By Tricia Ridgway The Gamecock
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich spoke to a group of about 20 supporters in Gambrell Hall via cell phone Friday about civil rights and his stance on various political issues.
He was unable to show up in person at the event, which was sponsored by the Carolina Peace Resource Center, because of transportation problems.
Kucinich came to South Carolina to visit the Progressive Network's annual retreat in Beaufort.
His speech was preceded by a presentation on civil rights in Colombia, South America, also sponsored by the center. Human rights in America and around the world, in addition to rights of workers and removing troops from Iraq, are among the issues Kucinich addresses in his campaign.
He began by responding to the previous speaker, Luz Marina Becerra, who addressed Plan Colombia, which involves U.S. intervention in the Colombian government. Kucinich challenged Plan Colombia in Congress, saying it "provides a pad for repression instead of liberation."
Enforcing his promise to argue against U.S. aid in Colombia, Kucinich committed to Becerra "a continued effort to work for human rights, that we are together in this for you and for the people of Colombia and people all over the world."
Furthermore, on the issue of Iraq, Kucinich spoke against the war in Iraq, and voiced his support of the removal of troops.
"We must live up to our moral obligation. I will continue to insist that the United States plan a quick exodus of our military from Iraq and move forward and engage the world community as we try to create a transition for Iraq," he said.
His primary stance on international relations is for a strong world community beginning with actions in Iraq. He said the United States should turn over all oil revenues and the contract process to the United Nations, saying they should be handled in the interest of the Iraqi people. He also supports repealing the Patriot Act, except for providing funds for Sept. 11 families, saying it constitutes "undermining of our constitutional principles."
In responding to questions from the audience, Kucinich addressed recent budget cuts,
discussing how the state budget cuts have a direct effect on education through increased tuition and fees. He suggested eliminating the tax cut for those in the top bracket and putting that money in a fund for a possible "tuition-free college for all of America's young people who want to go to public colleges and universities."
Kelly Innes, a summer 2003 USC graduate, said he thinks Kucinich is the most ethical of all the presidential candidates he has heard so far because of his stance on human rights, labor rights and the environment.
"He talked about things that are just completely off the radar screen of what other people talk about - things like eliminating deficits," he said.
Another USC graduate, Ashley Thomas, said she supports his international policies because they are "reasonable and very much something that is necessary if we're not going to alienate the rest of the world."
Kucinich fights for labor rights and does not accept money from "big leagues," so he cannot afford radio and television advertisements as many of his competitors can, said Michael Berg, the state coordinator for Kucinich's campaign.
"He has a message, and if we can get it out, especially with regards to trade policy, that, I'm sure, would resonate to people in South Carolina because this state has been devastated by the trade policies of the last 15 years. ... He's got the message that speaks to people really well," Berg said.
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