Desiring Machine

I am quite frankly disappointed in Kucinich’s “No” vote on Iraqi timetable resolution in the House. I understand there are many arguments that the bill doesn’t go far enough, and Kucinich may have had ideological “pure” reasons for his vote. But a no vote in this case is inexcusable. In my mind this destroys Kucinich’s credibility on the war issue. Not that he had much left after the Fox news debacle. I understand the anger of the anti-war left but there is a time and place for protest and there is a time and place for unity. Why Kucinich chose to vote no I will not understand, but it does show his basic anti-establishment attitude that is not helpful. Politics is a process of many people and coordinating efforts. It is not the strident protest, or singular conviction of one individual or small group of individuals. George Bush and the NeoCons have showed us the dangers of this approach to politics.

Ironically it was Kucinich’s vocal and somewhat isolated protest to the war in 2003 that made him famous. I remember when he stood up where no one else stood against the march to war. And for that I think he should be commended. But now is not the time for politcal desperadoes. And Kucinich’s obstinate clinging to protest votes is either misguided or even worse cynical. If you want to end the war, then join the party. No congressman is an isalnd and you are not going to stop it all by yourself. Even if you were on the vanguard of the anti-war movement.