The Good-night Clark Thread

[Jerseycoa]

Okay, my friends. We've fought the good fight for the General as he has for us. We'll see what tomorrow brings. We share one big broken heart tonight and some of us will shed more tears than we knew we had inside. But we have been lifted up by a great man who readied us to do great things. It's been so long since I have been a proud American, but I am tonight, so terribly, terribly proud of all of us and of Wes Clark.

Well, I can hardly type or see at the moment, so I'll stop there. :cry:

But if you can't sleep and want comfort, read this old thread NorCal unearthed just in the nick of time. It's the classic Clark thread from the bad old days when we had to fight every inch of the way for the man we believed in. Since then many DUers who despised him and all he stood for, or so they thought, have grown to respect and even care for him, and certainly they have shown their respect and caring for us tonight. I thank all the DUers who showed us such incredible kindness in our sorrow.

Without further ado:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=777592

:grouphug:

Good night, Clarkies :loveya:

GO WES!!

[democratreformed]

1. Good night, Jerseycoa

and other Clarkies.

[flamingyouth]

2. I'm very sad, to put it mildly

Take care, Jerseycoa.

:hug:

[TheMightyFavog]

3. *snaps a salute*

You had a great run, General. Here's hoping you get the nod for running mate!

[VolcanoJen]

4. Snappy Salute, General!!! See You On The Team!!

It would be rather foolish to waste this gift, wouldn't it?

Clark for Sec of Defense/State; UN Ambassador!!!

[BeyondGeography]

5. Hugs for all Clark supporters, many thanks to Wes

Night, night, Jerseycoa.

[frustrated_lefty]

6. Clarkies...

you are great people.

This may sound goofy, but every night Dean gets trashed, I listen to Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" a few times. That song, for me, says there's reason to fight and there's reason for faith. This young kid belts out honesty like I hope my kids grow to feel.

Maybe it's something different for you.....a different song, or a different mode of being.

At tough points we have to dig deep into our resources, find a fount of faith.

As a Deanie, I have had my share of sleepless nights, wondering what will come.

Maybe you guys could recommend meditations to your compatriots, hell, even things to inspire?

Just a thought, and if it's misplaced, I apologize.

[mmonk]

7. Goodnight

:cry: :grouphug:

[tishaLA]

8. Nite Jersey

[Semi_subversive]

9. Our new Secretary of Defense

and nothing less!

[countmyvote4real]

10. Clarkies aren't deserters. We're disappointed, but we will fight

for ABB.

But, if DK is still on my primary ballot come super Tuesday, I'll vote for him.

And then I'll be a good soldier.

[Tinoire]

11. Good night Clark supporters- You are one class act. n/t

[tameszu]

22. Wow--thanks Tinoire

But I think a lot of us will stick around on DU--and prove, I hope that we're real progressives, who are fighting more or less the same fight that many other DUers are fighting for! =)

[Tinoire]

32. You don't have to prove it anymore. Most of us are convinced

Certain Clark supporters did a fine job of carrying on the fine tradition you started and clearly, patiently explained their thinking & committment to progress until it sunk in that the Progressive Clark supporters we personally knew were not an anomaly.

The marriage was rocky and we were just too old when it happened.

Peace

[Tom Rinaldo]

35. Tinoire You are showing real class with that post.

Thank you for acknowledging that difficult process, and thank you for hanging in there also until we reached the same page.

Clark was obviously a very unusual candidate, someone who broke all of the molds. Those of us progressives who committed to him early saw a brilliant light flashing off one of the facets of his character, and we were amazed to find it there, seemingly in the camp of our enemies. But Clark was, and is, the truest ally any of us could ever have prayed for.

Clark knew and understood that some Progressive Democrats would be suspicious of him, and he showed such patience and grace in the face of that hostility. When I was up in New Hampshire for primary day I was standing outside of a polling station for three hours, and naturally got into a conversation with some Kucinich supporters. One of them told me about being at a restaurant "the other night" at at table with some other Kucinich supporters when Clark came in, and ended up joining them there for 10 minutes, just honestly talking about issues. He told me "General Clark is a good man." I thanked him and said, I know, and so is Dennis.

[Tinoire]

37. Thanks but the real class is among the Clark supporters

I noticed this out a while ago but didn't start pointing it out until this week and especially last night. When Clark supporters first got here (and trust me, the arrival- before your time- was as subtle as a herd of elephants) things were really rocky but you guys hung tough and didn't let yourselves be discouraged. The patience was amazing and the thoroughness with which certain people like Tamezsu, Bwaer(sp?), Dark Star and Volcano Jen answered private questions was something else. I really mean that about the class and feel quite bad that I didn't make my first public acknowledgement of that until last week.

Clark showed a lot of class too & it's unfortunate that he didn't have the all the necessary political accoutrements to make more of a dent and be given a fair shot. I would like to see him serve in the next (caveat- democratic) administration to see what he is about, how he would do. These are times of extreme mistrust and I hope a good man didn't get hurt during them.

It is funny you mention Kucinich supporters because despite what I thought was such a polarity in the candidates, the supporters had a lot in common. Same thing with Dean supporters who are only know beginning to see the writing on the floor. I think the only hope of the true grass-roots activists scattered throughout the three camps is to join together (but not us at the bottom- this needs to happen at the top) by forming some sort of an exploratory committee saying they are so committed to change that a Populist Congressman, a Centrist Governor and a General wanting peace are going to work together in a future administration as Position X, Y, Z. That I think may be our only choice to circumvent the establishment flouting the will of the people. What do you think? Was talking about this with one die-hard, friend, Clark supporter last night because we want the same thing- change.

Again and really though, the class is in the Clark camp. It's been clear for a while. Peace

[salin]

39. My own journey

during the war buildup, I appreciated that there was one voice among the talking heads... with real credentials... that was injecting some sanity into the discussions with questions and counterpoints... about the only rational discussions that ever happened on the news shows with panel of military talking heads - were ones that had Gen. Clark.

Yet, when he entered the race, with little political experience... I was skeptical (as I have been, in truth, about each candidate.) Have a dedicated pacifist in the family who was even more skeptical.

Was he an engineered "plant" by the Clinton folks? If so, then his platform and policy stands didn't make sense... the stands were firmly liberal and not marked with lots of wiggle room to move back to the center.

With such strong ties to the military could he really take the strong oppositional positions regarding this admins policies and ongoing rhetoric to set the stage for future conflicts (Iran, Syria, NKorea)? He went on the record, many times, calling the administration on a variety of related issues - sometimes taking the quick lead in doing so.

So I came to respect the General. And while not behind any single candidate (when one's primary isn't until May... one has that luxury)... I grew to appreciate him as a top candidate (and he remains among my 'favored' both in the role of a candidate and that of a president) Over the past month I was speaking with said family pacifist and encouraged a closer look at Clark - as this thoughtful individual was not oft prone to having reflexive reactions and I pushed that this should be the case. While not fully converted to "true believer" status - she came to appreciate Clark as well.

Here in Indiana each candidate needs 500 signatures in each congressional district to get on the ballot. She had been asked by the Kucinich folks to carry a couple of petitions. One day she ran across Clark supporters doing the same. She offered to take one of their petitions as well. While she offered from the principle that for democracy to be vibrant we need all choices on the ballot... I don't think that she would have taken the iniative to make this offer (and carry the petition around within the 'Peace' circle of friends that she circulates) had she not, like I, grown beyond just "getting comfortable" with Clark - but to actually appreciating that he would be a fine candidate and president. Believe me, I took notice at this action (and was proud.)

So while probably not as dejected as the long-time supporters, who have given time, money, and/or devotion to Clark's candidacy, I was saddened and surprised by the announcement. Even if he didn't carry the nomination - I think his presence in the race, his quiet dignity and refreshing 'nonpolitico' tone, has been a great asset.

Clark won me over... and I would have been very happy to work for his election. I just wanted to share the appeal that he has/had, even for those who were initially skeptical.

Thank you General for joining the presidential race. Thank you for letting the public come to know you. Thank you for making a big impression/dent in the public awareness that high ranking military service does not necessarily mean pro-republican, pro-neocon ideology - because the way the press used former high ranking folks in the buildup to the war... it would be the propogandized view left in the collective public psyche. Thank you - who had a blank slate politically and could thus create a platform going in a variety of directions (due to the lack of long record) - for holding up liberal values, liberal positions, and declaring so publically with pride. Personally I think it has helped set the tone that counters the long RNC drivel that liberals and liberal positions are somehow dirty and anti-american.

Please don't go too far from the public eye. I hope that you have just embarked on a new journey/phase in your life and that whatever direction it takes next will serve us all well. Good luck, General Clark... and again... thank you.

[Tinoire]

43. Thanks for that illuminating post

I can't say I got that far but towards the end, I did begin to question my distrust. You made some excellent points and I would like to see Clark in our future (democratic) administration in some capacity. I am sorry that I am more mistrustful by nature- part of that comes from having lived in a country where your relatives are mowed down in the street by people you grew up with because of political differences on whom the wealth of the country should benefit (wow, just like here except for the mowing down part) and having seen the results of dirty dealings & wolves in sheeps clothing first hand.

I don't think this will be agreeable to all Clark, Kucinich or Dean supporters but last night I realized that we are the 3 grass-root campaigns and each with its own strength. If the progressives among us were to combine forces and urge our candidates to set up an exploratory committee promising to all three work together on the same ticket, we would be unbeatable & would hand the people a resounding victory against the DLC. Not everyone in the Clark and Dean campaigns are grass-roots progressives but the essence, the passion for change is in those three campaigns.

I say this at a moment where Kucinich has begun to pick up the steam he promised at the beginning of the competition because I think that the three combined progressive and populist forces would be formidable against the establishment. That's a LOT of people making a lot of noise for change. Is this workable do you think? It's unfortunately something that would have to start at the top but I don't see why it couldn't happen and don't think it would be a bad thing at all. They all balance each other out.

Peace

[Eloriel]

12. It's a tough loss

and Clark supporters have been fiercely loyal (LOL -- a few of them a little TOO fierce, but we'll leave that alone for now).

You have my sincere sympathies. I know it's got to be a very rough night, and all of you deserve our support and empathy at this difficult time.

[RummyTheDummy]

14. Feigning regret

I really like these posts after a someone leaves the race from supporters of other canidates. They usually come from people who spent the last 6 months savaging Wes Clark, Edwards or Kerry and everyone else who didn't support Dean. Then on the night they leave, the post messages feigning regret and sadness.

If you were any more transparent you'd be shrink wrap.

[shindig]

19. nah

everyone here wants Bush out. So i think it's more sincere than transparent. What is transparent is that Judy Woodruff. OMG that lady. An obvious Bush lover, but supposedly in a neutral position on CNN, she can't think of one good word to say about Clark for five months. I mean it, not one. And now tonight she's all reflective and sad for him. I almost puked before I changed the channel mid-sentence.

[Jerseycoa]

21. I was trying to fall asleep, but nerved up so

I was watching the reruns of all the news I had avoided earlier. I could not believe the whole lot of them. You would think he had been their personal pick for prez! They all looked heartbroken. I think he had more press tonight than in the past month.

[OKNancy]

38. Yeah

and a lot of us were here long before the Clark-bashers were. Like all of a sudden this Clark rush came and they were evil-doe'ers. Give me a break. I don't believe it one minute.

[Rowdyboy]

13. Good night, my friends, I'm gonna sleep on it and see how I feel

tomorrow...Until then... :thumbsup:

[ResistTheCoup]

15. A good night Clark poem

Dedicated to my fellow Clark Supporters, who've I've come to know and love as much as the General himself. It has been a real pleasure to be in the same league with such a wonderful group of people. Thank you for always making me smile even in the worst of times and always making me proud to be a Clark supporter.

Also many thanks to other DU'ers who've offered such nice words to us tonight. It's really appreciated.

:grouphug: :grouphug:

:cry: :cry: :cry:

A poem by the General's favorite poet, Pablo Neruda.

You are the product of your self

Don’t blame anyone, never complain about anyone or anything
Because fundamentally you have made what you want in life,
accept the responsibility of educating yourself
and the courage to accuse yourself of failure.

The triumph of the truthful (real) man
rises from the ashes of error.

Never complain about your poverty, your loneliness, or your luck
take courage and accept, that in one way or another
they are the result of your actions and the evidence of what has to be overcome.

Do not be embittered by your own development
nor impose it on another
accept yourself now; or you will forever continue
to justify yourself like a child
remember that any moment
is good for beginning
and that nothing is as terrible as to be untrue to one’s professed principles (to halt)

Do not forget that the cause of your present is your past
just as the cause of your future is your present.

Learn from the strong ones, from the bold ones,
imitate the brave ones, the lively ones, the victors,
those who do not accept situations
thosa who overcome in spite of everything.

Think less about your problems and more about your work
and your problems, without nourishment, will die.

Learn to be born from pain
and to be greater than the greatest obstacles
look in the mirror at yourself
and you will be free and strong
and you will cease to be a puppet of circumstances
because you yourself are your destiny
and noone can replace you in the building of your own future.

Wake up in the mornings to see
and to breathe the light of dawn
you are part of the life force
now wake up, struggle ahead and make up your mind
and you will triumph in life.

Never think about luck
Because luck is the excuse
of the failures.

==========================================================
Tú eres el resultado de ti mismo

No culpes a nadie, nunca te quejes de nadie ni de nada
porque fundamentalmente tú has hecho lo que quieres en la vida,
acepta la responsabilidad de edificarte a ti mismo
y el valor de acusarte a ti mismo de fracaso.

El triunfo del verdadero hombre
surge de las cenizas del error.

Nunca te quejes de tu pobreza, tu soledad o tu suerte
emprende con valor y acepta, que de una u otra manera
son el resulto de tus actos y la prueba de que hay que ganar.

No te amargues con tu propio proceso
ni se lo cargues a otro
acéptate ahora; o siempre seguirás
justificándote como un niño
recuerda que cualquier momento
es bueno para comenzar
y que ninguno es tan terrible como claudicar.

No olvides que la causa de tu presente es tu pasado
como la causa de tu futuro es tu presente.

Aprende de los fuertes, de los audaces,
imita a los valientes, enérgicos, a los vencedores,
a quienes no aceptan situaciones
a quienes vencieron a pesar de todo.

Piensa menos en tus problemas y más en tu trabajo
y tus problemas, sin alimentarios, morirán.

Aprende a nacer del dolor
y a ser más grande que el más grande de los obstáculos
mirate al espejo de ti mismo
y serás libre y fuerte
y dejarás de ser un títere de las circunstancias
porque tú mismo eres tu destino
y nadie puede sustituirte la construcción de tu propio futuro.

Levántate a mirar por las mañanas
y respirar la luz del amanecer
tú eres parte de la fuerza de la vida
ahora despierta, lucha camina y decídete
y triunfarás en la vida.

Nunca pienses en la suerte
porque la suerte es el pretexto
de los fracasados.
Pablo Neruda

[maddezmom]

20. thanks for posting this poem

knowing it's one of Clark's favorites helps. Powerful words.

[Kinkistyle]

16. You fought a good fight General.

And I supported you every step of the way. I hope to see you out there again in another 4 years. Looks like its time to break camp and settle down in Kerry's base now.

JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT 2004!!!

[ResistTheCoup]

18. Right after someone's wife or husband has died

would you ask them out on a date? Or do you maybe think it's appropriate to let them mourn for awhile? Sorry, but your post really struck me the wrong way.

The DNC has already decided they don't want my vote in the primary so I plan on obliging them. I don't plan on breaking camp anytime soon.

[eileen_d]

17. Clark, and Clark supporters... thank you all

I'm sad tonight.

[Guava Jelly]

23. What a loss

I am embarassed to be a democrat today.
We had a gift a rarity An antiwar general with a resume that was extremely excellent.
I will vote for Skerry because i am a good little democrat who realizes America cant take another 4 years of the retard in the white house.
I allways thought the Repukes were the sheep blindly following what they are told to do and think.
But i guess i am a pot calling the kettle black.
the media called him frontrunner realeased polls saying he could beat bush and our sheep grabbed it and ran
Bill Clinton was right you know.
Americans would rather be strong and wrong(fake sense of electability)
Then right and light(the best man for the job)

Democrazy in action

[incapsulated]

24. Ok, this is really it for me

I've got to get some sleep and I'm starting to get emotional again. First I was angry now I'm weepy, too.

I don't care if I'm flamed: Democrats, you don't fucking deserve him!

:cry:

[maddezmom]

25. go get some rest

:hug:

[incapsulated]

26. You *too* mom!

:hug:

[JNelson6563]

27. I admire your passion Clarks supporters

You fought the good fight and worked hard for your candidate. I respect that very much.

Julie

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lurking Dem]

This post

is the karmic equivalent of a toxic waste dump.

[Bonobo]

29. I had an upsetting Clark dream.

After losing, he finally showed, in an interview, his wounds from the Vietnam.

He pulled a plastic tube that was hidden in his waistnband (it was like an artificial artery cause his blood was circulating throughg it) and he showed how each night he has to insert in into this hole in the side of his neck before he goes to sleep so that his blood remains filtered and he doesn't get jaundice.

He did it with the that classic Wes modesty that we have all seen and never made a big deal about it. I know it sounds weird or silly, but you know how dreams don't have to make sense in order to leave you with an emotiona feeling? Well it was an emotional dream. I'm gonna miss having such a good guy and straight shooter running for POTUS.

[MidwestMomma]

31. Maybe the wounds in your dream are the ones inflicted in this primary

God knows people have been sniping at him since he entered the race. Wes never played up his veteran/hero status. One of the many things I admire about him. I still think his quiet strength would have been the antitode to the braying ass in the Whitehouse but seems not to be. Thanks for sharing. It's always weird when you wake up from a dream like that.

Thank you Wes!

[Bad Thoughts]

34. I have felt the same

I really feel that Wes sacrificed a lot to make his run.

[Bonobo]

40. Congrats on #100, Bad man!

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[KittyWampus]

33. Apparently America, Like An Alchoholic, Will Have To Hit Bottom

Before they realise the need to turn of the television and learn to think for themselves.

There is so much more pain that will have to be endured before things can possibly get better.

As for the Business-As-Usual politicians still in this race- "The trouble with Normal is it always gets worse".

[ibegurpard]

36. Don't ever give up

Regardless of who you support keep working for change.

[salin]

41. tribute - kick

[TexasSissy]

42. Good night, fellow Clarkies. Good night, John Boy. Goodbye, Columbus.

Sniff Sniff.