"Anyone But Bush" is Not Good Enough

Weve all seen the "Anyone But Bush" buttons, and laughed, although admittedly with more than a little frustration. Youve also heard the pundits and conventional wisdom: The Democrats dont have a real leader, no one has emerged from the pack, theyre no different than the other party, and other similar sentiments. I propose that as the election cycle draws nearer, we, and thats a big "we", comprised of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Progressives, and all the other groups opposed to Bush, get serious about who realistically has a chance to beat George W in the general Presidential Election. We need to put aside our differences and find the strongest possible candidate with the most experience to run against Bush.

Opinion by Jim Witkins

Weve all seen the "Anyone But Bush" buttons, and laughed, although admittedly with more than a little frustration. Youve also heard the pundits and conventional wisdom: The Democrats dont have a real leader, no one has emerged from the pack, theyre no different than the other party, and other similar sentiments.

I propose that as the election cycle draws nearer, we, and thats a big we", comprised of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Progressives, and all the other groups opposed to Bush, get serious about who realistically has a chance to beat George W in the general Presidential Election. We need to put aside our differences and find the strongest possible candidate with the most experience to run against Bush.

We must elect someone with an economic plan that favors the nearly 3 million people out of work, rather than the 1 million wealthiest people in our country. We must use our vote wisely, to elect a new President who will maintain our peace and security by working multilaterally with the rest of our friends and allies around the globe. We must unite in our efforts to stop the continuing attacks on our civil liberties. We must stop the ongoing degradation to our healthcare system, educational system and the environment, from an administration that values the rights of corporations over average citizens.

With so much at stake it seems almost insane to squabble over minor details. Its time to unite behind a single candidate who has the experience and leadership skills necessary to defeat Bush. The consequences of ignoring reality, by clinging to unrealistic expectations from a long shot candidate, or using your vote in protest of the system, will only leave America worse off for all of us. If you really want to change the system unite behind the candidate who will beat Bush if nominated for his Partys ticket.

After extensive research I believe that candidate is Senator John Kerry. Please visit www.independentsforkerry.org to see why I support John Kerry. I encourage others to do their own research and weigh the consequences of your choice. Can America really afford another four years of George W. Bush?

Honestly, the "Anyone but Bush" attitude will only result in a second term for Bush. Its time to choose sides, stand up for America, and say with one voice, "I support John Kerry for President."    

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Jim Witkins is founder of Independents For Kerry, a grassroots organization for independent voters which promotes Senator John Kerry for President of the United States in 2004.

For more information on John Kerry visit: www.independentsforkerry.org