Cardin, Steele, or Zeese? Who am I supporting for U.S. Senate?
Two nights ago I attended the first U.S. Senatorial debate between Ben Cardin (D), Michael Steele (R), and Kevin Zeese (L, P, G). The debate was held at the Baltimore Urban League which had adequate space for the crowd that showed up, but the sound system was horrible. Me and a sister named Charlie walked in together and decided to be “debate buddies” sitting next to each other on the 2nd level.Â
On that level you had Steele supporters on one side and SEIU/Cardin supporters on the other side. Ironically, I was sitting right in the middle - a most appropriate location given my political leanings. For you see, I’ve become increasingly disenchanted with the two party system in our nation and my state. Both parties are corrupt and owned by corporate interests who with the power of the dollar control the legislative direction of our country. Since coming to that realization, I’ve given more and more attention to the third party options.Â
In Maryland, the Democrats are highly suspect - often trying to appeal to African American voters based on the historic loyalty of my people to their party. However, the Democrats have more talk than walk. In Maryland, not one statewide African American democratic candidate made it out of the primaries. A group of African American Democratic Senators in Maryland calling themselves the “Committee of 10″ called them out on it.Â
The Republican Party is a monster that I would have great difficulty supporting on any level if it continues as it has nationally and locally. In Maryland, they’re working hard to win the Senate seat with an African American candidate, but after seeing Steele in action on Tuesday night, I’ve concluded that he’s more style than substance. His main message during the debate was that he would be a senator that would “listen.” He danced around the issue of the Invasion/Civil War in Iraq and didn’t have many good ideas about anything. While his television commercials try to portray him as a moderate Republican and someone who would be independent on Capitol Hill; Steele has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the National Republican Party and its leaders. Bush raised $500,000 for him back in November 2005. Do you really think that they’re going to help Steele get to the party on Capitol Hill and then let him dance with whomever he wants once he gets there?Â
Cardin doesn’t get a pass either. Cardin is controlled by the Democratic Political Machine. He’s been in elected office for 20 years! He’s a mainstay to the party and would never question his comrades even if they were wrong. He’s an expert at holding the party line.  While he touts voting against the war in Iraq; he’s pretty quiet on voting for every funding bill for the war. The U.S. has spent now more than $300 billion on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And we don’t have funding for education because? Check out who controls Cardin’s tongue by controlling his wallet by visiting the Center for Responsive Politics.  Finally, Cardin has been silent on challenging Israel on human rights abuses and united nations resolution violations. He was silent on the disproportionate carnage poured down on Lebanon in late July/early August. He wasn’t alone in supporting Israel no matter what they did. The Jewish Lobby and AIPAC control much of Congress - Republican and Democrat alike - very few of them were free to speak the truth.Â
Finally, I don’t believe in the “vote for the lesser of two evils” philosophy. If I’m voting for the lesser of two evils, I’m still voting for evil. I can’t bring myself to do that. So I’m giving the bulk of my support at this point to Kevin Zeese who is the unified candidate of the Libertarian, Populist, and Green Party. Those parties don’t accept corporate donations so they can’t be bought by the corporate monster. Zeese speaks of the common sense and courageous policy ideas that I think many Americans agree with on many levels. I agree with him on Iraq, the Middle East, Health Care, Education, and many other issues.Â
I saw a great thing at the rally on Tuesday. I saw youth and young adults in the room standing, cheering, and excited about Kevin Zeese. Why does he excite us? Because we feel like someone is finally listening and courageous enough to build his campaign around the will of the people with no influence from the corporations.Â
We’ll see what happens in this 3 way race for U.S. Senate in Maryland. Whatever happens - along the way, I pray that more younger voters will do some research into third party options and not just fall for the “either its Democrat or Republican” way of thinking.Â
October 7th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Thanks Heber for all of the “real” stuff on these candidates. I have no idea on who I am voting for. Can you run for office? (lol)
October 7th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Keisha, I used to think about running for office, but after being close to the political machine for the past two years, I’ve seen things that have discouraged me from doing so. The system as it stands is corrupt - there’s no nice way to put it. I’m too much of a revolutionary idealist to put myself in a position where I could possibly be corrupted or even give the appearance of corruption.
To put my interest & knowledge in the political landscape (and passsion for God & social justice) to good use, I have found a few others positions of community influence that I have my eye on.
Besides, your sister has expressed interest in running for office and I’m doing all I can to push her out there…..(smile)
October 7th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Regardless of party affiliation potential candidates receive funds. They always have. It is what it is. I don’t have anything against them getting it regardless of the political affiliation. However when you accept money from any organization there are usually “unwritten conditions” involved.
I’ve met Michael Steele several times over the past few years and am curious to see how he does in this race. In some ways he reminds me of myself politically, on certain issues, he definitely has an independent streak. I first met him about seven years ago over the years we have crossed paths at various functions. I met quite a few of the politicians over the years (Clinton, both Bush’s, Gore, Gingrich, Ehrlich, Schaefer, Keyes…) I had a chance to chat with them briefly, some on more than one occasion, and I learned a lot. I don’t vote by party I vote by what the person stands for.
I’ve always been amused at some of the black leaders accusing certain black conservative republicans of being “puppets”. In many cases they are “puppets” themselves since they receive financial support from others within their party. If they didn’t behave or talk a certain way they would not receive monetary support. Hypocritical! Yes both parties are guilty of corruption.
October 14th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
Heber, It was a pleasure being your debate-mate. Thanks for you unbiased perspective on the debate. I gotta agree with you, Zeese made quite an impression; he had little to lose by raising the concerns and expectations people have of their government: Good Schools for All, quality health care for All, practical spending of Our tax dollars, and [my personal favorite] freeing working people from excessive tax burdens. I think what the voters want most from their leaders is the courage to express bold ideas that challenge the norm. I believe if more candidates showed more courage–the same courage working men and women show everyday when they challenge a system that favors the rich and powerful– more people would be moved to vote. If Zeese’s presence in this race serves any purpose, I hope it is to excite and engage voters who have grown weary politicians too indoctrinated to too afraid to step out of the box.
October 17th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Charlie? Hey! Glad to see you found my internet home. With a name like “Heber” I’m not surprised that you located me.
Yea, I’m an idealist and a realist when it comes to politics (and sometimes more of an idealist). Some would say that it is unlikely that Zeese will win on Nov. 7th, but like you, I believe that his message resonates with many people - particularly younger people who have lost all hope in the two party system and see the corruption in both the Democratic and Republican parties.
What I am convinced about is that 3rd party candidates will begin to gain greater traction in Maryland especially if conditions in the state and the nation continue on the path that they have for the past 5 years. Voters will start exploring viable alternatives and we’ll first see changes in local municipalities. (City Councils, County Execs)
I’m voting for Ed Boyd (Green Party) for Governor and Kevin Zeese for U.S. Senate. My older colleagues say, “Heber, you’re crazy! You’re throwing away your vote!” However, I don’t go for the lesser of two evils voting strategy any longer. A vote for the lesser of two evils is still a vote for evil. I want to vote for a candidate that champions the issues that are more in line with the pulse of the common woman/man. On this one - the political system in America will just have to catch up to the will of the people and admittedly that’ll take some time.Â
November 1st, 2006 at 2:09 am
Elected for 20 years? Cardin has been in office for 40 years! He worked in the state congress before bringing the status quo to Washington. I too am voting for Kevin Zeese. It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses in this election. What’s important is that he has managed to attract an unusually high level of media exposure for a “third party” candidate. I think this bodes well for the future of Maryland politics (and particularly for the Green Party). The Green Party is on the rise in Maryland. The Democrats can’t keep a monopoly on politics forever…
November 1st, 2006 at 8:22 am
Thanks for the correction, “Joe”. 40 years?! That’s even worse.