Piano Wire Puppeteers: The Constitution, Media & Dennis Kucinich

Sean Penn is presenting this in person today, December 7th, at The Creative Arts Building at San Francisco State University.

It's been an odd week. For me, a particularly odd week. But that's another story. So, wait a minute. Iran DOESN'T have nuclear weapon capability??? So, who are we gonna bomb? I want to bomb somebody! Didn't Senator Clinton just vote in essence to give President Bush the power to bomb Iran? If he had done it last week, would that have made her right? I mean, if she knew then what she knows now? Or am I getting that backward? Golly, I'm confused. And what about President Bush? This week, Vladimir Putin, the man Mr. Bush said he "Looked into the eyes of and found to be very straightforward and trustworthy." So much so, he was "able to get a sense of his soul." Well that soulful fella has just successfully coalesced the most dangerous power base in Russia since the Cold War amid rumors that include allegations he ordered the assassinations of journalists and imprisonment of noted proponents of freedom (Oops).

Meanwhile, our President's great enemy in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, that "totalitarian," "authoritarian," "dictator," that "mad man run amok," somehow was unsuccessful in his bid for the constitutional reforms that would have allowed him to be repeatedly re-elected for life...Hmmm? Odd week, you know? Really. What happened to Chavez's "strong-arming?" His "electoral corruption?" His alleged "gagging of the press?" How in the hell could he have lost? I'm sorry, did I miss something? How is it that this "Commie bastard" with 80% of his citizens having elected him in the first place was unable to prevail? Could it be that we've been lied to about him? I mean, Pat Robertson's not a liar, is he? His god wouldn't let that happen, would he? And god-forbid, our god would let the right-wing pundits, left-wing corporates, or our own administration send us a bill of goods!? Is it possible, I mean I know it's silly, but is it just a little bit possible that President Chavez is in fact a defender of his people's Constitution? That, that's how his referendum could fail? And that that's why he accepted it with such grace? A constitution which I have read several times. Quite a beautiful document, not dissimilar to our own. You might give it a read. Oh, I forgot - he's a "drug runner."

Let me share something with you. Late one night in Caracas, I met with a couple of fellas, mercenaries I think you call them. Goddamit, I keep doing that. I mean "contractors." They were Brits, their specialty: drug interdiction. These two were no great fans of Chavez. They called him "radical" and expected him to fall to an assassin's bullet within the year. Like him or not, he had the cash to win their acceptance of his employ. And working alongside the Venezuelan military, these two, based in Caracas, had played the mountainous and jungled border between Columbia and Venezuela. A zone rife with paramilitaries, FARC guerillas, and mer...scratch that, contractors. What I was told that evening in Caracas by these piano wire puppeteers was that they had never worked for a government whose investment in drug interdiction was so genuine. "Yeah," said one of the Brits, "I gotta give the bastard Chavez that."

But I was talking about the Constitution. Most importantly, our own. And what an odd week it has been. Our culture is engrained with a tradition that blurs the line between what is right, what is just and what is constitutional, with what is a scam. That tradition is the cult of personality. What can TV sell, what kind of crap will we buy. And at what point are we buying and selling our rights, our pride, our flag, our children, and succumbing to meaningless slogans that are ultimately pure titles for un-Americanism. How do we know what's American and what is not? Because John Wayne tells us so? Because Sean Penn tells us so? Susan Sarandon? Bill O'Reilly? Michael Moore? Senator Bull? Or Senator Shit? Ann "my bowel expenditure" Coulter? No. It's our Constitution. We don't use it just to win. We depend on it because it's the only "us" worth being. And because it's our children's inheritance from our shared forefathers and the traditions that really do speak best of our country.

So, here's the question. We got Iowa coming up, we got New Hampshire right on its ass. Do we sell it for electability? If Hitler were the only candidate, would voting for him be most American? Jump on a plane with me. Okay, we're over the Middle East now...Let's land. Take a deep breath.

Imagine the bodies, burned and mutilated, the concussive sounds of gunfire and explosives defining the last horrifying moments of the dying and the dead. Imagine the millions of refugees fleeing through the deserts of Iraq, the babies crying, and the stench of death in the air. Yuck. Let's get back on the plane and head home.

Now, imagine American servicemen dead or broken, returning from a broken military to a silent casket or a broken veteran's administration, to broken lives and broken businesses, broken wives, unspoken husbands, and devastated children. And what for? What have we gained? Al-Qaida recruitment is up. Terrorism is up. Quality of life is down in our country and around the world. While the rich continue to get richer and the poor, poorer and more numerous. And on the verge of recession, we are witnessing the dramatic disassembling of the middle class amidst a flood of foreclosures and unpayable debts. To Osama Bin Laden's infinite delight, we have become a country of principle breakers rather than principle bearers. We are torturers and we too often, imprison only the weak. When our own administration chooses its bewilderingly un-American agenda (For the entitled people? By the entitled people?) over the Constitution in defining American values, principles, and law, Bin Laden laughs at the weakened sheep that we and our representatives have become. High crimes and misdemeanors? How about full-blown treason for the outing our own CIA operatives? How about full-blown treason for those who support this administration through media propaganda?

While I'm not a proponent of the Death Penalty, existing law provides that the likes of Cheney, Bush, Rumsfeld and Rice, if found guilty, could have hoods thrown over their heads, their hands bound, facing a 12-man rifle corps executing death by firing squad. And our cowardly democratically dominated House and Senate can barely find one voice willing to propose so much as an impeachment. That one voice of a true American. That one voice of Congressman Dennis Kucinich. This is not going to be a sound bite. Not if I can help it. I'm torn. I'm torn between the conventional wisdom of what we all keep being told is electibility and the idealism that perhaps alone can live up to the challenges of our generation.

Of the democrats running for President, only Congressman Dennis Kucinich's candidacy is backed by a voting record of moral courage and a history of service to our country that has fully earned our support and our gratitude. And when I say support, I am not speaking to democrats alone, but rather to every American who would take the time on behalf of their children, our planet, and our soldiers to educate themselves on the Kucinich platform.

In the recent debate among Democrats in Las Vegas, the candidates, one after the other, placed security ahead of human rights. Benjamin Franklin once said "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." Then, there was good ole Patrick Henry. Remember him? "Give me liberty, or give me death." These were the real tough bastards. The real John Wayne's. These are the traditions we should be serving. I found the debate infuriating, nearly an argument for fascism with few exceptions, key among them Dennis Kucinich. Of course as a strategic politician, Mrs. Clinton pulled out her set of Ginzu knives and dominated once again on "centrist" political strategy. In fending off attacks upon she, the front runner, she reminded the audience and her fellow candidates, "We are all Democrats."

Wolf Blitzer asked each candidate if they would support the other should they themselves not be the nominee. One after another, the answer, yes. One exception: Dennis Kucinich, who with the minimal time allotted him, once again rose up beyond the sound bite and put principal ahead of party; argued policy rather than politeness. He has been the dominant voice of integrity on issues of trade, labor, education, environment, health, civil liberties, and the one endlessly determined voice of peace. But is he too short? Does his haircut not appeal? Is he not loyal enough to a cowardly democratic platform? Does he not appeal to the cult of personality? And what if the answer is yes? What if Dennis Kucinich, the most deserving and noble of candidates, the most experienced in issues of policy and the least willing to play into the politics of personal power? What if we can't elect a man simply on the basis of the best ideas, the most courage, and the most selfless service? What does it say about our country when we can't rally the voices of the common good to support a man, like our troops, who would die for us, who would die for our constitution? Who, as mayor of Cleveland at the age of 31 stood up against contracts on his life. Three separate assassins whose intent was to kill him as he stood up for his constituency there. Nonetheless, he carries on. He continues to serve.

I've been a supporter of Dennis Kucinich for several years. And I've been torn lately. I've been torn by the allure of "electability." I began to invest some support in a very good man (one among Dennis's opponents) who seems to be finding himself as a constitutional defender, but he's not one yet. He is however, among those that we allow the media to distinguish as electable. But we're talking about the Constitution here. We're talking about our country. I have decided not to participate in proactive support on the basis of media distinctions. I have chosen to pledge my support to the singular, strongest and most proven representative of our constitutional mandate. Dennis Kucinich offers us a very singular opportunity as we share this minute of time on earth. We, the people. It is for us to determine what is electable. And here's how simple it is: If we, those of us who truly believe in the Constitution of the United States of America, all of us, vote for Dennis Kucinich, he will be elected. Could we call him electable then? If so, America will stand taller than ever.

Let's remind our friends in the social circles of New York and the highbrow winner-friendly and monied major cities that support Mrs. Clinton, that this is not Bill Clinton. For all the misgivings I have about our former President, he raised up friends and opposition alike, his great gift as a motivator of interest and activism, of self-education and participation was, on its own merits, a unique gift. But don't underestimate personal agendas, those that initiated NAFTA, betrayed Haitian refugees and gay rights in the military within a minute of his own election. Don't underestimate that part of him when he gives his wife the face of his talent. Don't underestimate the damage her poisonous ambition can do to this country. We can't wait for the benefit of hindsight to service the benefit of Mrs. Clinton's career. Let's raise up men and women of vision, of integrity, of belief in our principles. How exciting would that be to do? How good would that be for television? What if we turned this game around? Imagine watching on television, our country raising up a leader because he represents our Constitution. Yes, good things can be good TV. So, let's give the Constitution another read, shall we? And then decide who its greatest defender would be. I suggest that Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike will find that they know what's really right in their hearts and minds.

Comments

[MFabregat]

Yes Yes Sean,

Lovely!! Now if only those small martians were to reach earth and blow congress along with all of it's hefty garbage(moraly & lifeless souls),we find away to fight back the martians,..then after all is done, we begin a new MOVEMENT, new SYSTEM, A new WORLD...AGGH cleansed air!!! Rubbish isn't? Wishful thinking!!!

M-

[nammy50]

Like you Sean I want the best for this country. Its what we were taught to expect. Sadly the cream does not rise to the top in these days of spin and control.

Kucinich stands out from the pack simply by telling the truth– and we are gobsmacked- wow, the truth!

I will write-in Kucinich on the ballot in 2008!

[Chuckbutcher]

I could get right behind Dennis, right up to where he waves a copy of the Constitution which contains the Bill of Rights which at number 2 has that inconvenient Amendment that scares the pee out of him. Damn, Dennis, even if you don't like it; it still counts.

So, while I could ignore electability, tossing principle on top of it breaks the deal. And no, screechy person, it does not refer to the National Guard, not once in history except in your Organizations' feeble interpretations.

[vginger]

After hearing and watching Sean Penn on the Bill Maher show..I now make it a point to read anything he posts. Very straight up person..pulls no punches. I agree in part about D.Kuchinich. I love his ideals and his bravery in standing by them..its something about the man..I don't know what...somehow, I have a feeling he might turn radical..in a not so good way..if elected. I wish I could be clearer in my mind about him. Mr. Penn, let me ask..if you were entering the voting box this minute...who would get your vote? I know I don't have to say "be honest"..how could you not be.
By the way...to those who are critical of Mr. Penn because he is an actor..if thats all he had to back him up...I might be critical also..but from what I can tell..he walks his talk...that includes walking the world..actually experiencing what he writes about..that says it all. V.

[jaybird6239]

I agree so much with Penn. Everything I read, anytime I hear DK speak, I immediately think he's the one I identify with...he's the best for the job. Many friends say the same thing about DK, yet, everyone (including myself) think he's unelectable in so many ways. We Americans are a strange lot, citizens who elect Presidents based on looks, whether we can "have a beer" with them, religion, etc. Factors that are not relevant for this high post. Why and how did we get to this point? I continue to struggle with this question of whether DK is electable and what I should do with it when I walk into that voting booth. A third party is a dangerous thing (as we saw the impact of Nadar)during difficult times like today. I dread the prospect of any Republican back in office....so where does that lead us when we vote. Our media does us a great disservice when they continue to black out lower tier candidates. Those very people are worth hearing and raise/force issues that need to be discussed by all. To this day, I still can't see how I will answer this problem regarding my feelings of DK and my vote.

[TheLar]

Yo Sean! You're the man, but I have to disagree. I voted for Nader in 2000 and although in my state it wasn't even close (Gore won easily) I won't do that again.

Practicality and idealism at odds again.

Larry Nocella
http://www.LarryNocella.com/

[elion10]

Mr. Penn,

Is there such a thing as a "great actor" who does not connect with his audience?

Is there such a thing as a leader who does not inspire others to follow?

I agree that Kucinich has been right- and has displayed the courage of his convictions, but all this means nothing if he can not bridge the divide between himself- and the people.

You seem to say "come on people, wake up and listen to Kucinich" ..

Would you give two shits for an actor who needed someone to do that for him?

[2Truthy]

Sean,

Thank you for being courageous and for not compromising your integrity during an election cycle that is separating the elitists from the masses. While the lives of the majority of white collar Americans are being used as bargaining chips as elites race to sell off jobs in exchange for importing cheap, foreign labor which Kucinich recognzies as wrong. If the New Gatekeepers in our liberal and so-called progressive media (tee-vee, blogs, authors, etc.) would have half the courage as you to step away from the teat of the corporate executives who they are desperate to hitch their stars to and gain book endorsements from... but as Geopolitics govern the positions of our frontrunner candidates, Kucinich has yet to cave on principles which he has consistently demonstrated with his voting record.

[vfp]

I agree with almost everything DK says, but I can't vote for him. Not because he's unelectable, but because he doesn't have the skills to run a campaign let alone govern. I worked for him last time around. Wonderful people tried to help him and DK sabotaged them every time. I could go on for hours about how painful it was, the crazy things I saw. If, by some strange twist, Dennis was elected ... god forbid. I'm still grateful to him for saying the things he says, for the voice in the debates (as rarely as he's asked to speak), but elect him? OMG you really don't want that to happen. Support his voice but vote for Obama. Pass it to a new generation. Don't let Bush/Clint­on/Bush/Cl­inton happen.

[Pero]

Thank you, Sean - a great article, however, we are already "well done"

Worth seeing - WH criminals (plus Congress plus Rupert Murdoch's media (Murdoch is WR Hearst of our time)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlF2YcnWUio

[click212]

Thank you Sean Penn,

A much needed reminder to some of us who are distraught about the high jacking of this campaign. I am a supporter of Kucinich and feel that the media and the three front candidates have shamelessly dismissed the other more qualified people. Just think how Mike Gravel has been totally pushed aside by the media and we are not demanding equal coverage.

I believe we need a third party and a real watch dog press. What is evident is that posing as democracy is a political mafia that supports only those that answer to their call. Reminders of Tammany Hall. Way before out time but still the strong arm politics that sell our democratic principles to the highest bidder. You have money you can play the game. It is all about the rich and powerful keeping the status quo.

Thank you again and I thank Kucinch, Gravel, Dodd et al. for keeping the dream alive, because if you look at Clinton, Obama and Edwards all you see is the usual dog and pony show.

[prochange]

I am always angry if somebody even mentions that Kucinich is not electable.

If more and more people speak out and make him more known, more and more people will realize that there is a candidate, who represents the people not the billionaires.

I prefer Kucinich to somebody who is sold like a panini-maker or rides on the success of a husband. Even if a wife has contributed to the career of her husband, it is still his career not hers.

I despise the media and also the bloggers because they do not mention Kucinich enough and do not give him enough airtime at debates.

And if Americans are so shallow that the size, haircut or suit makes a president, we truly deserved the president who was chosen because people felt comfortable to have a beer with a dry drunk.

[racetoinfinity]

Sean, thank you! What a great post! It synchs/rises with my heart and mind and soul! - well expressed and passionate - great! (I'm keeping this in a notepad to re-read and send to friends and family). (I'm a Kucinich supporter too btw).

Re: Shrub and Putain - I mean Putin - I had the same thought today while watching CNN - Christine Amanpour's doc. "Czar Putin". Georgie boy looked into the eyes of this clearly fascist, low-consciousness charming and seductive (which is a very typical characteristic of -- pyschopath(s)), strongman (Slavic Sadaam with a bit more education?) - and saw a beautiful soul. Where? Under the rock where it still lay uncoiled and un-self-aware of? asleep? LOL. Bush wouldn't know the real thing if it bit him in the ass.

--------

Read "The Shock Doctrine" to wake up politically; Read "Big Mind, Big Heart" to wake up Spiritually.

[factanonverba]

I saw Dennis speak at the Commonwealth Club this past summer. My thoughts as I left the speech was that they would kill before allowing him to President. He's electable. Dennis has a passion unlike anyone I've met. He is in this because he wants to effect change. This man does his homework. How many congressmen read the Patriotic Act before voting for it? Dennis did and that's why he voted against it. But I remain torn: My heart says Dennis, my mind says John Edwards.

[Pdubya]

sean, thanks. can't we all go fishing with harry crews, ed harris and fuggetabout it?

ug, wish it were that easy.

pdubya - hogtown, fl