Hi, Friends,
Here's our next article. It's a very interesting interview with Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Let me know what you think!
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/3/every_nation_needs_to_be_disarmed/
Peace,
Ms. B
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I do believe that the nations of the world should rid themselves of nuclear weapons. People should not be creating weapons that can destroy the globe; it is completely unnecessary and immoral. Though I firmly agree with Kucinich on this matter, my other beliefs do not align perfectly with his. This interview seems too scripted. The ideas that he presents are wonderful, too wonderful. Unfortunately, nations have difficult times communicating with one another and simple peace talks are not always effective. In my personal opinion, military action is sometimes necessary to right a wrong or fix and injustice, but that does not mean that whenever a nation acts wrongly that we can simply attack. I feel this is a politically charged interview becacuse it occurred when Kucinich was running for the presidency and that some of the things he said were meant to gain campaign support. My question: Would Kucinich stand by these statements today? Would his answers regarding these issues be different if he answered them in the 2008 election?
ReplyDeleteSam S.
B Block
I think Dennis is a great candidate. He has done great things for ohio, and I'm sure he can do great things for the country. I like his views on things. He wants to get rid of polarities such as black and white and poor and rich. This is exactly what we need. He is right that without getting rid of these we are getting nowhere and we won'tmake any improvements. I also like how he doesn't just focus on us as a country, but instead us as part of the world. He has very good and positive views. One question I have is: does he believe his goals of getting rid of discrimination between things such as poor and rich are realistic?
ReplyDeleteAnna C Block C
I really like the way that Dennis Kucinich thinks he is really positive and truly wants the best for everyone. One of the points that he made that I really liked was that people shouldn’t be creating nuclear weapons. He says that nuclear weapons are unnecessary and we shouldn’t be creating things that can destroy our globe. Some of the things Kucinich says don’t seem real like if he did become president I don’t think he would follow through with the things he says. One question I would ask him would be what he thinks of President Obama?
ReplyDeleteKaila Hardy Block A
I found it interesting to read what Dennis Kucinich said on the war on Iraq and other important issues of the day. He has good points, such as getting rid of nuclear weapons. I think that he is doing a good job with his thoughts and actions as to better the American people and the world. I think that if he puts his view points into action, he could make a difference in the world. The one question i ask is what does Dennis propose we do, in a realistic sense, to help with nuclear weapons?
ReplyDeleteSarah R
block C
Dennis Kucinich had a very interesting view on the war in Iraq. He made the statement that he does not want the nation to be the policeman but to be equal but to achieve this one country will have to step up and stop the violence by themselves. Also it seems that some of the other countries may not look at taking away the weapons as a good thing. If we were to be the only country to not use weapons many of the other countries may see that as a hole for them to attack and conquer us. If we were to taken them all away we would need many other strong countries standing with us to be able to support our people. The world which he talks of would be very ideal and though it is not impossible it would take a lot of teamwork and unision with other countries.
ReplyDelete-How would he specifically use nonviolence to get rid of all the weapons?
Cristyn E.
Block C
I really liked how Dennis Kucinich stayed positive throughout the interview. Even though very serious matters were being discussed, he brought out a positive side for each of them. One thing that he talked about was getting rid mass destruction weapons. I think that his point of view on that topic is very good. I also liked that at the end he stated that he is working towards making the nation a safer place.
ReplyDeleteMy question is if elected, how does Dennis plan to take all his views on making the world peaceful, and puting them into action?
Bridget VanDenHaute
Block B
I think that this article is interesting for many reasons. First, I think that his ideas for an end to the war in the Middle East and United States military operations that do not cause more harm than good are very noble. There is no point to fight fire with fire, to try to force disarmament through war. If we seek to destroy terrorism, it must be done only through peace and successful discussion. Second, I agree with the statement that Congressman Kucinich made in regards to the United States to defend itself. While war is not a good thing, I think that it is sometimes necessary for the defense of the whole. Finally, it is frustrating to me that Dennis Kucinich made this statement while he was running for President because he does not have a generally pro-life stance on moral issues. I cannot stand that he will advocate an end to war and nuclear weapons but not an end to abortion in the United States. If I could ask any question about this article, it would be directed right to Congressman Kucinich. I would ask, “How can you assume such an anti-war stance without taking time to recognize the value in all life?”
ReplyDeleteAmanda DN
B Block
This article really frustrated me because I hold conservative values. I felt that this article was more directed to politics that to moral issues. Although my values differ than those of Congressman Kucinich, I do agree that nuclear weapons, and those that have the ability to destroy the earth, need to be dealt with and should not be used in any circumstance. However, I disagree with the statement that using war to disarm countries will create more terrorism for two reasons. First, I disagree because Iraq was informed that many countries would invade, the majority being US military, after they refused to accept an inspection for weapons of mass destruction ordered by the UN. I also do not believe that America and the other countries’ intentions were to kill; I believe that the intentions were to relieve the Iraqi people which brings me to my second reason. I don’t think that war created more terrorism. Since we have been over there, the combined military efforts of many countries have gotten freedom and a democracy for the Iraqi people. Logically, talking to resolve conflict is always the best approach but because of the many cultural differences recognized in today’s society, talking is ineffective. My question would be, if it was not for our strong armed forces, would our country still have the freedoms it was founded on?
ReplyDeleteAshley K
Block A
This article was very interseting and very relatable to the current state of our nation. I liked how Dennis Kucinich had very positive, nonviolent views towards change in terms of Iraq. he made a valuable point in this article when he stated that if we continue to use agressive violence in Iraq, we will only create more terrorism. The war issues in the Middle East need to be dealt with, but we need to be intellegent about dealing with them in positive, peaceful ways. Putting an end to these violent acts would help both nations involved to create peace and unity between them. some questions that I have are what are some other ways that Congressman Kucinich plans to create more peace in Iraq. What would be different about our nation if we didn't have the basic right of common defense?
ReplyDeleteJoni G.
Block B
I strongly agree with Dennis Kucinich's opinion on war in our world. I believe that in order to protect our country, we need not kill thousands of innocent people. Although I do think that protecting our country is obviously vital for our survival, I know that there is a much safer, efficient way to provide safety for the world as a whole. Communication is obviously key to improving our sense of communion as a whole. America, in my opinion, should be the silent leaders in regards to having a safe, patriotic world with universal laws, but they should definitely refrain from being overbearing. It's like anyone of your friends: if they become rude, telling you what to do all the time, you will never want to hang out with them.
ReplyDeleteKucinich mades some very good points including the Deceleration of Independence and how freedom, life, liberty, etc. applies to everyone. What is one way that he plans to begin his process of a world-wide community and peace among all nations (if he ever was elected president and also as the Ohio Congressmen)?
I like some of Kucinich's ideas. Espeacially the one about how we can restore the American dream. He clearly understnads what we want. we don't war or fighting we just want peace withint our nation. Yes, we need to protect our country but we also need to hear what the people want. Dennis is the right person for that. he sees outside the box. He has ideas for not onyl this country but all nations. He is just a very nonviolent, positive man and that's what i like about him.
ReplyDelete-how does he plan to put all his ideas into action?will he really follow through with them?
Hather Corrigan
Block B
Dennis Kucinich made some very good points in his interview. He stated that his main goal if he becomes president is to gain world peace. By going to war in Iraq and the Middle East, this is taking away chances of making peace. He knows that common defense is part of the Declaration of Independence, but he is saying that we can approach it in a different manner. Many countries carry nuclear weapons which is another reason that reaching world peace is difficult. Dennis stated that this is the time for all of this negativity to change. We need to destroy all the nuclear weapons and start to begin to heal our world.
ReplyDeleteHow would Dennis Kucinich go about reaching world peace when he became president ?
Kristyn W
Block C
I really like the fact that when he was asked the question "What do you mean by 'our historic mission'" he responded by saying something that i think many Americans forget, our country was made on the basis that we call hold common ideals about life , liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea should not the extend to Americans for we stated that "all men" are equal I believe this arguement is very powerful.I thought this was interesting that we calls for an international disarment, and how he classifies that war as one of aggression. many people wouldb e quick to judges and say that the war as a whole is always wrong, but Kucinich states that in the case of self defense it is alright. It is sad when he puts in perspective how many countries have or are develpoing nuclear weapons, it is sad that it has come to that. I find it noble that he is stepping up to meet the challenge of peace because not many do these days.
ReplyDeleteEmilee p.
block b
my question is if elected what would be Dennis Kucinich's first move as President on this peace issue?
I strongly agree with Kucinich's desire to bring about peace. Our country shouldn't be worrying about what the next moves will be in the war in Iraq. Rather, our country should be trying to figure out how to bring peace between us and Iraq. If our country has enough money to make nuclear weapons strong enough to destroy the world, then why cant they put that money to better use and save the world. I also agree with Kucinich saying that we need to always remember our historical roots that say that all men are created equally.
ReplyDeleteSince Kucinich was not elected as president, what does he plan to do as a congressman to carry out this plan for world peace?
Oops i forgot to put my name.
ReplyDeleteRebecca A, Block C
I really like Dennis Kucinich’s view point on the Iraq war. He had made and brought up some really good valid points. I would agree with a lot of he had to say especially, when he talked about nuclear arms. He had said that he believed that no country should posses them because nothing good can come from them. He brought up the idea that the United States should start working with other countries on making the world a better place. He said that as the most powerful country we have a responsibility to not abuse our power and to help other nations. I liked the fact that he was a big sponsor for bring peace to the world. I think that the world needs more politicians who are more focused about bring peace into the world, rather than always worrying about money and other material things. My question is even though he brought up some good points on bring peace into the world, do you think that it could actually happen and what he was talking about is realistic?
ReplyDeleteBride S. Block B
Dennis Kucinich has an interesting view on the war in Iraq. He is right when he says we need to distinguish between the right of a nation to protect itself and the ability of a nation to assume the role of aggressor. He is also right when he says that every nation needs to disarm itself. However, no nation will willingly give up its weapons while any other nation still possesses its weapons. If all nations could collectively reduce their arms piece by piece, perhaps all nations would one day be completely disarmed.
ReplyDeleteDoes Dennis Kucinich have a plan for getting the nations of the world to disarm themselves?
Erin J, Block C.
I througlhy enjoyed being exposed to Dennis Kuncinich's view on the war. I believe he has a very positive view on what is right for not only Ohio but our country as a whole. His statement about reducing arms slowly is a very good idea. Although many people dislike Kucinich i think that if everyone was exposed to the ideas he expresses throughout this artical they would see how good his thoughts truly are.
ReplyDeleteEileen A
Block A
Will people actually listen to what Kucinich is saying or just right him off because they already have a strong formed opinion on him?
After reading this article i think that Dennis Kucinich made some great points on what is going on in the world. I do believe that nuclear weapons are a major problem and the nations of the world should get rid of them. I think that all his points were very well thought out and need to be acted on. He said that the United States should start working with other countries on making the world a better place. He said that as the most powerful country we have a responsibility to not abuse our power and to help other nations. I believe that if the U.S did do this the world would be less violent and a better place for our children to grow up in. My question is how would Dennis go about reaching world peace if he became president? Are they realistic?
ReplyDeleteGenna C
Block:A
When I read the first answer Dennia gave after the first question, I completely agree with what he says. We as a nation should become unified with other countries so there are not any divisions or boundaries. I also agree with the fact that our nation needs to come to terms with others in a "compassionate listening" where each side heres what the other has been going through. I also believe in what he says that we need to bring peace to our nation and others so we can protect the next generation and teach them all they can. I think Dennis is a great candidate for presidency.
ReplyDeletesorry ! that comment was from me
ReplyDeleteChelsea F. block b
If we were to bring about world peace, how would Dennis maintain that peace?
This article was okay, not one of my favorites though. However i do believe that Dennis brought up some pretty good points and had good back-ups for them. one point he made that i really agreed with was when he said "They didn't say 'all Americans are created equal,' but rather 'all men'. In putting it that way they were expressing a universal sentiment which includes people from all over the world." This is important because this optimism and factual truth is needed to bring the economy, the whole world, closer together and let everyone know that equality is a world-wide thing and can and should be carried out. Another statement he made, "I support disarmament. But if we use war to disarm Iraq, we will create more terrorism", which in my opinion is true. We want to make things better for the U.S. and Iraq-- which cannot be obtained by killing. Question: If he propsed any ideas to the President, could he have any effect of persuasiveness on the President?
ReplyDeleteAlexis L Block B
After reading this article I thought that he has some really good points. For example, when he stated that we should over come our divisions in society and come together as a whole. This makes me think of all the racism and other things we do that hurt other individuals. And, if we didn't do them and it didn't exist we wouldn't have war, riots, etc. Another great point Kucinich made was we have to stop playing the blame game. We drag out so many things that don't need to be and if we ended this we would be able to solve problems more quickly and efficiently. This all expresses how we should just have peace in the world which I personally believe would be awesome. But, this might never be possible if we go along with all the things we do today. This is why I think we need someone with great leadership who will listen and take action like Dennis Kucinich. What is America's view on Kucinich's run for president?
ReplyDeleteKristina Chalkwater
Block C
After reading this article i have found new respect for Dennis Kucinich. I thought he made some amazing points, especially about foreign policy. It really made me think when he said we should use war as a common defense and that what we are doing isnt really defense. I also thought it was intersting when he said that we have to overcome things to show who we really are. We cant let certain conditions get in the way of that. My question is how would Dennis specifically bring out change?
ReplyDeleteMaggie D
Block B
Dennis Kucinich is one crazy man. I mean this is a good way. He is so crazy strong with the points and veiws he is trying to get across to the United States. He says something and then follows up to it and completes it to his best nature. I really enjoyed reading about his many points and views on the society and the ways of the people. I really like his point about how our nation was formed through the understanding that everyone is unified. We all follow and respect the idea of a right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
ReplyDeletequestion: What is it that people dont like about Mr. Kucinich?
hannah flanagan c
Dennis Kucinich expressed a view that a lot of people in America have, but few speak up about. He proposed a way to bring about world peace and to bring the focus away from war and more towards communication. If we communicate more it is less likely that we would have to bring about violence to solve our problems. I completely agree with Kucinich's ideas, that we need to accept each other and the key to peace is unity. We can never learn to get along if we don't learn to accept each other for who we really are, no matter if we are poor, wealthy, black or white. I also like his idea of disarming nations, for this could do a lot to help bring about world peace. Nothing good comes out of weapons so therefore we shouldn't need to use them. Instead we can use communication to settle our problems. War and violence are not necessary and in fact can be avoided. My question is how would Kucinich go about getting all of the nations to disarm themselves?
ReplyDeleteJessika H. Block C
I completely disagree with Kucinich when he says that the war with Iraq is a war of aggression, not a war of defense. In fact, the war was begun shortly after 9/11 when America was in a position of defense, not offense. Whatever America’s part has been in the Iraqi War, we cannot just remove ourselves from the mess and think everything will get better. We need to stay in Iraq and clean up the mess that we’ve made. Also, Kucinich said that we need to “take steps to stop the killing,” yet he sees no reason to stop Hussein, who had killed hundreds of people. However, I am not against the creation of a Palestinian State in the Middle East. I do think, however, that Kucinich, or anyone else contemplating getting involved in that problem, that thorough research is required. It was the western world who caused many of the recent conflicts in the area, so we must be sure that our actions will lead to peace instead of more fighting.
ReplyDeleteWhat would Kucinich do if peaceful words could not solve the Middle Eastern conflicts?
Mary Jo M.,
Block B
Ariel Redden Block: A
ReplyDeleteI like the way Kucinich speaks his opions there always strong and right to the point. I especially like the idea where he says he wants to get rid of nuclear weapons. They are destroying earth to the point where we need to officially get rid of them. I think we needed a strong leader like Kucinich because anyone can talk about making things better. But, he is a strong and well rounded speaker to actually make a change to our world. ALthough its not going to happen in one day, it needs to be done. Like he says i think we should all come together to make our world a better place. There is to much hate and crime and way to much unemployment. I like Kucinich but question is how is he going to start his bid ideas?
While many of Dennis Kucinich's thoughts on peace were nice, he didn't seem to have any ideas of solving the problems of war and terrorism in the world. Everyone can agree that war is bad, but what are we going to do about it? How can we make a change? I disagree with Kucinich's last statement about nonviolence being inevitable. Wars have been fought since the beginning of time; it's a part of human nature and it's something that he cannot change overnight. Also, I found it interesting that Dennis uses the argument that our United States government was founded on the basis that all men are created equal, and that our "historical roots" are based on integrity and one-ness with the world. Our historical roots also show slavery, racial segregation, and the imperial surpression of places like the Philippines. Even today, the United States does not have a clean slate after numerous accounts of unjust abuse of Iraqi POW's. If we are going to encourage disarmament in the world, we need to start with the problems in our own country. I thought that this article was just an unrealistic campaign interview for Dennis Kucinich and had nothing relevant to say about justice or morality.
ReplyDeleteMy question is, what plans does Dennis Kucinich have to promote peace in the Middle East.
Sarah D.
Block A
I think that Dennis Kucinich's ideas about peace and solidarity are nice, but unrealistic. I agree that war is bad, and nuclear weapons should not be used, but trying to disarm the whole world of weapons is almost impossible. War and weapons have been apart of this world from the beginning of time, and although I do not agree with them, it is unrealistic to expect people to willingly give up things they use as protectors. He also says that the United States, as one of the leading countries in the world, should lead the world in this trend of disarmanent by abolishing nuclear weapons and making treaties. I believe that nuclear weapons should be abolished, but as the strongest country in the world I can't imagine us taking the initiative. If elected for president, I doubt that Dennis Kucinich would enact on half of these beliefs.
ReplyDeleteHow many other politicians support his idea to make treaties to stop nuclear weapons and abolishing our own?
Julie DeLong
B
i totally agree with Dennis Kucinich. i believe that racism and divisons between social classes still exist in the world today, and if we are expecting to move forward, we need to work together to overcome all of that. i also believe that we have lost time and energy due to the obsession with the war in Iraq. If we had not been so focused on that we could have had more energy to apply to the middle east. My question is who are the other few Democrats to unequivocally criticize another war in Iraq?
ReplyDeleteMaggie Berry
Block A
Something that struck me most about Dennis Kucinich's interview was the destruction of nuclear weapons. I thought that was very interesting and it really made me think. I believe that if we did this we would be one step closer for the world coming at peace with eachother. I also believe that we need to overcome the polaritites that get in our way, for if we do this we will become a closeknit society.
ReplyDeleteMy question is how hard would it be to get other nations to get rid of their nuclear weapons?
Mo Bole =]
Block C
when i first saw that this article was about Dennis Kucinich i was very unsure about how i would feel reading it. As i read i realized that Dennis should have pursued his campaign for President. i think that he wouldve made a great president and wouldve helped to unify not just our nation but our world. i especially liked his views on the war in Iraq. I liked how he used the preamble to prove that we shouldnt fix other countries because of groups that are started there.
ReplyDeletemy question is: is he going to run for president again in the next election?
Beth R
Block C
Its was sad how right Dennis Kuchinich was in the intreview. Class divison and rasists still exist today and its not bringing our society any closer together. The key to peace is unity! ALso, it was nice to see a government offical disagrees with nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are one thing that is truly destryoing our land and even us and they did to be stopped. Its one thing if people have ideas about helping world peace and its another thing when people do something about it.
ReplyDeleteMy question is what does Dennis plan to do to solve the problems of war and terrorism in the world today?
amy s
block a
I understand where Kucinich's views come from but I do not agree. I do agree that society has many different sides of why we are in war. His theory just do not seem very reachable. I do not think that an average person would agree with the aspect of war. I do believe that every country deserves the right to protection. I think that Kucinich is all talk. Many of his theories would be out of the question if he wished to act on them.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Dennis would act upon any of his ideas if elected for president?
Taylor Whisler C
It's scary how many countries are capable of blowing up our whole earth. I definitely agree that weapons of mass destruction should be eliminated. I also agree that our country has the right to self-defense and that in the beginning, right after 9/11, our country did attack in self-defense but I think its to the point where we are going no where with this war and that we need to figure out a different way to end terrorism. Majority of what Dennis said seemed like a good view of the war but his ideas seemed like they'd never work with today's society and government. I thought his ideas were somewhat unrealistic. My question is if terrorism is increasing why does the US continue to approach the war the same way we have been since 2001?
ReplyDeleteBritt M
Block A
I really think Dennis Kucinich is a very smart man. It was very scary to think so many countries are capable of nuclear war. I like his idea about weapons of mass destruction being eliminated however all countries do need to protect themselves. This is not a perfect world, and people do attack other people so we all have the right to defend ourselves, and sometimes that involves steps we do not always want to take. My question is: Is there any other way that all countries could feel secure without having posession to nucelar weapons?
ReplyDeleteColleen M
Block C
Dennis has a very interesting view on peace and the war in Iraq. I expected my views to be very different than his on these issues, but to my surprise I agreed with some of the things Dennis said. I definitely support when he said that every nation should be disarmed of nuclear weapons. I think this would be a great idea to force peace among nations. There are some things though that I did not agree on. A lot of the things he stated about the war in Iraq seemed very hard to be able to achieve, even if he think he could as President.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the first thing that Dennis would do for the issue of peace if he became president?
Katie P
Block B
Dennis Kucinich's approach to the US as a peaceful and nonviolent nation make me rather hopeful. Of course, he's a politician, and politicians have a habit of going back on their words, but Kucinich had the right idea about war and not going after the country simply because of some terrorists from that country: the entire country didn't commit the act, simply the group of terrorists. Kucinich seems like a smart man to have realized this. There is, of course, a reason that Kucinich wasn't elected as the Democratic presidential candidate, and I believe that that is in part due to the fact that he was too optimistic and not realistic enough with what he wanted to do. Kucinich didn't want any war at all, but what would he have done about the current situation in Iraq? His hopeful propositions make it obvious as to his lack of majority support, especially in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteDoes Kucinich realize that his idealistic, opportunistic ideas of peace in the Middle East using compassionate listening and other such things aren't realistic when people, in general, aren't compassionate towards others?
CC F
B
I do agree with Kucinich's standpoint on nuclear weapons. I also find them completly unnecessary, when all they do is harm our earth. However, this is basically the only though him and I have in common. I respect his opinions, though don't agree with most of them. It was interesting to see him talk so passionatly about this touchy subject though. Although I think his goals and ideas about no nuclear weapons are very positive and hopeful, I wonder about how passionate he really is, is he really dedicated to fixing this issue. My main questions is what is he going to try to do to prevent this, even though he is not president?
ReplyDeleteMaddie G
B Block
One of the things that Kucinich said that made me think was, "We need to distinguish between the right of a nation to defend itself and the right of any nation to assume the awful role of aggressor." Every rule has boundries. War is going oover the boundires, especially is it is unjust. Many leaders, including kuninich, have fought to promote peace. To me, peace is the only way to really affect change and promote justice. Nuclear warefare and weapons will not solve any problems-they will just cause more unrest in their aftermath. The war in Iraq, as well as the vioelnce in other areas of the Middle East have affected our military, civilians, their families, all who are in any way invoilved. I agree with Kucicinch. For the sake of future generationas, "every nation needs to be disarmed."
ReplyDeleteQuestion-How do you think other Democrats reaxcted to this interview?
ReplyDeleteJulie G.
Block A
Sorry :)