Huh... So, what gives?

[lithera]

I come in this morning and find that Wesley Clark is in the lead in the polls. So, I figure, I should know more about this guy. I already know he's a four star general. He was the leader of NATO forces in Kosovo. I do some more research and frind out that "General Clark is a recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He has received honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments and was made a commander of the French Legion of Honor. In August 2000, General Clark was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor."

Huh. Okay. That's great and all. Also, "General Clark is a 1966 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated first in his class. He holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar."

Fine. He got shot in Vietnam and taught himself how to walk without a limp.

Okay. The thing is, he doesn't seem to have a platform yet. No stance on issues other than the war in Iraq. And while I'm glad he's out there talking about patrotism and "The highest form of patriotism is asking questions. Because democracies run on dialogue. Democracies run on discussion. No administration has the right to tell Americans that to dissent is disloyal, and to disagree is unpatriotic." I want to know more about him than just that, thank you.

So. Anyone know more about Clark? I know I'm firmly in the 'anyone but Bush' category but I'd like to know some more about this guy and his stances, thanks.

And my voice is going away. I try to talk and I get a raspy sound. Yeah!

And there are a small ton of bus route changes going into effect on Saturday.

Comments

[pullthestars.livejournal.com]

from what I've seen, the fact that he doesn't really have much of a stance on anything seems to be an issue. He tends to flip-flop on issues... I wish I could remember where I read the article that stated that he flip-flops A LOT.

here's an msnbc.com article about it: http://msnbc.com/news/969659.asp?0cl=c1

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Thanks. That's interesting.

[trilliumgrl.livejournal.com]

Hey I'm probably going to give you a ring this evening about getting together sometime for Chai, so this is fair warning. :)

[lithera.livejournal.com]

*nods* Okay. I'll be at a book signing this evening, so all else fails, I'll call you back tomorrow.

[warpdragon.livejournal.com]

He's made a few statements, but the only one that jumps out at me is he's pro-gun control. There's a place for people who like assault weapons, he said, and it's the U.S. military.

I beleive he's solidly pro-choice, as well.

[arctures.livejournal.com]

He also becomes president, and eventually suppresses civil liberties on Mars and creates 'the Night Watch' on a space station and...

Wait.. wrong President Clark..

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Interesting.

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I thought about that.

[stef2dope.livejournal.com]

go to www.wesleyclark.com, then click on the 100 year plan. It pretty much sums up his issues and stances on a lot of things. As well as some of his goals, if/when he's elected president.

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

hmmm....

[bayushiboy.livejournal.com]

I'm on the NOT Bush for 2004 camp as well, but I definitely want to learn more about the alternatives. I have yet to see a strong Democratic/Independent/Gree/Alien Overlord candidate to support yet. If I may, what book signing are you going to?? Books are nice and shiny! Autographed books are even shinier, yes!!! The Preciouss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Re: hmmm....

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Neil Stephenson is signing at Kane Hall tonight. There might be tickets left (for free) at the U bookstore.

[innocentsinner.livejournal.com]

Hmm, somebody already mentioned the gun control thing, but I'm pretty sure Clark is also for gays in the military and, I'd assume, other gay rights.

I agree that he has very few platforms at the moment, which is kind of disappointing. But as I said in my post yesterday(?), I think that as a general, he could do a better job than any other candidate in fixing the whole Iraq mess. Not to mention that his experience would probably make him skilled in talking with other countries, notably European ones, that aren't too pro-American at the moment.

some articles I thought were interesting....

[stef2dope.livejournal.com]

I apologize in advance if these are repeates or have already been posted:

about his military career

his life story and background

an excerpt from a book he wrote that will be coming out soon as to how he would have handled the aftermath of 9/11

Hope this helps more :>]

Re: some articles I thought were interesting....

[lithera.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[gamethyme.livejournal.com]

Hmm. After reading this, I know that I will not vote for him.

Well, if he ran Democrat, I probably wouldn't have, anyhow ... but that really cinches it.

Clark and Clinton

[sordidatus.livejournal.com]

Both are from Arkansas and have been personal freinds since college. They were both Rhodes Scholars together. Wierd