Some reasons to vote for John Kerry

First, consider the alternative. Singular. Ralph Nader has about as much chance of being president as Lyndon LaRouche at this point.

Second, read what the man has to say. He writes better than he talks, which puts him a step above Bush who can only speak when someone's feeding him rhetoric. But the man doesn't seem to come off as well in the media as he does in "print."

Third, he can inspire a 14-year-old to burst into song. Ok, that's silly, but I had to include it...

Fourth, consider that when you elect a president, you elect a good slice of the executive branch, and influence the selection of supreme court and other high justices, "coattail" elections to Congress, and a zillion other things. How many of Clinton's cabinet did you hate? How did you feel about his appointments? Now, think on these names: Cheney. Rumsfeld. Ashcroft. Wolfowitz. How do you feel about those names? Think of the issues you've seen go radically bad in the last four years, like air quality. Consider if Democrats are likely to support amending the constitution in "defense of marriage."

Fifth, because the people you wanted to win the nomination probably are backing Kerry now. Even Dennis Kucinich, who I voted for in the Oregon primary, because I want to send a progressive message to the national party. But Dennis, Howard Dean and I (and many others) agree that the support must go to the nominee, and Kerry will be that nominee.

Sixth, because we need to engage the radical/religious right, which means we need to get off our duffs before they emanatize the echaton (try to bring on the apocalypse in order to hasten the second coming) on our butts. No kidding. Think we need to stay passive in this decorous age?

Seventh, "Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Eighth -- I want Kerry to modify his stance on the war and a few other issues. I have a much higher chance of doing that if I'm a key volunteer than if I sit at home and gripe. All politics is local. Let's not trickle up -- let's give them a deluge!

Ninth -- you like ketchup with a kick!

More to come...