Now here's a courageous lady:
Re: Sign the Democratic Unity Pledge
Dear Mr. McAuliffe,
Thank you for your invitation to sign the Democratic Unity Pledge.
I am not a Democrat, having come to the caucus in order to support Governor Howard Dean. I was an Iowa precinct captain for him. I am a libertarian Independent and have never before been a registered Democrat or voted straight Democratic ticket.
If you would like me to permanently join the Democratic Party, I would suggest that a more fair playing ground and more support be given to the candidacy of Dr. Dean. Allow me to explain why.
I was not at all impressed with the 527 advertisements (the "Osama" ads) that supporters of Dick Gephardt ran against Dr. Dean, and I have not been appreciative of the push-calls propagated throughout Iowa by the Kerry campaign.
Also, I and the Dean for America campaign were threatened with lawsuits by the Kerry campaign because I discussed with reporters and on the Kerry website my concerns with respect to Mr. Kerry's refusal to endorse the commencement of an environmental impact study for the Cape Wind offshore windfarm project in Cape Cod. I did not appreciate being threatened with a lawsuit.
I was also not impressed by the DLC attacks on Dr. Dean from the get-go, and the failure of the DLC and DNC to intercede in the damage to Dr. Dean following the Iowa caucuses.
I am very poor. I am dependent upon Social Security Disability Insurance of only $650 per month as a result of an ongoing domestic abuse situation. I am not appreciative of the choices of Senators Lieberman, Kerry, Edwards and Congressman Gephardt to vote so as to give Bush the power to engage in unilateral war against Iraq. Our federal and state finances are now completely screwed up, and much-needed assistance programs for the poor are being axed. That Senators Lieberman, Kerry and Edwards are seeking to retain the middle-class Bush tax cuts, is extremely harmful to me.
The middle class can afford more than I can to weather the storm produced by the Democrats absolutely foolish support of the war in Iraq.
If you Democrats want the support of poor people like me, the Democrats will need to give Dr. Dean the nomination, or, at the very least, a very prominent position in the Democratic Party. I would like to sign your pledge, but I will need a guarantee from you that Dr. Dean will be given a place of prominence in the party.
I would be happy to discuss this with you further, either in person or by telephone. Poor people would like to vote, too, but you folks will need to start representing us better, if your party wants to give us a reason to vote.
I would like to be reasonable and am willing to negotiate, and would be pleased to hear your own perspective.
Thank you,
Dawn M. Mueller
125 20th Ave. SW #W6
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319.362.1907
eos@a...
On Mon, 2 Feb 2004, Terry McAuliffe wrote:
> Dear Dawn M. Mueller,
>
> Your Iowa caucuses were extraordinary. The unbridled enthusiasm and record
turnout of Democratic voters were inspiring. These primaries and caucuses across
America are the first steps to a Democratic victory in November 2004, and the
passion in Iowa proved that we are well on our way.
>
> No matter who you supported in the caucuses, it was clear that the people of
Iowa, the Democratic Party, and democracy itself were the big winners -- and
George W. Bush was the big loser.
>
> Our Democratic candidate for president may be chosen as early as March 10. No
matter who wins the nomination, our victory in 2004 depends on all Democrats
standing unified behind our candidate.
>
> I urge you to click the link below today and sign our Unity Pledge to show
your support for the Democratic candidate in 2004. Standing together, we can and
will defeat George W. Bush and the Republicans in 2004.
>
> http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002Ou0039s0001D
>
> Sincerely,
> Terry McAuliffe
> Chairman
>
> P.S. Spread the word! Click the link below to tell your friends about our
Unity Pledge and urge them to stand up and support the Democratic candidate in
2004.
>