Personal News - Part V

Back on Sunday, February 29th, Kucinich was to participate in the NYC Debate at 11am, which he did, plus interjected comments several times over Kerry & Edwards. Bravo! I left my apartment a little after 10am to head into town. Subways were majorly delayed and it took me 45 minutes to just get into Manhattan. Insane! On top of that I read wrong email info on which CBS Studio location to go to and ended up walking alot, plus taking a taxi. Finally arrived at CBS Studio location just after 11:30am on West 57th Street. At least it was a lovely, sunny, relatively warm day outside. Across the street from the studio was the enclosures for supporters to Kucinich and Sharpton. I didn't see any supporters for Kerry or Edwards, since I got there late. But was informed that like the Deanie contingent, the Kerry and Edwards folk were most like "paid" supporters. The whole point of being a volunteer/supporter to a particular candidate, is that you believe in his or her platform and/or vision, NOT being "paid" to fake the belief. Kucitizens are NOT fakes!

One of the first people I ran into at enclosure [there were 30+ Kucitizens] was Harry. We talked for abit and I even got a hug. Cool dude! I asked where the Kerry and Edwards supporters were and he said they left after their "paid time" was up. Disgusting! We Kucitizens have devoted our time, effort and money to getting the word out on DJK. He is the one true progressive candidate and what this country really needs right now. After talking with Harry I made the rounds to say HELLO or chat with Stephanie, Thom, Larry, Robert, etc, etc. Everyone was in good spirits. There was also a Socialist Group [NO, they are NOT closet commies] talking to ALL the varied volunteers and passing out literature and newspapers. [I have one of their websites bookmarked. Intense & fascinating.] One young chap latched himself onto Larry and I while in mid-conversation. He droned on for 10 minutes or so about the government system or lack thereof. Larry and I lent our thoughts on some points, but for the most part this person just wanted to preach. Well, that's how it seemed to me & Larry. We still have the right to free speech ... right? Hum..........

By this time, its after 12 noon and the candidates were suppose to leave. Tho we'd heard that Kerry and Edwards left on 56th Street. Whatever............

A buzz went up amongst ALL the supporters, including the Sharpton people, as the himself [Rev Al] came out with a small entourage. He proceeded across the street to briefly speak with his supporters. Some of us Kucitizens made several comments [amongst ourselves] and/or observations regarding Rev Al ... such as ... nicely dressed, abit plump and needs a new hairdo. About 5 minutes or so after Sharpton left in a limo our own DJK came out front entrance of CBS Studios. Some of our Kucitizens were invited to view the debate from a special room inside the studio and they
[ie: Jane, Hugh, Mary & Jess] also came outside. After a short span Kucinich came across the street [with his small entourage] to greet us volunteers. We cheered, chanted, clapped and waved our banners in great joy. DJK made a point of shaking all 30+ volunteers hands and saying a few words. I said to him ... "god bless you and thank you for everything". Not the most witty, but I was overcome with happiness. My first impressions as he came over to us was ... slim figure [he's a vegan], nicely attired, good smile, personable and gregarious. After shaking our hands Dennis came into the enclosure with us to make a brief, tho very inspiring speech. We all listened with rapt attention. Then he turned to a cameraman to give a short statement in Spanish. Then off to his limo, as he was catching a flight back to Ohio to do more campaigning.

After that we stood around conversing for 15 minutes, putting away banners et al. The primary was held on Tuesday, March 2nd, for at least 10 states. Kucinich did great in Minnesota and Ohio, placed 4th in NY State. Due to this primary on the 2nd, he picked up 10+ delegates. [There are still a few more primary's coming up for states like FL & TX.] The night of the primary my dear friend Tom [CA] called at 8pm to thank me for ALL the Kucinich and media tidbits I sent via email. Not only to Tom, but other friends and e-pals. He also mentioned that due to what's going on in the US/World he's back to his Liberal roots AND voted for DJK. All this news brought a smile to my face. WooHoo!

Personal News - Part VI

The latest on E&Y work front, is that, I've been a busy bee at the office over last week or so. Even clocked in 10+ hours of OT. [Worked a few hours last sunday afternoon, right after the NYC debate.] Even after greedy Uncle Sam takes a huge chunk in taxes ... it'll still be a nice little bundle of cash in my paycheck. This past week was the busiest with setting up materials et al for a two-day conference on Wed/Thurs. Even got to nosh on some damn good food & wine. Thursday was the busiest day of the week ... starting out with getting to conference at 8am, helping out all day until 5pm, then change into gym clothes for 6pm session with personal trainer, then hop on subway to Greenwich Village area for a Kucinich Meetup at V Bar. Wasn't too crazy about the location for this meetup and not many folk showed up. [Bummer ... sigh] I did have some interesting conversations with BC, Mary, plus two chaps and a enthusiastic German gal. By the time I got home around 9:45pm I felt fried.

Back on Monday my father went into hospital for surgery on his lower back to relieve pressure on his nerves. [Plus it was arthritis related too.] As it caused him constant pain not only in his lower back, but right leg too. Mom and I kept posted via the phone and the surgery was pretty much successful. [He's walking about with little pain now.] Dad was able to come home midday on Tuesday and is spending rest of week recuperating.

Friday evening I attended a terrific party at Robert J's place [potluck - awesome food - tried Papaya for first time - yummy] in Tudor City [eastside of midtown Manhattan]. Many Kucitizens were there to celebrate the post-Super Tuesday primary. Our spirits were not damped by the fact that DJK didn't do so well in primaries and made a firm resolve to continue the progressive movement. I brought my own homemade Hummus, which turned out to be a huge success and also a Vegan dessert called "Grape Nut Bars". That also did well. Chatted with many different folk on several topics, whether it was political or otherwise. Those that were able to attend and who's names I remember are: Harry, Steve, Ed, Arly, MaryLou, Terry, Joan, Connie, Michael, Jess and Liz. There were many others and I apologize deeply to those who's names I cannot recall. It was a long week and the brain needs to be recharged.