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Governor Dean: The People's Candidate for U.S. President

MPAC Newsletter, November 2003

By Roxanne Munksgaard

Gov. Howard Dean MD answers press questions following a speech to the San Francisco Bar Association. Photo: John Pettitt / DeanForAmerica.com

As a peace and justice activist, community organizer and agitator, I am joining the growing grassroots candidacy of Governor Howard Dean for U.S. President — with full speed ahead!

There are many reasons why I am supporting Governor Howard Dean for U.S. President. He is a leader who believes that social justice must rest on a foundation of fiscal discipline. He is a social liberal, fiscal conservative, who has shown time and time again that he will work to solve problems from a pragmatic base rather than an ideological perspective. He can reach across the lines — from progressives, to liberals, and conservatives. He stood up and disagreed with President Bush's war in Iraq and has spoken out against the war since Day One.

Governor Dean opposed President Bush's war from the beginning. He stated early on that while Saddam Hussein's regime was clearly evil, and needed to be disarmed, it did not present an immediate threat to U.S. security that would justify going to war. Dean says "It only becomes more and more clear every day what a mistake this administration made in launching a preemptive war in Iraq. The evidence mounts that not only did the Administration mislead the American people and the world in making its case for war, but that it failed to plan adequately for the peace." (See all of Dean's Iraq-related speeches, statements, and background materials on his website entitled "Iraq Truth Center.")

The Dean for America campaign is unique. Rather than taking money from private interest groups, it's raising lots of money by small donations from hundreds of thousands of families and individuals. This grassroots campaign is holding home video showings, doing outreach by going door-to-door, and educating friends and family about the candidate and issues. And, most importantly, people new to politics are getting involved.

It is my opinion that Dr. Howard Dean is the only Democratic candidate who can win over Bush. I trust he will do what he says. And while most of use will readily admit that it is impossible to find a candidate we can agree with 100%, clearly here is a candidate that has a strong record and has done some great things in the State of Vermont. For more information on Howard Dean's background, issues and policy proposals, check out his great website at www.deanforamerica.com.

On the University of Maine campus in Orono, there is already an enthusiastic group of student supporters called "Students for Dean." They meet every Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM in the Student Memorial Union, FFA Room. If you're "on the fence" and want more information about Governor Dean just let the "Students for Dean" know! Drop in and join the fun... Note: This year there is NO presidential preferential primary in Maine, only town caucuses held on February 8th. Register and vote — and make your voice heard! "Generation Dean" rocks!

Roxanne Munksgaard is the Northern Maine Regional Organizer, Dean for Maine campaign. To get involved, contact her at r.munksgaard@verizon.net.

Editorial Note on Political Campaigns: The Maine Peace Action Committee does not endorse political candidates. We do encourage individual members and readers of the MPAC Newsletter to get involved politically. Several of our members and friends with strong peace and justice commitments have become very motivated in working for Dennis Kucinich and Howard Dean. We enclose two articles that reflect the personal views of the authors and not official MPAC positions.