On Monday, June 13, right-wing hack Doug Cunningham published
a column in the
Times Herald-Record titled " Howard Dean: the Republicans' No. 1 weapon". This bumbling hit piece repeated Dean's "white Christian party" and "many Republicans don't work" statements and went on to mention the Democrats that are distancing themselves from him. My reply below the jump.
Thanks, Doug, for plug on Dean
By Brian Minerly
As a liberal and a supporter of the Democratic wing of the Democratic party, I was delighted to read Doug Cunningham's column of June 13 regarding Howard Dean. This story was starting to die down in the media, but more people need to see it.
First, Doug, you repeat the quotes that Dean made, thinking this will damage him.
Apparently it never occurred to you that what Dean said will resonate with many people who don't like the Republican party controlled by corrupt politicians beholden to radical so-called "Christian" fundamentalists. Calling out the Pharisees is exactly what Dean needs to do.
Second, you point out that some members of the Democratic Party are alarmed by what Dean is saying. This provides a nice contrast for Dean. The Democrats who have shrunk from directly confronting Republicans have eroded support for the party for years. Now, the public sees a Democrat who will speak bluntly and truthfully without cowering when Republicans express disapproval.
Finally, Doug, your own history and reputation are noteworthy in this column. You would be hard-pressed to find any regular reader who doesn't know which way you lean politically. Free advice from you on how Howard Dean could improve his performance in being chairman of the Democratic National Committee is about as credible as free advice from George Steinbrenner on how the Boston Red Sox can improve their chances of repeating as World Series winners.
If Dean were a real danger to the Democrats, I doubt that you would say a word.
Once again, Doug, thank you very much for keeping Howard Dean in the public eye here in the Hudson Valley. The more people hear what he is saying (as opposed to just the whining of Republicans who don't like it), the better off the Democratic Party will be.
http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2005/06/23/23myview.htm