For months I have been leaving this comment on diaries all over Kos (and other places as well). Sometimes I’ll add something like "and you can’t stop me" or other equally bumper-sticker-like phrase. I’m sure I have probably irritated some, and I appear to have tickled others. But, believe it or not, there are actual reasons I have been doing this.
While I have been stating my support for John Edwards, I have also not been berating the other Democratic candidates. The reason for that is simple. I like the other candidates.
BUT ... there is something different about John Edward’s campaign. So, I have decided it is time for me to have MY say on exactly why I support Edwards.
John Edwards presidential campaign is different. He isn’t working to get nominated so he can TRY to make a difference. John Edwards wants to be the exact same President as he was candidate. That is why he is working so hard to present a clear and articulate choice between himself and the other candidates. John Edwards is trying to make a difference right NOW. Not later, if elected, if he can. But right NOW by making his candidacy a mandate to take back America from the greedy, the rich and the powerful that have robbed America of her future and her ideals.
John Edwards does not NEED to be President. He is already wealthy and doesn’t need to stroke his ego, fulfill a life-long dream, or try to re-pay old political debts. His whole candidacy is based on a fundamental love of his country and the desire to make things better. It seems surprising to say, but it really is that simple.
Let’s not kid ourselves; American politics is about money and the power to make money. When a candidate goes all nuts about foreign policy or protecting the borders or whatever, they are really just talking about what they think might get them votes because the reality is, once in power and hounded by their rich benefactors, they will be looking for ways to make the rich richer and that is about it.
Yes, there are other candidates that truly just want to make things better, but at what cost and more importantly, when?
John Edwards is trying to make you decide right NOW. He wants you to decide to take back America NOW. John Edwards understands that if you really want universal health care you have to decide that NOW. If you want to end the class warfare brought on by the rich in BOTH parties, you have to decide that NOW. If you want to end the power of "K Street", you have to decide that NOW. If you really and truly want change, you have to make that decision NOW!
When you vote for John Edwards, you are screaming at the pundits and the mainstream media, the talking (empty) heads, the politicians and lobbyists, that you have had enough and it is time for them to go. Not later, but NOW!
Voting for John Edwards does not bring hope for victory. Voting for John Edwards IS the victory.
And so, I am voting for Edwards because I support that mandate. I agree with his vision of what could be and I want that and I want everyone to KNOW that I want that.