Why Doesn't Kerry Hit on the Environment?

[MaryH]

There is so much information that he could use. All of the stuff that has gone on behind the scenes and under the radar.

The environment is a huge issue for a lot of people - including me.

[kwolf68]

1. I believe

Because while he is more than right on the environment that isn't something that makes someone change their mind-usually.

Republicans by and large support the exact same type of environmental and conservation measures favored by Democrats, however, they vote for Republicans anyway. Out of sight, out of mind so to speak.

The only way Kerry can use this message is to tie it into a perspective of a larger, more obscene problem that ties wealthy donors to the destruction of our biosphere, the exploitation of our people and the enslavement of children in 3rd world lands.

Kerry can use the environment, but it has to be wrapped in a more dedicated vision. Right now, I don't see this vision. I see nothing but "talking points"...Stuff like "we need better health care" isn't a vision...its an idea. Bush, for the crookedness of him, at least is giving a "vision"...its obscene, but it's a vision...the vision is "a safer America" type bullshit.

This is why lunantic right wing fascists win elections...they put their "vision" (tied in with populist talking points) on the table of a "better America". We may think its absurd, but it connects with people. I'm sorry, but "we need better jobs" doesn't connet with me. It's like NO SHIT we need better jobs.

Kerry needs to promote a progressive vision with right wing talking points (safety, war)

[onehandle]

2. The Sierra Club is the one of the muscles on this subject.

They're running commercials. I saw one in Georgia. We just got their latest magazine a week or two ago. Virtually the entire issue was dedicated to Bush's crimes against nature.

http://www.sierraclub.com/sierra/200409/

[JI7]

3. he does

[OneBlueSky]

4. I agree 1000% . . . Bush is very vulnerable here . . .

and he does NOT want the issue raised in any meaningful way . . . I think Kerry should be hammering a new environmental issue every day . . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=743897&mesg_id=743897

[MaryH]

5. I do too.

Not just the Yucca Mt affair - but the forests that he is opening up to logging. And the mercury problems and the acid rain and the waterways and wetlands. Even the States are suing over acid rain and too much mercury. And it was just announced that something like 1/3 of all states have so much mercury in the lakes that no one should even eat the fish.

And the huge coal-fired plants on top of everything else.

No where has Bush helped the environment that I can see. PBS just ran a segment on how they have decided to count salmon - they are adding in the raised salmon so the figures look better by billions.

It is just one thing after another. And I wish he would just let them have it.