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

[leftLibertarian]

Sean, Loved "Into the Wild" dude.

Dennis Kucinich is the only Democratic Candidate with BALLS. He tells it like it is: Impeach the Criminal Cheney and an immediate US withdrawal from Iraq. No BS 'timetables' like the lamer Democrats.

Sadly, he has only - what 1 percent or so support in the polls.

Seems like the vast majority of Democrats like Cheney and want the war to continue.

[maluwelton]

I wish there was a movement for Dennis on the Democratic side like the movement for Ron Paul on the Republican side...

[ikeispissed]

Dennis, Dennis, He's our man, If he can't do it...

Fuck

[Camel54]

One more thing, how many of you Kucinich supporters have given money to his campaign? How many of you have asked others or inspired others to give money to his campaign? It's so easy to log on and complain about how the rest of us are narrow-minded and so on, but what are you actually DOING to get Kucinich into the White House? Ron Paul supporters have made him a force to be reckoned with by supporting him with cash--you know, the stuff that makes our process work the way we want. Sean Penn is out there giving passionate speeches (oo whoa oo whoa) and likely passionate dollars. Have you given any speeches? Organized any rallies? Sent any checks?

[leftbehind2000]

You know, not a single vote has been cast yet. Not one.

A month ago, Hillary's nomination was "inevitable." Now we are actually reading that she is behind in Iowa and in a close race in New Hampshire. Who knows which candidate will be annointed the "frontrunner" next week.

We let these silly polls tell us who we are going to vote for before we even cast our vote. That's just plain ridiculous. It's easy to be cynical, but don't let that dictate your decision.

This race is a long way from over. Any one of the candidates can still be our nominee. Rather than saying it can't be done, perhaps we can just make it possible.

Regardless of the media or party noise, I'm still planning to vote for the BEST candidate. At least if that individual is still in the race by the time I'm allowed to cast my vote.

[laurenc]

Forgive me, Sean, I love your work, and your wife's work, but I do not worship at the shrine of Dennis. Let us remember that he voted ANTI-CHOICE and anti-women's health and privacy rights until only 3 years ago. As a feminist, I also lose respect for someone who "picks" a wife 30 years younger rather than someone of his own generation. I think the electability argument, which is about saving everything we hold dear, is more relevant about Clinton/Obama vs. Edwards. Edwards can win period, and he is more progressive than either of the two front-runners. Please join Danny Glover--and now Harry Belafonte--in supporting a brave man who can defeat the Republican noice machine.

[SunshineDaydream]

the following is a passage from dennis's autobiography, The Courage To Survive:

When I left the Plain Dealer, I made up my mind to be a participant in events, not a spectator. I had begun to believe that one individual could make a difference and help to make this a better world. A passage in Robert Kennedy's campaign book, To Seek A Newer World, said it for me and inspired me to help in his campaign:

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples can create a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

thank you, mr. penn

[DustyT]

Sean - Kudos to you.

What we need most is a NEWS culture that doesn't rely on ratings and soundbites and gives each candidate equal time.

The mainstream media coverage so far has only mocked him and made him a punchline and it is a SHAME and a DISSERVICE to all of us.

I would love to see Dennis treated as a serious candidate and see him elected. I'm afraid I've lived in the US too long and have lost the idealism that we were founded on.

[chouwalker]

The reason George W. Bush, the worst president ever in the history of this country, is president is because a bunch of Nader supporters voted their conscience in Florida...

Kucinich is awesome. So is Obama. Obama can win.

[DrVeruju]

Good on you, Sean. I am sure you put into words what the vast majority would think, if they bothered to do so.

Vote for the Constitution. Vote Kucinich.

The BS Media (formerly the MSM) have decided to make sure that Dennis is not electable. What has he had? 0.001% of the exposure of the so-called "front runners"? The most I have heard from his was here

http://www.movementvisionlab.org/blog/hpf-video-footage (about 1/3 the way through).

[toomuchtolose]

Thank you. So many of us want Kucinich to be the next president, but our voices aren't being
heard. It will take people who already have a voice to say outright and aloud I AM VOTING FOR KUCINICH. HE IS ELECTABLE IF WE VOTE FOR HIM.
The press has determined who we can vote for and they give no coverage at all to the one
person who speaks for us and the constitution.
I hope more people take the time to say "I'm
voting for Kucinich even if it takes a write-in vote." I'd rather go down with him than support another candidate who fails every time to save our constitution. THANKS.

[kahalaman]

Sean,
Your thoughts highlight the complex issue of idealism vs pragmatism. I attended a small campaign event Kucinich appeared at, here in Honolulu, and left being very impressed. My friends commented as we were leaving that it was a shame he would never be elected. Both Gore and Kerry could have won, despite being unfairly portrayed by the corporate media, by using a more practicle approach in their campaign.
I share your frustration in seeing an administration that's devoid of intellect and morals, prevail over obviously better people. It's equally frustrating to see democrats drop the ball again and again, by refusing to address the practicle aspects of politics in this country today.
When I hear the argument that it's better to vote your concience than the lesser of two evils, I think of the effect that Ralph Nader had on the 2000 election. If Al Gore had been in office instead of BushCo, imagine how much better off this country and it's standing in the world would be!
I'd love to see Al Gore jump in the race, but another good man who is and has a chance of winning, is John Edwards. He not only points out that our government is fundamentally corrupted, he has enough character to admit that he has been as well. He's founded a national organization to raise up the lower class that's been pounded by corporate greed in the last two decades, and he loudly opposes the insane notion of building new nuclear plants in this country.
Dennis Kucinich is a courageous, smart, highly moral man, and he would make a great president, but this country is not ready to elect someone like him. An idealistic but pragmatic person would see that.

[dzho]

Damn straight. Clinton is obviously the most experienced, skilled, best-connected politician, and best qualified to carry on running the Homeland. But I hate this crappy Homeland. I love the country I grew up in, the United States, and I want it back. Kucinich seems to be the only candidate who still believes in it. Maybe our Democracy is just too idealistic to work; but even if we vote for him and he loses, or he gets elected and fails, we’ll have stood up for our principles instead of what’s on TV.
It’s better to stand for something and die, than to give up our souls and live.

[pacem]

Thank you Mr. Penn! I agree wholeheartedly and would be amazed if we could get Kucinich elected; but this country would be so much better off for it!!!

[javagirl322]

Thank you, Sean...