councilor.org
| Source | Michael Hoover |
| Date | 03/07/06/03:33 |
| read somewhere that dean said others could call him a liberal [not sure
that label means these days]but that he didn't consider himself one, doesn't appear that his positions on issues make him progressive [whatever that ill-defined term means], below culled from post to another e-mail list... michael hoover health care complex 4-prong plan, extending multiple state and federal programs piecemeal, combined with tax credits and incentives, all of which dean claims is more likely to become law, but still won't cover everyone death penalty favors for "extreme" crimes like terrorism or the killing of a police officer, although critical of bush administration's "careless" approach to executions roe v wade pro-choice, but opposed to making roe v. wade a litmus test for federal judges kyoto treaty says we must "take another look," but has "concerns" about some provisions patriot act would repeal "parts," but also wants to expand intelligence agencies; praises feingold as only senator who opposed the act, ignoring kucinich's vocal house opposition, falsely implying no other candidate opposed the patriot act nafta/wto opposes "fast track" treatment of any future trade legislation; personally marched in Seattle protests Notes problems with "free" trade, suggesting the need for inclusion of human rights, environmental, and labor standards in trade agreements -- but still pro-nafta star wars ballistic missile system would cut only 1/8 of the funding, transferring it to international threat-reduction programs pentagon waste disagrees with any proposed Pentagon cutbacks, and advocates aggressive expansion of intelligence, police, and special forces balanced budget main priority -- even equating it with social progress: "we cannot have social justice without a sound fiscal foundation" -- describing himself as "to the right of bush" on the issue gun control supports closing the gun show loophole, but opposes other new federal regulation; considers guns a states' rights issue; an "a" rating from nra most of his career medical marijuana firmly opposed, although promises to abide by a proposed fda evaluation war on drugs has accepted national governors association position: more federal funding for all aspects of the drug war; however, also speaks of drug use as a medical problem, and has called war on drugs a failure gay rights signed a civil union (not gay marriage) bill as vermont governor, but opposes similar national laws as a states' rights issue energy supports investment in alternative energy and energy efficiency; however, has sided with Vermont state utilities on most issues iraq war firmly opposed, before, although he said in that he would support unilateral action if iraq had wmds; softened his rhetoric once the war began, now again firmly opposed, and highly vocal |