THANK YOU
Dexter for Congress has made a real difference in Maine over the past nine months. That is undeniable. The faithfulness of many individuals bonded together into a worthy movement, one that brought integrity and honor to the act of questioning.
It is essential for us all to understand that our individual roles provided strength for our collective resolve. At times when we felt weak, others were strong. At times when we were at a loss for words, others found a voice for us all. At times when we were discouraged, others served up hope and inspiration. We are each a thread in a beautiful tapestry that is not finished.
There will be another call for us to answer. Some will be able to answer; some will not be able to answer. But there will be another call.
Right now, it is time to reflect. It is time to think. It is time to rest.
Thank you.
Dexter
KAMILEWICZ PROMISES TO KEEP DEMOCRATS' FEET TO THE FIRE
The Democrats have asked for and they have been given the political power they said would be necessary for change. Americans will quickly discover whether the Democrats meant what they said. There are many Americans, including me, who are prepared to hold the Democrats' feet to the fire to deliver on the promises they have made.
The very first indicator that Democrats are trustworthy will be when they begin the planning to cease the occupation of Iraq and to bring American troops home quickly. Without that first step, progress on no other front will be possible. Delay will be the end of the promise.
I have grave doubts whether the Democrats have the will or the integrity necessary to confront the political and economic insiders' addiction to war and militarism so that real change can be made. Facing up to the reality of these indefensible costs is the first critical step to refocus our attention on reinvesting in America.
It will be impossible to make change without reducing our bloated commitment to the military and requiring it to be more nearly in line with nations like second place China which spends about 60 billion dollars a year on the military while the U.S. spends 500 billion. China has ten times our population but spends one-tenth of what the U.S. spends on the military. Something is wrong, very wrong with an America that indulges war above more worthy needs.
If, and only if, the Democrats are capable of getting over the first hurdle by pulling our troops out of Iraq, then, and only then, can they even hope to provide relief to average citizens in the areas of universal health care, energy/environmental policy, fair tax policy, affordable education, and good jobs through a revived sensible economy.
Finally, the Democrats and Republicans must hold George Bush and his administration accountable for crimes against humanity for attacking Iraq and its innocent citizens without provocation. In addition, the Bush Administration must be held accountable for violations of the U.S. Constitution by suspending habeas corpus, redefining torture, and spying on Americans. It is absolutely necessary for the laws passed by Congress embodying these treacherous changes as well as all changes made by the Patriot Act to be reversed. George W. Bush and many of his administration should be impeached and prosecuted as well. Accountability is a cornerstone of democracy.
Americans have spoken clearly for change. If the Democrats, and many Republicans, are ever to be believed again, then they have an obligation to deliver on their promises without wheedling. There are many of us who are prepared to hold their feet to the fire if those promises are not kept.
Dexter's Family (Left to Right): Nyasha,
Ben and Sarah, Joselice, Gretchen and Dexter, Maria, Alex and Debbie.