Abstract

John Kerry for President

Presents an editorial regarding the case for voting for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in the 2004 United States election. Statement that "The Nation" endorses Kerry for President; Claim that there is a crisis in U.S. democracy; Discussion of disagreements "The Nation" has with Kerry, including Kerry's support for the Iraq War and plans to increase the military budget; Characteristics of Kerry that would make him a good president, including his intelligence, courage, respect for law, willingness to cooperate with the international community, concern for social welfare and others; Criticisms of President George W. Bush including his opposition to the formation of a September 11 Commission, the waging of war in Iraq, the lack of nuclear arms control, the withdrawing of the U.S. from environmental protection initiatives and others; Impact of Bush's economic policies on the U.S. economy; Statement that in the 2000 election, candidate Bush lost the popular contest and was put into presidency by a Supreme Court decision; Suggestion that the reelection of Bush would send the message that the public supports Bush's policies; Importance of protecting U.S. democracy; Claim that the agenda of the Republican Party is to increase its power; Reference to the Bush administration's justifying of the torture of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq; Reference to the report entitled "AR 15-6 Investigation of the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility and 205th Military Intelligence Brigade," by Major General George Fay; Claim that Bush's administration has a disregard for the law; Discussion of the role of activism in the United States.