Dennis Kucinich in Democratic candidate On-line Q&A

On Civil Rights: Reparations for slavery should take form of social programs

A: The Bible tells us we must be “repairers of the breach”. The institution of slavery created a breach in our society, which still remains today. That breach is evident in the disparities which exist in educational opportunities, health care, employment opportunities, housing and other critical areas for people of color. The question is not whether or not there should be reparations. There must be. The question is what form will such reparations take? I believe a broad based program of social and economic reforms which consciously works to lift the conditions for people of color will lift up everyone. It is said a rising tide lifts all boats. We must create the advancing tide with health care for all, jobs for all, educational opportunities for all, housing opportunities for all.

On Free Trade: Push trade deals based on power of US market leverage

A: The US is not a beggar in international trade relations. The US is the world’s number one consumer market. The world wants to sell to American consumers. That ought to represent leverage. But the US gave up its leverage when it joined the WTO. Withdrawal from the WTO will enable the US to reclaim its leverage. With this leverage, we will ask of our trading partners to buy from us approximately an equivalent amount of what we buy from them-the principle of correspondence. We can also promote workplace, human and environmental rights from around the world by simply telling our trading partners that we are not interested in buying their products when they are made with child labor, or are made in factories which show no regard for environmental protection.

On Government Reform: Public campaign financing yields to public control

A: Public financing of campaigns is essential. Public financing yields to public control. Private financing of campaigns makes for private control. Private interests control our government today. All federal candidates should participate in the matching funds program as a first step of indicating their solidarity with public control of elections. Many in Congress are captive to the current system in which corporations have enormous influence.

On Health Care: Rally to elect a new Congress to pass new health care deal

A: As a member of Congress I have had excellent relationships with both sides of the aisle. It is important for the President to work with Congress and I will use the relationships I have built through 4 terms to create a working partnership. I am also aware that my legislative agenda, which will include universal health care, will require support in the Congress which may not currently exist. As the nominee of our party, I will call upon the American people to support candidates for Congress who will take control of the health care system in the US away from the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies and create a system which truly serves all the American people with guaranteed health care for all. When FDR was the nominee in 1932, he asked the American people to give him a Congress which would help him implement the New Deal. I intend to rally the American people in this election to create a New Deal for a New Century.

On Health Care: I’m not selling insurance-switch to not-for-profit system

A: Many of the other candidates say they want to make sure all Americans have health insurance. I am not selling insurance. I want to create a system which makes it possible for all Americans to have health care. This means we must move from a for-profit health care system which is controlled by insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, to a not-for-profit system. This is the essence of my proposal for Universal Health care, Medicare for All. A single payer system, it is embodied in legislation, HR 676. This fundamental change in our health care system will provide all Americans with access to quality health care. Whether you are working or not, you will be covered. The scope of coverage will include all medically necessary procedures, dental health care, mental health care, vision care, long term care and a prescription drug benefit.

On Principles & Values: His campaign’s lack of media coverage becomes a media story

A: The media is now covering the story of the media not covering our campaign so I think we are about to get a surge of coverage. Meanwhile, even with little media coverage, we have been able to organize a grass roots campaign in 50 states. Just think of how fast we will take off when the media realizes that our campaign is on the verge of becoming the surprise of the 2004 primary election season.

On Principles & Values: Will run for House and President simultaneously

A: Senator Lieberman ran for re-election to the Senate and for Vice President at the same time. Ohio law permits me to run for both the House of Representatives and President. I expect to take an oath of office at the Capitol in January of 2005.

On Principles & Values: A Green Democrat, but will support Dem nominee over Green

A: Ralph Nader and I have been friends for nearly thirty years. When I needed help saving Cleveland’s municipal electric system 25 years ago, Ralph came forward to help. He and I share many ideals and goals. I have a great deal of respect for the Greens and I consider myself a Green Democrat. However, I want to make the Democratic Party more relevant. That is why I am running as a Democrat. I believe my presence in the campaign is already moving the entire party in a more progressive direction. Just think how progressive it will become when I am the nominee and when I take the oath of office. I will certainly support the Democratic nominee. It should be easy because I expect to be the Democratic nominee.

On Technology: Rebuild cities to prevent urban sprawl

A: We must create sustainable, livable communities. This means city planning becomes a matter of urgent concern. Urban sprawl has created duplication of infrastructure and services. Cities have such great potential for economic and social growth. As a former mayor, I intend to lead the resurgence of cities through rebuilding America’s schools, bridges, sewer & water systems and through building new transportation and energy systems. I will lead the discussion on sustainability through working to preserve our farm lands and through protecting the interests of family farmers. I want to see great resources focused on rebuilding our cities and our neighborhoods and thereby creating a new sense of community in America.

On War & Peace: Let the UN rebuild Iraq and develop its governance

A: It is imperative that the USA get out of Iraq. It was wrong to go in. It is wrong to stay in. We must go to the United Nations with a new resolution which represents a shift in US policy, a resolution which signals that the US is ready to rejoin the world community in the cause of securing Iraq and in helping to create greater security across the globe. That resolution (on my website, www.kucinich.us) calls for the UN to handle all the oil assets of Iraq on behalf of the Iraqi people, without any privatization of oil assets. Next the UN would handle all the contracts in Iraq. No more sweetheart deals for Halliburton and no-bid contracts for political contributors. And the UN should be charged with developing new governance in Iraq so that the Iraqi people can move toward self-determination. My plan, if immediately brought to the UN would enable our troops to be home by the beginning of the New Year.

On War & Peace: Stop building Israeli wall; start rebuilding infrastructure

A: It is urgent for the US to become closely involved in the efforts to reach a peaceful agreement which protects Israel and which provides for the creation of an autonomous Palestinian state. Additionally, such an agreement must call for the rebuilding of the Palestinian areas which have been devastated. The US can help to lead the way in such an agreement by participating in rebuilding housing, schools, hospitals, businesses, roads and other infrastructure. Such agreements would engender trust and confidence building and create the possibility where the parties can then deal with the issues of borders and right of return. I believe the government of Israel can help take a step in the direction of setting the stage for negotiations by stopping the building of new settlements and by ceasing in the building of walls.