forget what we've done to the innocent citizens of Iraq. Passing the blatantly unconstitutional Patriot Act? Establishing a 170,000 employee Department of Homeland Security? We didn't need one of those during WWII, so why now? Arresting American citizens on American soil and holding them incommunicado without legal counsel???!!!
Is there a constitutional provision Bush has left unbroken?
And 50% of the people of America think Bush can be trusted with 4 MORE years? My God in Heaven, how can they be that pathetically stupid?
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 12:52:00 pm
From: Greg McClay
Dear Mr. Worden,
Did you watch the RNC convention in New York? Did you see the President speak? Did you notice the not one but two protesters try to interupt his speech? People who had been allowed in to the convention, who weren't wearing anything questionable but when the oppurtunity arose they went for it. Why should President Bush have to put up with liberal hissy fits? And please don't act dumb about the 'civil liberties' message. It concerns the Patriot Act controversy, you know it, I know it. It was a Bush rally and if they didn't want to bother with potential disruptions during the speech they had every right to send the liberals on their way.
Greg McClay
www.shush.ws
Response From Carl Worden
Now that dog won't hunt! ;)Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 12:49:00 pm
From: john lenzini
Carl is correct on this one. Im 57 also a long time repulican, and a small business owner for the past 27 years. My wife was repulican women of the year 03 in Michigan. Never before have things been so wrong. It seems that up is down and right is wrong. I also have some questions about the 911 story. There is no story about what happened,or how. The 911 FBI story sounds like a conspericy theroy and this administration is trying to down play the real motives. Sorry but this MIchigan republican is voting democrat this time.John Lenzini Traverse City Michigan
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 10:25:00 am
From: edmund ficlbohm
Here is a websight you shold look at
http://www.dailykos.com/images/user/3/jesusbush.jpg
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 10:03:00 am
From: Patriot
Very well written Carl.
"It is the duty of the Patriot to protect his people from it's government" - Thomas Paine
You are a patriot !
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 10:01:00 am
From: Not Given
Thank you for this honest column. While you and I have different views on many issues (I'm a left-of-center progressive), I have long felt that this election is no longer about liberal vs. conservative; it's about those that truly believe in the country of our Founding Fathers vs. those that don't.
Like you, I was appalled when I first heard of the t-shirt incident. I was already aware of what had been going on at Bush campaign rallies, but this was still shocking to me. Why would the Bush campaign think that "protecting our civil liberties" was offensive and threatening?
It is truly frightening to contemplate what is happening to our country. It is no longer a Republican vs. Democrat issue. Thanks again for seeing through the fog to clearly see things how they really are.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 09:48:00 am
From: Stephen Galperin
Dear Mr Worden,
I thank you for your piece stating that you will not support the re-election Mr Bush. Although I do not share all of your beliefs, I do agree with your statement referring to "Republican neo-conservative fascist policy on open display".
I find the actions the present administration and their associates in the legislative branch terrifying. They way they are suppressing dissent is in many ways reminiscent of the European fascist regimes we shed blood to overthrow in the 20th century. Their use of the laws in place to protect the president is a violation of the spirit of the law and the bill of rights.
I pray that more traditional conservatives wake up and realize that their blind support for the Neo cons could spell the death of the republic. We are heading toward becoming what we fear most - a totalitarian regime where a hand picked "parliament" rubber stamps everything the supreme leader says (sounds like Iraq, doesn't it?).
Thank you for making a tough stand.
Stephen Galperin
Response From Carl Worden
And thank you for standing there with me. Carl
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 09:09:00 am
From: Not Given
I have voted Republican since 1960, but willvote for Kerry this time.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 08:25:00 am
From: Shannon
Well said. Your story is a heartening one.
Shannon
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:11:00 am
From: Dale Rusling
Mr. Worden:
Although I'm a Canadian, I agree completely with your assessment of the current national climate.
I would suggest that you consider voting for a candidate and political party more in line with your thinking and values: the Peroutka/Baldwin ticket and the Constitution Party. You may wish to review their material at www.constitutionparty.com
If I were an American citizen, this group would get my support and vote.
Regards,
Dale Rusling
Windsor, ON Canada
Response From Carl Worden
If Peroutka could win, I would have voted for him without hesitation.
But because Peroutka cannot win this election, I had to look at what had to be done in the short time we have to make this national decision, and it was an easy choice.
Bush has gotten a whole bunch of our kids killed and maimed for nothing. If he gets re-elected, he'll interpret it as a mandate for what he's done. If Kerry wins, he'll know it was because we wanted change, and he'll be on his first four years of "good" behavior.
The decision was easy, and it is about saving lives.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 07:55:00 am
From: Tim Brosnan
Thank you Carl Worden, I'd heard of a teenage schoolgirl being removed from a Bush audience, and that her only 'crime' was that she sat next to someone whose t-shirt didn't refelct the 'party line'. This helps solidify my vote as well.
Response From Carl Worden
The Republican Party must be made to pay a price for that kind of behavior. That kinf of behavior violates everything America ever stood for.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 07:08:00 am
From: Randy Waters
Bravo! A voice of reason and patriotism in a world gone mad.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:57:00 am
From: poor richard
Points well taken Carl, but I believe the American people will be taken out of this election and the "emperor" will steal another election. I will be pleasantly surprised if we get a "clean election" Disenfranchised voters? A sign of the perilous times that we live in. My fear is of the neocon fascists and their new world order.............pr
Response From Carl Worden
Have faith, my friend.
This election will be decided by draft-age kids, and they are not voting for Bush.
Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:40:00 am
From: Ron Murray
Dear Mr. Worden,
While your vote for Kerry and your possible registration as a Democrat is welcome news to this liberal, I fail to see how the connection you have made to the president's actions and the number of dead and wounded young Americans in the Middle East can't be extended to the atrocious distortion of the Constitution's 2nd Amendment. There are many thousands of dead and wounded domestically every year, war or not, incompetent administration or not. Your epiphany notwithstanding, I am of the opinion that your Christian principles would also have you examining your conscience vis-a-vis your view on gun ownership. Perhaps as you take the first hesitant steps towards liberalizing your political thinking, you may also reconsider some of the rather extreme stands that seem to me to go against the spirit of the words that you have so recently written. Respectfully, Ron Murray, Mystic, CT
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:33:00 am
From: Greg Muir
I hear you, friend. I'm not registered with any party. My views are fiscally conservative, socially liberal. I believe that people operate at greatest efficiency when looking out for their own self-interest, but this can lead to horrific abuses of power. The only way to protect against that is to set them at odds with another group of people working for their own self-interest. That's why I believe in government regulation and oversight of industry; keeps 'em honest.
The thing that's funny about the Bush administration, they really aren't conservative. They're completely radical. There is nothing conservative about their foreign policy, the shredding of international consensus and alliances, invading foreign lands and embroiling our soliders in foreign wars.
There's also a fundamental dishonesty with this administration. They don't have the decency to simply tell you why they're doing something, they want to come up with a lie that you'll support instead. The point you raised about abortion is extremely telling, that they don't want to get rid of it. My mom is a religious conservative and goes on kicks about how abortion is the greatest moral issue of our time. I tell her "Yes, people think so. That being the case, would any republican in his right mind want to solve the problem? Gracious, no! They want to keep it around for the next 50 years. There's elections to be won over doing something about it."
The thing that really has me scared, the future facing this counry isn't a crisis of left vs. right, it's a crisis of haves vs. have-nots. It's class war. Neo-cons poo-poo the very word, "class war", as if it were some sort of crank phrase. I could see the ancestors of those neo-cons living under the shadow of Pompei. "What, you think the volcano is going to go? You're talking about an *scoffing chuckle* erruption. Please!"
I hope to God we can save this country. Somehow, I think we possess the means but will forever lack the willpower.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:30:00 am
From: Caver
Mr. Worden,
Yes, the Republican party no longer is a party of conservatives; I say that sadly. The truth is that neither the Dems or the Repubs support the US Constitution. It is, in essence a dead letter. Dead not because it is untrue or based on false principles, but dead because the majority of the people of the US and a near-totality of our Legislative, Judicial and Executive branchs will not obey it. I remember your article "When Ron Paul Asked For a Declaration of War." He was told by leading Republican Henry Hyde that the Constitution is an anachronism. Unfortunately Hyde was right...
The nation that used to be the USA no longer exists. The Constitution is dead and only a minority of us care. This is an extraordinarily unpleasant fact, but we will have to face up to it sometime soon.
The philosophy of natural rights, limited government and personal liberty is too good an idea to die off. It will spring up elsewhere, hopefully in our lifetimes.
Our job is to plant the seeds that will grow into a rebirth of liberty. Maybe here - though I doubt it. Maybe Argentina, maybe China. Who can say? There will NOT be an armed revolution in the US to restore our rights, but we can at least try to shorten the period of fascism so that our children and grandchildren have a better chance to live like we once did.
Response From Carl Worden
What a beautiful piece of writing.
Don't discount the possibility of a 2nd American Revolution. The Powers have foolishly blocked all avenues for peaceful resolution of our grievances, leaving us only the avenue of force.
We have guns. Lots of them. That's why the Founding Fathers and Framers of the Constitution included the Second Amendment -- for the day a monster would lie us into an illegal war and kill and maim our children for a false cause.
Those men knew human nature better than any of us, so they left a means for us to take back what they gave us.
May God bless them all in their sleep.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:22:00 am
From: Rich
Mr. Worden:
The Last Straw is a nicely written article and your point is so dead-on right. To not be allowed to express an opinion or to plead for protection of our civil rights is so fundamentaly opposed to the very principles this nation was founded on. Many fine, wonderful people fought and died for those very rights and to disrespect them the way this administration has done is against everything I was raised to believe being an American is all about. Thank you for publishing this... Sometimes it seems like a certain segment of society has lost its mind. Its good to know that there are people who refuse to be dragged along into insanity.
I've done some writing and I put up a website. Please pay a visit: http://www.joetwelvepack.com
Again, Thanks.
Rich James
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:15:00 am
From: Robert Van Buskirk
I, to am a conservative who will vote for Kerry. I get treated like a criminal when I
go to our local courthouse. All this security is crazy. Bob in Indiana
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 06:01:00 am
From: Jim Pitts
Thank you Mr. Worden for your well written article. Here in Utah most conservatives are afraid to speak out (the predominant faith expects total and complete submission to the President).
In a Salt Lake City mall a family was booted for wearing "Peace" T-shirts.
Houses which display "Kerry for President" signs get their windows broken.
We must stop this administration.
Thank you for your words. They mean alot.
Jim Pitts
Salt Lake City, Utah
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 05:35:00 am
From: god2god@hotmail.com
Sir:
I am a Canadian observer of the American election and the current administration. I keep myself apprised of your political situation because it seems to be in our best interest to do so. I am pleased to see that well spoken seemingly intelligent people are finally seeing the Republican administration as they really are. Your comments about the 'brown shirts' is very observant. From what I can tell from reading the press (I read about 30 different on line journals from the International Herald Tribune to the Bangkok Post daily) this administration has been taken over by a group of people who believe that the right to free speech is only applicable to them. Civil rights are erroding all over the planet because America is breaking down these rights and the rest of the world has looked to you for guidance in this regard. Seeing the 'brown shirts' and in fact the police departments of your nation take pride in the fact that they can control the thoughts of the population with impunity is very scary. It harkens to countries in the past that have allowed this kind of action, nay, endorsed it. History has shown us the outcome of this kind of behaviour. Please educate the population to stand up to these bullies. Elect officials who will not tollerate this kind of behaviour. Please, the rest of the world uses America as an example of the way we should treat our population.
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 04:50:00 am
From: tadowe
Wow Carl!
I didn't think you would post my comments! Thanks. . .
Your lunch has been entirely consumed, Mr. I'll-vote-traitor. Rather than indicate that you would vote for Mr. Badnarik, someone with some *real* conservative credentials, you choose to act out the fool by issuing your oh-so-important support for the biggest US traitor since Benedict Arnold, and a flaming liberal, at that!
Is J.J., also in the pocket of One-World liberalism and supporting a traitor, too. . .?
Who can say, but man it sure looks that way.
Tad
Response From Carl Worden
Thou shalt not bear false witness, Tad
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 02:33:00 am
From: steve webster
As a lifelong Democrat, I welcome your upcoming vote. My central motivation is precisely the same as yours. I am sure we differ on many other issues. With utmost respect, therefore, I would urge one change in your strategy. Don't abandon the Republican Party. America is a better place to live because Democrats and Republicans argue and compromise. If Democrats won total control of our government, I would register and participate as a Republican, although my personal sympathies are radically liberal. The Republican Party needs to reclaim its soul, and you seem to know where it is. It is important for all of us Americans to realize that our diversity is our greatest strength. The Republicans, in my opinion, have forgotten that, to their detriment. Thank you for your candor.
Response From Carl Worden
That candor was born from a fit of responsibility and truthfulness that took a long time to germinate. I too welcome the diversity, but if one side has gone off the deep end to fascism, they deserve to lose the soul of their base, and that is what has happened to the Republicans under Bush. Carl Worden
Submitted: Friday October 22,2004 - 12:29:00 am
From: Not Given
RE: 'The Last Straw'. Carl Worden is a courageous man to speak out like this. I applaud his article and have forwarded it to several Bush fanatics. I pray that it helps others to realize the ramifications of re-electing these maniacs. Thank you for posting this enlightening article.
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 11:19:00 pm
From: Cynthia
This is unbelievable and outrageous. Isn't it also illegal to remove someone because of what their shirt says? Especially when it states something that seems obvious, as that is what America was based on. I'm truly amazed.
Response From Carl Worden
That was it for me. Carl
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 10:39:00 pm
From: Not Given
Thank you Carl for witnessing the brazen tactics our "Dear Leader" and his crew exhibit. I myself live in Ashland and work not so far from where that straw broke your back. I deeply regret not being at the fair grounds that day and especially not being in Jacksonville the subsequent night. Thank you for telling your story and please keep telling it for all to hear. 2 More Weeks!!!
Response From Carl Worden
Amen, brother. Carl
The next time, maybe we should also be on the rooftops. Carl
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 10:19:00 pm
From: Ian Davis
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1021-22.htm expands upon your theme. Thanks for your article.
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 09:49:00 pm
From: SAMER GUIRGUIS
I JUST LOVE ALL THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE ONE LITTLE INCIDENT SWAY THEM TO VOTE AGAINST SOMETHING RATHER THAN FOR SOMEONE. ALL THESE EVENTS WETHER DEMOCRATIC OR REPUBLICAN ARE HEAVILY SCREENED THE CANDIDATES DON'T HAVE MONEY TO SPEND ON THESE EXPENSIVE EVENTS TO BE HECKLED, WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO GET THEIR MESSAGE OUT. WELL YOUR A BRILLANT INTELLECTUAL. I AM VOTING FOR BUSH, I AM NOT GOING TO WAIT TO SEE THE KILLERS OF CHILDREN EXPORT THEIR TERROR TO OUR SCHOOLS. THE PARTY YOU ARE LEAVING LETS EVERYONE MAKE THEIR ON MIND UP WHEN THEY VOTE, UNLIKE YOU TRYING TO SWAY THE ELECTION WITH YOUR FORECAST OF WHO WILL WIN. YOU AND YOUR COLUMN ARE BAISED AND INTELLECTUALLY DISHONEST. I AM TIRED OF PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST STUFF BUT NOT FOR ANYTHING AND THAT IS YOU SIR.
Response From Carl Worden
No, sir, it was the LAST STRAW that swayed me.
Go ahead and vote for Bush, but remember you are voting also for Bush's Brown Shirts. He's not alone in this.
You are also voting for maggots who think the words, "Protect our civil liberties" are offensive or threatening.
If that's what you want, vote for Bush.
Carl
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 09:13:00 pm
From: Nick
Thank you.
I would also consider myself mostly conservative. I am not religous but I do favor the right to bear arms (responsibly) and I favor VERY STRICT fiscal conservation, as well as taxation as low as possible.
I am 22, I was old enough to vote last election and didn't care. I lived in MD at the time so it didn't really matter, since that state was strong Gore. Now I'm in FL and after the President's idiocy in the first debate I was compelled to register. Needless to say I'll be voting for Kerry as well. No need to reply, but feel free to use this letter in online or print publications.
Nick S.
Palm Harbor, FL
Response From Carl Worden
I'm a Liaison Officer for a militia. We also strongly support the right to bear arms -- and that means the citizens have the same right to the same arms as the cops and federal officers. That keeps things even -- as the Framers intended.
We also support strict fiscal responsibility in government.
Welcome aboard. Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 09:04:00 pm
From: Not Given
I voted third party this year for the first time. I have always voted Republican but I finally realized there is no difference between a Republican and a Democrat. I’ve heard all the arguments about wasting my vote but I don’t buy that. The two party system was invented by those who wish to influence our government and is not constitutional in any way, in fact, is never even mentioned in the constitution. It is much easier to manipulate a two party system with money. If you can get both of your men nominated, then you still win no matter which candidate wins the election. The two party system is a fallacy and the press misleads people into believing they have only two choices. My ballot had 10 candidates running for president. If enough votes where taken from the mainstream candidates by alternative parties, at least fear of an obvious trend may motivate them to change from their wicked ways. I voted third party in good conscience and in my opinion, anybody that casts a vote for the republic-rats has surely wasted their vote.
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 06:54:00 pm
From: Trude Blomsoy
I am very sorry to see that Mr. Carl Worden is voting for the other wing of the Establishment,
Kerry, saying that third parties can't win.
If they don't, it won't be my fault, but the fault
of those who continue to vote for the entrenched
power-holders, one of whom Kerry certainly is.
Sincerely,
Trude Blomsoy, Oregon
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 03:20:00 pm
From: Lex
I've already cast my ballot for Libertarian Michael Badnarik, and no one in their right mind is going to translate it into a vote for George Bush.
Response From Carl Worden
The Republican Party and little King George thanks you very much.
Carl F. Worden
Not in right mind
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 02:35:00 pm
From: Charles Basner
It is indeed gratifying to hear that Carl F. Worden is going to vote against Bush in the election. It astounds me, however, to find out what his particular “straw” was. Mr. Worden acknowledges that the Republican party has been taken over by fascists (his words, not mine). He admits that kids are being killed and maimed in Iraq for nothing. He was very upset by the treatment of peaceful protestors by police representing the President, to the point of calling them Nazis. He considers the current course of the country to be “sinning,” and he is frightened about what Bush might do with another four years of leadership.
Yet apparently all that was not enough to cause him not to vote for Bush. I am heartened by Mr. Worden’s decision, but completely confused as to why he – and presumably millions of others – required so much negative evidence simply to do the right thing.
Response From Carl Worden
Some of us boneheads just take a little longer.
Carl
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 11:24:00 am
From: Charles W. Jones
As with so many people, Mr. Worden seems concerned that a vote for a third party candidate is either a vote for a candidate he doesn't want to see win or is wasted. In my opinion, a vote for a candidate who doesn't closely match your own convictions is an act of cowardice. Vote your convictions and just perhaps a better candidate will come forth with a chance to win and really make a difference.
Bush or Kerry, it really doesn't matter in the long run. They are cut from the same cloth.
Response From Carl Worden
This is a life or death matter. I don't think you quite grasp the gravity of this election.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 10:59:00 am
From: John Druva
I completely sympathize with your decision to vote for Kerry. Perhaps the Republicans in Congress will oppose President Kerry's socialist initiatives on partisan grounds, instead of rubber-stamping everything that comes from a President Bush. In the end, however, I don't believe Kerry will be any better than Bush, because he is Skull and Bones (like Bush) and equally committed to the New World Order. I personally am voting for Peroutka though I know it won't do any good.
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 10:43:00 am
From: Dan Swogger
Me Too, Sir --- I'm not voting for Bush, that is and I agree with much of your sentiments. I've been independent for more than 20 years now and suffer no "allegiance syndrome". And since it's been painfully obvious for at least 100 years that this country has no intention of returning to Constitutional government the best course for true Americans, in that context, is to vote for "political deadlock" --- keep 'em fighting amongst one another and maybe they'll leave our freedoms alone. The most disturbing phrase coming out of D.C. is bipartisan legislation --- it's a surety that the citizens are about to be .... well, you know.
However, I simply cannot cast a vote for Senator Kerry. I remember well his "antics" upon his return from Vietnam. I remember well that him, his followers and the press was NOT interested in hearing from us Vets that had a different story than Lt. Kerry. And his record since those days have done nothing to soften or convince critical thinking individuals that he is not more closely aligned with communism/socialism than with American principles.
Even so, I vote on principles --- NOT whether I think my vote will be among the "winners". I abhor this two-party system (it's really only one with two divisions) that takes us ever closer to a complete socialist country and I'll most likely write-in Ron Paul from Texas or vote the LP.
Dan Swogger
Southern California
Response From Carl Worden
Man, if Ron Paul would run, I'd vote for him too!
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 10:10:00 am
From: Not Given
Surely Worden can find a better way to protest Bush than give his vote to Kerry! That's like saying, "I won't your goon to beat up on me, I want the Godfather to work me over himself." Absurd.
Self-described as a Christian and a constitutionalist, why isn't Worden voting for the candidate who shares his views - Michael Peroutka of the Constitution Party or at least the Badnarik of the Libertarian Party.
Those who don't vote for what they want are insane if they think they are going to get it.
Response From Carl Worden
When My own militia commander doesn't know who Peroutka is, then I'm going to vote for the ONE guy who can unseat Bush and save a few lives.
It's about saving lives, you jerk.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 08:43:00 am
From: Fred Mangels
You have a somewhat limited view of third party choices since you seem to assume that any third pary vote is pulling a vote from Kerry. Conventional wisdom holds that a vote for a Libertarian or Constitution Party candidate would be a vote taken from Bush, thus leading to a Kerry victory. It's also generally held that a vote for Nader or Cobb is a vote taken from Kerry that might well lead to a Bush victory.
I don't agree with the presumption about voting for Badnarik, the LP candidate. my vote won't be helping Bush get elected if for no other reason than if there wasn't a Libertarian running, I probably wouldn't vote for any of the others, including Bush or Kerry. You probably should have voted for either the Constitution or Libertarian candidates rather than waste your vote on Kerry.
Response From Carl Worden
I KNOW my vote for a third party candidate is a vote for Bush.
The other day, I asked our Militia Commander, Ralph Bowman, who Michael Peroutka is. He didn't know.
'Nuff said. Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 08:20:00 am
From: Jeff
Gee, Bush's gang hates civil liberties...no surprise there.
Wait a minute....Kerry voted for the Patriot Act, without even reading it!
Yeah, Kerry would be soooo different....
...SUCKER! (Maybe by the next election, you'll understand)
Jeff Livingston
Des Moines
Response From Carl Worden
Trust me: I do understand. Kerry's not my choice, by any means. Bush is worse.
Carl
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 07:04:00 am
From: Joe Gresham
Mr. Worden, you mention in your self description that you are Christian. How can any Christian even think about supporting Kerry? Granted, Bush is evil, just like his demon-crat counterpart, however if anybody is more evil, vile and base, it would have to be Kerry.
As far as "writing off" third party candidates...where is your Christian faith? The last I knew, God was still ultimately in control of everything. It is our duty, as Christians, to seek, pursue and promote righteousness...PERIOD! Not to second guess God! If enough Americans, would humble themselves (forget ridiculous party politics)and seek His face (seek real righteousness and Godly leadership)maybe, just maybe God would once again bless this land.
It was party politics that got us in this mess...not voting for values and morality, but which one is "Dumbo" and which one is the "Jack ass"....I have a surprise for you, they're both..both! I for one, am sick of the "Dumb asses."
There is a true Christian Constitutionalist running, his name is Michael Peroutka, and as far as I am concerned, evry Christian should be voting for him...period!
Joe Gresham
Response From Carl Worden
The other day, I asked our militia commander, Ralph Bowman, if he knew who Michael Peroutka is. He didn't.
Since when did you know how evil Kerry is? And you might call yourself a Christian?
Vote for a loser, which translates into a vote for Bush, and then sit back and watch the bodies come home in bags while you feel good about yourself. Did I get that correctly, sir?
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 06:38:00 am
From: tadowe
Carl:
So, you'll vote for the first such 'military' traitor, since Benedict Arnold, because the local fuzz and a few callous campaign micromanager's conduct happened to 'offend' your sensibilities?
This you will do because you are such a staunch 'conservative' and constitutional scholar, which is evidently germane from the buildup to your 'surprising' decision to support someone who has consistently voted to restrict military hardware and force levels and to limit human intelligence. You will vote for the appeaser to the North Vietnamese communists in destroying MIA documentation, ending the effort to find them, and offering the communists 'favored' nation trade status. You will vote for someone who is able to 'fix' his less than honorable discharge and make it 'honorable'.
You would, wouldn't you -- cut your long political nose *off* to spite your 'conservative' Republican 'face'?
You have the discipline of a puling child and ". . .are not fit for command. . ."
Very, very sincerely,
Tad Dowe
Response From Carl Worden
You know, Tad, you really need to learn what your duty as an American is, instead of blindly obeying every illegal order like a good little Nazi.
I don't like Kerry's politics one bit, but his stand on the undeclared, unconstitutional and illegal war in Vietnam was right. He stood alone, and idiots like you call him a traitor?
You need to re-examine your own values before you question Kerry's.
Carl F. Worden
Submitted: Thursday October 21,2004 - 12:40:00 am
From: Jerry Worthington
So what is new Carl has never stood for anytrhing in his life that he did not change his mind on
Response From Carl Worden
I reserve the right to be wrong, to admit my error, and to take steps to correct it.
It's called wisdom. look it up sometime.
Carl F. Worden
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