Friend -

It's not easy to stand up when no one else will. It's always easier to let the status quo stick, allow popular opinion to remain popular. The person who sings in a chorus is a lot safer than the solo. As a former President of Veterans For Peace, I know standing up to conventional wisdom isn't easy.

But there's one leader who's always had the guts to call it for what it is, to ask the tough questions, to stand up for those who have no voice -- Dennis Kucinich.

We remember too well when George Bush and the corporate media peddled the lies that took us to war. We shouted "NO!" as Republicans and Democrats rubber stamped the criminal adventure. We protested as they continued to fund it, well after all of the justifications were proven wrong.

Dennis never wavered once in his opposition to the war, despite being excoriated in mainstream media. He never got distracted by the direction of the political winds or what some leaders in Congress were saying. Time and time again he voted against money to fund the war, regardless of the political pressure to "support the troops." He stood up on the floor of the House and demanded an end to the suffering and madness while we marched in the streets, demanding the same.

His tireless efforts to end the war were matched by his efforts to make sure that the needs of the men and women who came home from war were met. He has worked to stop delays in veterans' benefits, and in a time when Congress can talk only of budget cuts and deficits, he led the passage of an amendment to increase funds for finding a treatment for Gulf War illness by 25% to $10 million. 1 out of every 3 Veterans of the first Gulf War suffer from Gulf War illness, and though the national debate had moved on, Dennis didn’t.

But my reasons for supporting Dennis go beyond his leadership on peace. He not only votes for what we desperately need in this country, like universal health care, sustainable energy policies, reproductive choice, education and jobs, he champions these things like no other in Congress -- fighting, speaking out, demanding justice.

Most importantly at this time, I support Dennis because he is in a close election battle to retain his seat in Congress with a long-time incumbent from the 9th District of Ohio -- the district I've lived in all my life. After redistricting, Dennis' District 10 was merged with District 9 where he's now running in the Democratic primary.

The challenger Dennis faces voted repeatedly to fund the criminal conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, totaling over $545.3 billion to date. She recently voted against the DREAM Act. She voted against closing Guantanamo and for the Patriot Act, limiting freedoms in our society. She has supported Nuclear Energy over renewable energy. She has even supported Offshore drilling. She has been a consistent supporter of the arms merchants and in turn, they have supported her with handsome campaign contributions. And while we have so many needs here at home, she votes to expand our military presence around the world. Personally, I like Dennis' opponent, but on too many issues she has stuck with the status quo, while Dennis has led with conviction and principle...and delivered!

We NEED Dennis in Congress, because on issue after issue there is simply no one else who will stand up and do what is right, over and over again.

Because he has stood up time and time again for what is right, not what some industry lobbyist wants, he isn’t exactly at the top of every special interest’s donation list. He is in a very close race and at a financial disadvantage in his reelection effort, and he needs our support. Please join me in donating $10, $20, $50 dollars -- whatever you can -- to keep this critical, brave voice in Congress. Dennis Kucinich needs our help now.

Sincerely,

Mike Ferner
Life-long Resident of OH-9 and past president, Veterans For Peace