The Observer, April 6, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 23
Prominent Case alumnus speaks out on Iraq War
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Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke about his proposal to end the United States' presence in Iraq and other foreign policy matters to an audience at Strosacker Hall on Tuesday. Kucinich, a Case alumnus, was brought to campus by the Case for Peace organization and the Department of Political Science Center for Policy Studies.
Kucinich, a Democratic hopeful for the 2008 presidential election, was allowed to appear because he came to campus to speak on a specific issue and took questions from the audience. Unlike Barack Obama's visit to Cleveland, this was not a campaign event, which is not allowed on campus facilities under Case policy.
At the beginning of his speech Kucinich asked the audience, "Why did we go to war?"
"Oil," several audience members yelled back.
During his speech he severely criticized American foreign policy. "There is murder being committed in our name and it is dressed up in foreign policy," Kucinich said.
Kucinich proposed a mandatory withdrawal of all American contractors, the formation of an international peacekeeping force, and that all U.S. bases be closed. He criticized both the Republicans' and Democrats' stance on the Iraq War. "It's inconsistent for Democratic candidates to say you're for the war and fund it," he said later while answering questions.
"The Democratic Party, as far as I'm concerned, has failed the American people," Kucinich said.
Democrats, he said, should not be funding the war at all, referring to a recent military funding bill passed by the Congress. "It's all a game being played about who's tougher and who supports the troops. It's all fake," he said.
Kucinich addressed other foreign policy matters in the Middle East, including criticism of U.S. policy towards Iran. "This administration has set a path towards war," he said.
He called for American intervention in the Israel-Palestinian conflict: "This country has an obligation…to intervene in an even-handed way."
After Kucinich's speech, Peter Moore, professor of political science, gave a short analysis of the Iraq War and Kucinich's proposal for withdrawal.
"One of the things we need to recognize is the human cost of the past few years," Moore said.
Moore warned the audience of long-term problems that may arise from the Iraq War such as the large number of Iraqi refugees and the possibility of ethnic cleansing after American withdrawal.
"We have our reputation to rebuild," said Moore. He later criticized the United States for not upholding the values of freedom and liberty around the world. "We are not living up to what we preach," he said.
After Moore's analysis, Kucinich took questions from the audience. Most questions were in support of Kucinich's foreign policy plan. However, there was a heated exchange when Mike Pelsozy, a Case Ph.D. student, asked Kucinich about his call for a discussion of bringing impeachment proceedings on President Bush.
There were many students at the event who support Kucinich's positions. "I'm really glad he runs for president even though he never wins," said senior Arene Butto.
"I just think it was very one-sided in the room and they tried to shout me down," Pelsozy said. He said he felt threatened by a member of the audience who confronted him after the event. However, Pelsozy was pleased that Kucinich was willing to take questions from the public.
Students took notice of Kucinich's enthusiasm. "I believe that we do need to get out [of Iraq]...I do feel like the Democratic party is failing us lately in terms of giving us a possible solution to get us out," said grad student Melinda Waggoner. "And it's good to see a politician who has real concrete ideas about moving us forward."
