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Military weapons expert, combat vet Doug Rokke leads list of prominent endorsers for Kucinich as 10-state Super Tuesday vote approaches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2004

Support for Dennis Kucinich's Presidential campaign continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Heading the list of leading American citizens throwing their support to Kucinich this week is Maj. Doug Rokke (Ret.), Ph.D., a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, who has specialized in hazardous materials and emergency medicine for more than 20 years. During and after the Gulf War, he served as a member of the U.S. Army Medical Command's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) special operations and teaching team and the U.S. Army Depleted Uranium Assessment. Dr. Rokke, a confirmed DU poisoning casualty, was part of a team that established decontamination procedures and facilities for nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Later, he was given the mandate to clean up depleted uranium contamination in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Other support this week comes from San Francisco Publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Political activist and labor advocate Professor Stanley Aronowitz of New York City; Los Angeles radio personality Barry Smolin; actor/filmaker Jesus Nebot; prominent Ohio journalist Eric Resnick; political columnist and pundit Vin Gopal; veteran Maine political leader Harlan Baker; and award-winning editor Editor Bill Johnson.

Please note that all of these are freedom of speech individual citizen's endorsements. They do not reflect the opinions of any organization. More money, volunteers, media coverage and support are coming in daily. The Congressman has garnered the support of many prominent Americans (see the complete list here: http://www.kucinich.us/endorsements.php).

Scientist, veteran, and author Doug Rokke, Rantoul, IL

Dr. Doug Rokke earned his Ph.D. in "Physics and Technology Education" at the University of Illinois. As a member of the U.S. Army Medical Command's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) special operations and teaching team during the Gulf War, he developed and taught the combat lifesaver course; the medical management of chemical and biological casualty course;and the NBC defense refresher course. His team designed and supervised the construction of the NBC decontamination facilities and then developed standard operating procedures for decontamination of NBC casualties.

Dr. Rokke is a confirmed Depleted Uranium poisoning casualty. “I was excreting over 1,200 micrograms a day, and [the U.S. Army] never even told me for two and a half years.” According to Army regulations, any uranium excretion over 250 micrograms a day warrants immediate medical care. DU—or more specifically, the radioactive isotope uranium 238—is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process used to create reactor fuel and bombs. It was first used in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. In the Gulf War, Rokke says, it was widely used for its effectiveness in penetrating armor and strengthening armor against penetration. Since then, more than 100,000 Gulf War veterans have reported unexplained illness, in a phenomenon sometimes known as Gulf War Syndrome. DU is a highly toxic heavy metal, and some studies have linked exposure to increased rates of cancer and birth defects. “We have willfully spread it all over the place,” Rokke says. “We’ve refused to clean up the mess; we’ve refused to provide medical care; not only to the American ‘friendly fire’ casualties who survived, but also to the DU cleanup teams; and we’ve refused to supply medical care to all the thousands and thousands of other people, including women and children—which makes it an indiscriminate weapon.” Indiscriminate weapons are banned by international law. The United Nations has issued several calls for a ban on DU, which the United States has rejected. “When you leave all the contamination there,” Rokke says of the Gulf War, “people are going to continue to get sick from just the uranium munitions alone—much less all of the millions of rounds of [unused] uranium 238 that we just left there.” Depleted Uranium continues to be used by the U.S. Military most recently in Iraq. Although he and others recommended and developed medical care, environmental remediation, and education programs to resolve depleted uranium problems, U.S., British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Italian, and other governments still refuse to complete these actions. Dr. Rokke is one of the original authors of what has become the federal Domestic Preparedness program designed to prepare civilian and military emergency personnel to respond to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. He has taught hazardous materials; field emergency medicine; nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare; education and training, counter-terrorism, and miltary operations courses for over 20 years. During the last few years Dr. Rokke has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science and engineering, nuclear physics, and emergency management. He also serves or has served as a consultant for various governmental and other agencies and participated in television documentaries, radio interviews, and other reports.

"I, Dr. Doug Rokke, Ph.D., as a combat veteran and patriot formally endorse Dennis Kucinich for President of the United States. Throughout my civilian and military careers, I have attempted to ensure that the leaders of our nation honor their statutory obligations to our serving military personnel and our veterans by providing them with effective military training and education, operational and safe equipment, medical care, and compensation. However, today the members of the current administration have failed to fulfill their obligations. So far Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate who has spoken up and tried to correct to lingering problems. We must remember as President Abraham Lincoln stated that it is our obligation to ensure "that government of the people, by the people, and for the people does not perish from the earth". We must select a leader who remembers that he works for us and that peace on earth must be our nation's objective. We should not be basing decisions and military actions on desires for geo-political-economic domination of earth. I believe that Dennis Kucinich is currently the only candidate that will actually attempt to fulfill those essential obligations if elected President of the United States.”

Publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti, San Francisco, CA

A prominent voice of the wide-open poetry movement that began in the 1950s, Lawrence Ferlinghetti has written poetry, translation, fiction, theater, art criticism, film narration, and essays. In 1953, with Peter D. Martin, he founded City Lights Pocket Bookshop, the first all-paperbound bookshop in the country, and by 1955 he had launched the City Lights publishing house. The bookstore has served for half a century as a meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals. City Lights Publishers began with the Pocket Poets Series, through which Ferlinghetti aimed to create an international, dissident ferment. His publication of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl in 1956 led to his arrest on obscenity charges, and the trial that followed drew national attention to the San Francisco Renaissance and Beat movement writers. (He was overwhelmingly supported by prestigious literary and academic figures, and was acquitted.) This landmark First Amendment case established a legal precedent for the publication of controversial work with redeeming social importance.

Professor Stanley Aronowitz, New York, NY

Stanley Aronowitz is a veteran political activist and cultural critic. He is a distinguished professor of sociology at the City University of New York and a passionate champion of organized labor. In 2002, Stanley Aronowitz led the fight to maintain the official ballot status of the Green Party in New York State. He ran a grass roots campaign based on a radical democratic program that combined opposition to corporate power and plutocratic government with commitment to a sustainable environment, racial equality, feminism, gay liberation and individual freedom.

"Dennis Kucinich is the only Democratic presidential candidate whose positions rise to the standard of opposition and alternative to the Bush administration's nefarious record. On labor and trade issues, on the environment his stands are impeccable. He is almost alone among the candidates addressing the health care crisis favoring a single payer, government-financed system. In opposing the Patriot Act Kucinich leads in the defense of civil liberties. I believe his stand against the war on Iraq and for popular elections to choose a new government is consistent with his strong pro-democracy position.

"If Kucinich was nominated by the Democratic Party he would have, single-handedly, restored its long-abandoned progressive traditions. Lacking this outcome the Democrats will have proven, once more, that they cannot rise to the standard of even a loyal opposition."

Radio Host Barry Smolin, Los Angeles, CA

Barry Smolin wears several different hats, constantly--though unconsciously--sabotaging his ultimate desire to remain anonymous. He is best known publicly as the host and producer of the radio show "The Music Never Stops," featuring Grateful Dead concert tapes, contemporary jam-rock, and miscellaneous psychedelia on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles. He is also an active musician, performing and recording his own music under the moniker Mr. Smolin. His debut CD At Apogee will be in stores nationwide on March 2, 2004. Furthermore, Smolin is a dedicated writer of experimental poetry, fiction, and drama, seeking out methods of forging language that communicates the deepest layers of consciousness. As a journalist, Smolin has written articles on a variety of subjects for such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Dupree's Diamond News, The Sondheim Review, RollingStone.com, NY Arts, Rhino.com, and Jambands.com. But Smolin's primary maintime gig is as a high school English teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He is profoundly dedicated to the public school system and believes teaching is the noblest profession on earth. He lives a virtual life online here: http://www.mrsmolin.com

“I am endorsing Dennis Kucinich for President because he sees the truth with unblinking clarity and speaks that truth with unflinching courage. He is a man of heart and conscience in a political landscape that has become bloodless and venal. He is a man of integrity in a hotbed of charlatans. He's NOT a spineless pawn in the pocket of corporate culture and special interest groups. He's idealistic enough to seek the noblest goals but realistic enough to understand the pragmatic steps necessary to achieve them. He has a proven record in Congress standing up for the common man. His egalitarian vision would allow every American to become an equal partner in this nation's future. He knows the American Dream is only truly possible on a level playing field. His policies are all about improving the quality of life for ordinary people. He is alarmed by the current swift shrinkage of the American Middle Class and by the ever widening gap between Rich and Poor in this country. He has a workable plan for doing something about this gap. He's committed to providing every citizen with adequate health care and the opportunity to earn a living wage. He believes in the responsibility of the government to care for its neediest. He will protect the financial security of the elderly and the infirm. He fights for the underdog. He recognizes that Public Education is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. He groks the inhumanity of Capital Punishment. He's opposed to the War on Some Drugs. He will defend our right to privacy, in the bedroom and elsewhere. He is a man of faith who is also sensitive to the fact that Freedom OF Religion must also include Freedom FROM Religion. He is firmly behind a woman's right to choose. He's hip to the indecencies of globalization. He will return America to its status as a shining example of righteousness instead of the bully-pariah it has become under the Bush administration. He will require that we rejoin the international community and participate in the spirit of worldwide cooperation. He will forge a foreign policy based on Peace, not War. He will bring our soldiers home from Iraq immediately. He will establish a new American paradigm dedicated to a sharing of resources and the serious development of renewable, environmentally sound, earth-friendly energy sources. He will lead us back to responsible stewardship of the planet. His platform is the first in all my years as a voter that doesn't make me feel like some kind of Martian exile sentenced to life in a plastic empire. THAT'S why I'm endorsing Dennis Kucinich in his campaign to become the next President of the United States.”

Actor/Filmaker Jesus Nebot, Los Angeles CA

In 2000 Nebot founded Zokalo, an independent production company based in Santa Monica, California. Zokalo's critically acclaimed first feature NO TURNING BACK was recently released theatrically in Europe and in the United States and will soon be released on video/DVD by Universal. The film has already won 16 INTERNATIONAL BEST FEATURE FILM AWARDS, including the 2002 ALMA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT MOTION PICTURE, the most prestigious award for any Latino production shot in the United States. Demonstrating the versatility of his talent, Nebot wrote, directed, produced and starred in the film. His touching performance as Pablo has been praised by film critics and granted him the BEST ACTOR AWARD at the 2002 Atlantic City International Film festival. Zokalo has four other projects in different stages of development: the documentary THE NAKED TRUTH and the feature films IN THE NAME OF LOVE, IN SEARCH OF INNOCENCE and MUNEERA, Nebot's next directorial picture.

"To support Dennis Kucinich for president is to support the Consciousness that in essence we are all One. Here is a man of unquestionable integrity who is fully aware that the world is not only interconnected on the material level of economics, trade, communication and transportation, but inner connected through the human heart. An unusual politician with the spiritual understanding that peace and social justice can only be achieved when our vision of unity transcends our borders and aspires to include the whole world. A courageous leader that inspires us to believe that the best way to transform our planet is by extending our unconditional love and compassion to every human being".

Journalist Eric Resnick, Canton, OH

Eric Resnick is a staff reporter for the Gay People's Chronicle. He was the openly gay candidate for U.S. Congress in the 16th District of Ohio in 1996. He is a lifelong social and political activist, an unrepentant liberal and a proud uncle of three.

“Our community's history is peppered with fair weather friends - those who court our support, but once elected, won't spend their political capital on us when it counts. Every week, I report on issues facing our community. I know the difference between a true friend and an opportunist. Kucinich easily passes my test. Many in our community have decided to back candidates that third parties have deemed more acceptable to folks with whom the LGBT community has nothing in common. It's time to put our effort into ourselves, voting the LGBT agenda first, and moving our community forward. Dennis Kucinich is the candidate most willing and able to truly represent us. A vote for Kucinich is a vote for the best, and that is never a "wasted vote."

Pundit Vin Gopal, State College, PA

Vin Gopal was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey. For the past four years, he has been a key voice in the media. In 1999, Vin took a position as an assistant booker and director of radio relations for Jersey Championship Wrestling out of Lodi, New Jersey. His articles were posted at over 100 websites, including WrestleZone.com. Vin went on to become a very opinionated sports columnist for The Miami Herald and later The St. Petersburg Times. Vin continued to become a political voice by starting RawFeedOnline.com in 2000 and Raw Feed News, LLC in 2003. Vin is the founder of the Central Justice Alliance, a nonprofit organization aimed at educating the public in drug awareness, CPR classes, first aid, workplace violence awareness, as well as helping low-income families with educational financial needs, and helping the unemployed seek jobs. Vin is involved in over a dozen activist groups and several dozen nonprofit organizations worldwide. Vin has worked closely with athletes, politicians, and journalists to try to bring solutions to controversial issues. Vin has worked hard to get young voters out to the booths. He is the publisher and president of Raw Feed News, LLC, a company that publishes two newspapers in the tri-state area as well as conducts networking services for local businesses. Vin is actively involved in state and federal politics as a political columnist and pundit. Vin is currently a law student at Penn State University.

“I am endorsing Dennis Kucinich for President because he is a man of integrity, vision, and compassion. Congressman Kucinich is the best candidate to defeat George Bush in November, and my organizations will do everything in our power to see that Dennis Kucinich is treated fairly and honestly by the media and political pundits. While unsure if other candidates are Republicans or Democrats, Representative Kucinich is a true Democrat who stands for honest Democratic principles. I will continue to support Dennis in all his political endeavors for as long as I am able.”

Political leader Harlan Baker, Portland, ME

The Honorable Harlan Baker was a five-term Democratic State representative in Maine from 1979-1988. He sponsored bills to create municipal electric power districts, and worker-owned cooperatives. He was an early sponsor (1979) of an act to include sexual orientation under the Maine Human Rights Act. He also sponsored a bill that lead to Maine pension fund divestment from businesses in South Africa under apartheid.

“I always hear people demand that politicians take principled stands and give them straight answers. Dennis Kucinich is that politician. I think he best understands what it is like for an ordinary person who has to struggle to make a living in 21st century America."

Editor Bill Johnson, Truth or Consequences, NM

Bill Johnson’s newspaper the Desert Journal (Sept. 1995-May 2003) and website (May 2001 to present) are the winners of 34 New Mexico Press Association awards (1997-2003). His column, "The Shadow Advisory," where he initially endorsed Kucinich, won first place for best columns in 2003. He is also the editor of an e-book, Satan's Den Exposed - The David Parker Ray Story, released in August 2003 and soon the Desert Journal will be releasing their second e-book, Rush Limbaugh Revealed as Joseph Goebbels Reincarnated, as told by the "king of hippies" Brother Joseph.

“I believe U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich, D-OH, should take his message all of the way to the top and continue the good fight, whether as President or as Congressman - he most likely is the best man for the job because he meets my criteria of integrity. He's honest - he didn't let the Neo Cons fool him over their lies as for the reasons for going to war against Iraq. He is the only candidate for President in Congress who said NO to the masters of deception. Dennis Kucinich stood up to the Military Industrial Complex on behalf of his constituents! He's the main batter for the people of Ohio for good sound decisions based on what the people want or need, not bowing down to Big Business interests. I believe Kucinich is a fighter for the people, as he also told the GOP-led Congress that the needs of the people should NOT go secondary to the whims and wants of the Military Industrial Complex. That is who we need in the White House - someone who can say No to Special Interests and someone who can say Yes to the Will of the People who endeavor for a Free America, not through her brutal strength, but through her compassion and love for mankind. This is my official personal endorsement as an Independent for Dennis Kucinich for President of the U.S.A. May God Bless his Presidency!”

For more campaign information: http://www.kucinich.us

For Congressman Kucinich's Schedule: http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.htm.

National Contact: Susan Mainzer 213-840-0077, susan.mainzer@kucinich.us

Contact us:
Kucinich for President
11808 Lorain Avenue - Cleveland, OH 44111
216-889-2004 / 866-413-3664 (toll-free)