Sen. Mike Gravel Discusses National Initiative

[RealHempman]

The problem is, there is presently NO federal initiative, and the NID would require a Constitutional Amendment, unless the legislature (*presently NOT supportive of any popular initiatve) passes legislature to include one. Getting a federal popular initiative past (minially) the __28__ states that have NO initiative process, and the 18 states that do but allow the legislature to veto or abolish popular initiative just ain't gonna happen. The whole thing is just a Federalist wet dream.

[tinap610]

can we delete a post once it's posted?.

[burtonh1]

I support a National Initiative system if nothing else then just for the ablity to repeal stupid laws likes The Healthcare Bill which will be passed soon.

[ed2276]

John Adams said, :"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost, is lost forever."

That is the tyrants will never reform. There is only one option in two forms to regain liberty. The only option is revolution. The first form is peaceful and the second is that of bloodshed.

We are still at a point where the first option is available to us, but that option quickly fades.

It is either revolution or slavery to our government masters!

[oldhacks]

liberty for the elites, nothing for the common man.

[Remingtonspaz]

lol this guys a loser

[oldhacks]

no you're the loser because you want to continue to live under a corporate republic which will rob you blind.

[oldhacks]

how in the hell is Mike Gravel a marxist if rhe's against Washington DC. this Marxist shit has to be confronted head on. Its coming from the Alex Jones nut bag radical conservative nazi crowd. it shouldn't be reacted to kindly.

anyone who is against the National Initiative is against FREEDOM. Freedom of CHOICE. We don't have a choice in who we vote for nor what laws they pass once they're elected

THROW OUT THE MIDDLE MAN. VOTE TO MAKE LAWS BY PETITION. ITS CONSTITUTIONAL

[ed2276]

This is insanity. Gravel is calling for a direct democracy, which would be a disaster. We currently have 535 lawmakers screwing up the system with thousands of laws. What do you think would happen if we had 200 million lawmakers? Petitioning does not in itself create law. We can petition for redress of grievances, but it is the lawmaker in response to the petition who must either create, amend, or repeal a law for it to be a constitutional enactment.

[oldhacks]

so because congress sucks we should leave them in absolute power? THATS INSANITY.

those 200 millions americans that you insist should remain powerless are Americas most brilliant economists, engineers, environmentalists, etc etc that have NO power what so ever to do anything besides beg some crooked politician to Consider their ideas. Which of course they Never will unless you have some corporate lobbyists to black mail them with.

[ed2276]

I do not insist that they remain powerless. I insist they reclaim the power they had all along, and still have if they will but use it.

The Founders were opposed to direct democracy, and with 300 million people in the U.S. it is a practical impossiblilty anyway.

The solution is for the People to rise up and get liberty minded folks into office. We already have power to overcome unjust laws through jury nullification.

I agree the situation needs correction. But, direct democracy isn't it

[oldhacks]

we've never had any power. the constitution places all legislative powers in the hands of the elites and gives us the right to complain about it. Liberty minded folks? what does that even mean? and how are you going to get anyone noble elected when the only way that you can get elected is if you ca raise millions of dollars from special interest so you can afford radio and tv ads?

[ed2276]

We have had the power to send representatives who would stay within the confines of the constitution and over time we stopped doing that and started sending statists there, who have cemented for themselves every power they could want to enlarge their own wealth and power over us and we have let them do it.

We still have power to check their unjust laws, if not through elections then through the power we have as jurors not to convict our fellows who are charged under oppressive, unjust laws.

[oldhacks]

statists? you mean people that believe in America?

we dont have the power to do Jack Shit because of the confines of the Constitution.

[AmorxSabroso]

Then you are on of those that haven't done anything. We can do something. America isn't only the those representatives in those seats. They make us believe that we don't have the power. Keep thinking that buddy. I may not know a lot about politics and the fancy terminology, but that's all it is, words. They fuck us over and we are letting them do it.

[ChannelMikeG]

How is it a "practical impossibility" with the incredible wasted effort that is being put into these elections? If there is a will, there's a way. We certainly have the technology to do it. (Look around you.)

Switzerland has been doing it for a very long time and there's a lot we could learn from them. Getting good people into office is not enough. Decent people are effectively forced to compromise their integrity for political survival in the unlikely instance that they are elected.

[ed2276]

Advocate for a pure democracy if you want, I will not join you. The Founders spoke forcefully against such a system. If you can tell me how 200 million individual lawmakers enacting their own special laws is a practical possibilty please do so. It is a recipe for chaos and disorder.

We need more people like Ron Paul in office and then things would change. If we cannot get there on the national level yet, I suggest we start on the state level.

[ChannelMikeG]

Yes, I think working at the state level would be a better use of effort, but realize the limitations that you have with the barriers inherent in the system.

There are clear procedures for enacting an initiative outlined in the amendment and act. A vote on an initiative doesn't come to pass on the whim of an individual. Criteria for qualification can be set through petitioning or polling to measure public interest.

[ChannelMikeG]

BTW, this comment has many cliches that I have seen from Ron Paul supporters to ridicule the concept of direct democracy. A suggestion: Don't derogatorily call the National Initiative "pure democracy" if you want your comments to be taken seriously. If we're ever going to solve the conundrum of broken representative government, we'll have to get past the greedy protest mentality that's keeping us in the dark ages. That would mean actually having a consensus among "liberty minded folks."

[ed2276]

The idea of direct democracy is worthy of ridicule. I will look into the National Initiative more closely to see what it is all about. As it is said (at the risk of more cliche) the devil is in the details.

We definitely do need to solve the "conundrum of broken representative government" and we "liberty minded folks" do need to come together.

As to your reference to the "greedy protest mentality" I don't know what you mean by that. Would you define that for me?

thanks

[oldhacks]

direct democracy is real in 24 states. and it works. so what are you afraid of when you're confronted with the idea of us all voting on federal proposals? what harm could it do to turn our polls and petitions in real government action?

[NoEoAoRo]

California's defecit and all the money these intiatives have committed to it for one. I know representative gov't is just as fiscally irresponsible but if this alternative doesn't address the issue, I concerned about it. However, if Gravel's system has a way of guarding against fiscal irresponsibility I'm all ears.

[oldhacks]

the founders were slave merchants. How on Earth can you idolize someone that had 80 children with his slaves?

[metroid101]

Mike gravel is actually a marxist,and marxists favor Direct Democracy for a reason.

[mistaspot1]

Mike Gravel is for sustainable government.

[oldhacks]

he's for SENSIBLE governance.

[DeAnte85]

Mike Gravel and Ron Paul are personal heroes of mine. Though I do wish Gravel could keep his cool a bit more in the debates like in this video, so it wouldn't be as easy for t he mainstream media and the party brass to marginalize him.

[robclary]

I've researched the National Initiative for Democracy, and find that it's sound. This would indeed put Government in the hands of people who want to affect change.

Mike Gravel has won my support on this issue and my respect as a man of vision.

I regret like hell my previous stupid comments about Mike Gravel.

[ed2276]

Citizens already have the means to check their lawmakers, if not through the ballot then through the jury.

We can simply refuse to return a guilty verdict for anyone tried for violation of an unjust law.

[adramatictheme]

Mike is the only one speaking about the failure of representative democracy and I commend him for such progressiveness. Good luck Mr. Gravel,.

[damianpaonejazz]

The National Initiative ni4d dot us if you haven't already done so. We need less than 17% of the US to have it passed and truly reform the government. Constitutionally, fair, free, honest government. RP doesn't speak of it... why... perhaps because he didn't think it up or draw it up. RP should be speaking out and supporting it... ask him why he doesn't! Because i really don't know. Get the word out if you support it. People need to know there is something they can do here and now.

[damianpaonejazz]

THIS is a GREAT MAN!

GO MIKE!

[jbledsoe86]

MASS DONATION DAY for MIKE GRAVEL is 12/5!!!

Reasons you should consider donating, what he will do for the U.S. as President; Bring peace in the middle east, Bring the troops home in 120 days, Education paid for pre-school to scholarship, Empower the citizens as lawmakers, Eliminate the IRS & Income Tax, End the war on drugs, Universal healthcare for all, Bring equality for gay rights, etc.

Hear his plans at: youtubeDOTcom/gravel2008 & gravel2008DOTus

[djtmalta]

December 5th is MASS DONATION Day for MIKE GRAVEL!!!

[jbledsoe86]

DONT forget about alternative debate tonight at 4:30 PT .. 7:30 ET!! do not watch CNN .. watch mike!

[sgandms]

Don't forget Mike's alternate debate tonight (since CNN decided to exclude him, just like NBC). ustream(dot)tv/Gravel2008. TONIGHT @ 4:30 PM PST.

[MrBubbles95]

I would vote for him if I wasn't 12 years old.

Go Mike Gravel! The Communists support you! :P

He's really the only sensible canidate for the election. Hilarry is paid by the Insurance corporations, Nader isn't going to run, Obama is a religious Christian who wants to abolish separation of church and state, Ron Paul is too pro-buiseness, and all the other republicans are asses.

[wotan20]

If this rigtheous man succeeds in his initiative to include the citizenry in lawmaking,the US may again become the beacon of the world.

[Socrabess]

My goodness I love this man

[myvern]

Me Too!

[NatureLegalized]

Me Three! & so lokking forward to his book CITIZEN POWER! how about everybody else? You with me? I'm going to buy as many copies as I can and pass them out to interested people!

[cjfriz]

I'm glad we have leaders like Gravel out there who are willing to advocate on behalf of the people, not lie through their teeth to deceive the people. Vote for the National Initiative! I did.

[NatureLegalized]

I Voted for it too, as soon as I heard about it!

[Andoseroby]

vote for Mike Gravel 08'. Don't give your power away to congress! Vote for the national initiative which he support. We have a democratic congress which just signed a bill that makes warantless wiretapping legal! I don't trust congress anymore neither should you! The answer is with the American people, a government by the American people!

[medley007]

Thanks To You For ANOTHER Informative video Of Mike Gravel,that makes sense and it to the point. I wish You well, I see Gravel and Paul are Truly Concerned for Our great Country.

Mike Gravel and Ron Paul would Make a GREAT Running Team!!! A Truly Bi-Partisan Team ;-)

"Peace whenever Posssible, Anything is."

Medley

[KeithVarick]

Hi everyone! Don't forget to subscribe to Gravels channel to help his ratings. The orange buttons to the right of the screen.

WAR IS OVER! GRAVEL '08

[Vektor417]

Gravel for President!

"In a time of universal deciet, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell.

911=Bush>>INSIDE JOB!

[Jizedi]

Oh well, let's mindlessly follow this guy. Let's give him our firstborn children. After all, he's Senator Gravel!

Why isn't someone blowing him? He's Senator Gravel! All praise America's only hope! Oh wait... he's a total idiot like the rest. Sorry.

[BiJocker]

Mindless idiot, working the double speak, hell to you, enjoy the warmth.

[Jizedi]

Here's my theory. He'll bullshit America all he wants in order to get elected. I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Candidates rarely do that. I'm just saying, he may talk a big talk, but won't do shit in the White House.

I know, I know. That rarely happens. Clearly he's America's only hope. Don't listen to the sane person. Go back to what you were doing.

[Jdollaz03]

Who do you think is a better candidate? What candidate actually does what they promise to the american people once they are in office? I don't think it matters who we vote for, Hillary is going to win. But if us "gravel supporters" show the US how many people are behind him, it will pave the way for other leaders like him to follow in his path. So, if you believe in a system the way he describes it, support him!

[cassaleenie]

This guy is the best presidential candidate in the election.

[BiJocker]

A paid blogger by the Republicans What kind of world do you want your children to live in idiot? Are you so selfish that you do not care about thier future?

[jmbrannan]

This guy is a total idiot.

[ojgville]

Good arguement, I can see that you spent a lot time considering his proposition and came up with thoughtful, concise opposition. Good job. You must have many admirers.

[jmbrannan]

You're right. That's why they call me Mr. Cogent.

[jmbrannan]

By the way, "argument" only has one e in it.

[contracase]

Gravel hits the nail on the head: it is about time we bring back the power of the individual vote to our nation! How many people in this country make the excuse that their vote doesn't count, let alone tell you that yours doesn't really either thanks to the electoral college? Lets see some positive change before the elite minority forces us into another war.

[gmfutube]

Please donate and get the word out if you are in a state with a primary!

Do anything & everything you can to let people HEAR this man!

[puppydogbreath]

Gravel NOT invited to the LGBT debate hosted by LOGO cable network.

Complain/protest here:

Dana L. Campbell, Member Services Assistant Human Rights Campaign

202.216.1500 (p) 202.216.1505 (f)

LOGO: 212 654 3005. This is an answering machine. Be brief and clear.

The sponsoring organization is called "Human Rights Campaign": 202 628-4160 Toll-Free: 800/777-4723

[gravelvspaul2008]

Here is proof that Mike Gravel is 100% for the people. Instead of saying "You have to elect me in order for problems to get fixed", he's using his campaign to tell us how we can empower ourselves to make a change without relying on a president. This man truly cares.

[Vektor417]

UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES

WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ ACT

The Congress with sufficient resolve and the strength of leadership can enact this law to withdraw American forces from Iraq within 120 days. Violation of this law would cause the President, the Vice-President, Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury to commit a felony, setting the stage for their immediate impeachment and prosecution.

GRAVEL2008[.]US

[hamsterpoop]

Hey everyone, go to eventful[dot]com and "demand" that Mike Gravel appear in your home city or close! it's very very easy! and tell as many people as you can!

[myvern]

Gravel is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gmfutube]

Keep posting, viewing, sharing, rating!

Gravel needs to be heard.

[maxipad505]

Your my favorite candidate. I thought Obama was a great candidate, but as soon as i learned about you, my image of him faded completely. You tell the truth, you're not some phony sponsored by exxon mobil. I hope you get that Colbert bump!

[wileybj]

Vote for Gravel in this Poll!! just replace comma with period, poll closes may 22

mddems,com/president

[Callison365]

I dunno if my parents shoud vote for this person....dunno,matters on evthin

[bust0er7]

Gravel, you being the only candidate who doesn't censor Comments, really speaks to your character and commitment to liberty.

[serenetie73]

Imagine a Ron Paul/Mike Gravel ticket.

[beervolcano]

That would be great. Imagine Ron Paul vs. Kucinich in the general election! That would be a tough decision for me. And they are friends, so I wonder how that election would go.

[Kelldor42]

The Article 7 argument that we can bypass the congress and amend the constitution ourselves appears factual. The question is "should we?" To do so though and enact this amendment constitutes a rejection of "original intent" by the framers.

[Kelldor42]

j0eg0d is factually correct in both assertions that the framers created for us a "constitutional republic" to guard against the inherent dangers found in a democracy in its limitation of equal protection under the laws, and in his assertion that this creates central planning, which in my view is right out of the communist manifesto.

[Kelldor42]

In closing, this is definitely a debate I am not opposed to having on a national level. It would be healthy for America to have this debate. I support Mike Gravels position on the Military Industrial Complex, and I hope he wins the Democratic nomination, but I am voting for Ron Paul. Both Paul and Gravel appear to be founding father material.

[serenetie73]

ditto

[Budvb]

Maybe Mike is something bigger then us. As in from our Founding Fathers. They where so aware of the situations we are facing now days. That they put checks and balances in place, So when certains things happen, We the People will be able to over come the rule of a Minority in place. Trying to dictate the American People now and the whole world as a whole! Thats My Opinion! We the People just need to open our Eyes and Take the Chance that is Given to us!

[killerbred69]

Mike Gravel for PRESIDENT,,,GO GRAVEL GO

[c13853211]

Hear hear, wileybj. You other guys go to the site and read the proposed Act. It doesn't propose abolishing the senate or anything like that.

[wileybj]

If Mike Gravel is not elected, we are all screwed.

[bust0er7]

Mike if the National Ballot Initiative passed, could we make each State pool their property tax and evenly distribute it to each puplic school child throughout the State.

[ytmjgerard]

Mike, what do you think about:

1. Abolishing the Senate.

2. Abandoning the system of the area's property taxes funding the area's schools.

[bust0er7]

buckinbull needs the padded room.

[buckinbull]

ok i am coming up with my conclusion by listening to him. you have never meet or heard me speak, so how could you make a dumb statemant like you just did? your 22 and probably still in college where your decisions are formed from your professor. Dont waste my time scumbag!!!

[bust0er7]

Buckinbull. My politics are formed by CSPAN and Chomsky. Your 34, probably still an idiot, finally realizing the insignificance of your pathetic brainwashed existence.

[buckinbull]

pathetic! look at your profile thats all i have to say, your a moron! and i am not responding to your comments any more because you make not 1 ounce of sense! your a left wing asshole.

[bust0er7]

You da man Mike, what do you think about:

1. Abolishing the Senate.

2. Abandoning the system of the area's property taxes funding the area's schools.

[buckinbull]

this guys a joke he belongs in a padded room not the white house!

[bust0er7]

go back to germany!

[desalegn]

you americans are so stupid this is just an old man trying to get attention by pretending anger. u get so excieted just because he mad some angry remarks at the debate. now he is getting popular but after a 2 weeks u get tiered of him and his populartity fails. stop being stupid.

[juliusctw]

I love how passionate he is with these issues, but I question his idea of having the people making laws. How would they defend from big companies hiring hundred of people acting as "citizens" and writing laws in favor of the company. The general population are also easily swayed by popular opinion which are more often then not ignorant of many issues.

[Pdids01]

I like Gravel a lot - I might vote for him in the primary.

[tehwacokid222]

Watch this guy climb the polls so fast.. its not even funny. Go Gravel!

[tehwacokid222]

Watch this guy climb the polls so fast.. its not even funny. Go Gravel!

[tehwacokid1]

Watch this guy climb the polls so fast.. its not even funny. Go Gravel!

[TRUEADONIS]

CHECK out his Appearance tonight on the COLBERT REPORT! I just uploaded the Video-

[nocturnalx]

Mike Gravel for President!!!!

[kakomango]

The REALEST threat to Gravel's campaign isn't so much Big Media as it is people like vegafx12.

[raskalraidex]

i totally agree kako...

[ezeflyer]

Mike, you're the man!

[borderhacker]

Here in California, the popular initiative system has led to some of the most ill-conceived, poorly thought-out and downright dangerous laws being passed. People vote based on slanted TV commercials that distort and outright lie about the issues at stake and most don't bother to read the text of the proposed laws before they vote. Thankfully, some of the worst have been overturned by the courts.

[deadair5]

Meet the next president of the United States of America!!

[j0eg0d]

We're talking about creating laws by majority opinion which YES has become commonplace here in America. The problem with voting by a majority rules is that the minorities lose in the decision making.

We're a country that is suppossed to be based on equal rights for everyone.

I'd respectfully point out that even our Constitution is undemocratic by your philosophy, because the "Bill Of Rights" is guaranteed to ALL people and not a majority of people.

Can't you see the flaw in this ?

[j0eg0d]

Your also demanding the centralizing of power directly to the Federal Government, while I spend my time here on YouTube teaching people the exact opposite.

We need to decentralize power to the individual States & Cities. Take the authority away from Federal rule and seperate that power so no single group possesses the majority of it.

What your encouraging is a future were America becomes an Oligarchy - and it's frightening to me that you can't see that.

[kakomango]

It frightens me to see people who can't really spell expound their borrowed conservative views on topics they obviously don't understand.

[j0eg0d]

Not a conservative, not a Republican. The bipartisan argument doesn't apply to me.

This is completely about getting people to vote in Federal Laws through majority rules decisions. The more laws we grant to the Federal Government the less authority our individual States have. If you refuse to understand that, then it's your loss.

[Gadz13]

Have you heard of the "Articles of Confederation" I doubt it. because if you had then youd know it was the USA's original constituion before our current one, it had an extremly weak and meaningless federal govn't and a buncha states. There's a reason it was abandoned after 5 years for our current model.

[j0eg0d]

Obviously, we're talking about the US Constitution as arranged by Thomas Jefferson with insights from Benjamin Franklin and others such as James Otis to James Madison whom insisted on equal rights for all men.

Our country was never designed to be a Full Democracy. Because a country governed by a Majority Rules System lacks Equal Rights - Favor of the Majority Opinion means zero voting power to a Minority Opinion.

[j0eg0d]

We must not continue voting for new Federal Laws.

We must return that authority to our individual States.

Put our Federal Government back in charge of protecting our Constitution.

That is making sure each State does not issue laws which oppose our 'Bill Of Rights'.

[Kelldor42]

The Democracy Amendment part constitutes a "new tax" :( but, it keeps lobbyists out of the process :)

The Democracy Act retains legislative powers to ourselves, so why have a legislature then? This messes with the balance of the co-equal branches by weakening congress. Currently, the executive has WAY too much power, and has given states rights of governors control over the National Guard to FEMA. I vote no on this.

[j0eg0d]

How would the Democracy Amendment keep lobbyists away from the Citizen's Assembly ?

[j0eg0d]

Congress has more power than The White House. It's been that way for decades. Our media would simply have us think differently. Congress "okayed" the Iraq invasion, they've funded the invasion and they've always had the authority to refuse further funding.

Our Governors have no influence over our National Guard basically because our National Guard is depleted and on duty in Iraq. They use FEMA as the scapegoat for the slow response.

[Kelldor42]

""The Amendment further directs the Congress to appropriate funds for the operation of the Electoral Trust, and specifically prohibits organizations (as distinguished from natural persons) from contributing to the support of, or opposition to, any initiative. ""

The "organizations" part being distinguished from persons I believe is a reference to lobbyist organizations like political action commitees. I could be wrong, but thats how I read it.

[Kelldor42]

The power of Executive Orders needs to be revoked. Too many presidents have been abusing it. Any EO written is enforcable at any time by any future president as well. There are a ton of really scary EO's that will go into effect if a WMD for example goes off, and FEMA will take authority over industry, telecommunications, transportation, etc.

[heinj98]

I am with you on this. EO's are far beyond the scope of authority given to the president. He was never given legislative power, only executive. That was for a purpose as well. To keep the Executive from making and enforcing its own laws, and congress from being able to do the same. He can't make laws, simply enforce them.

[j0eg0d]

Both of our Political Parties are removing our RIGHTS, both of our Political Parties are pushing to give themselves more power and simply because you approve of you Administration over another, you'll allow that to happen.

You're talking about giving Congress even more authority ?

That's insane.

You are completely caught up in the bipartisan hype when the fact is 2 Parties control our government, it has become an Oligarchy and people like you are fueling this foolish bipartisan competition.

[Kelldor42]

I'm not 4 the National Initiative.

I'm not 4 giving branches more authority. I'm 4 limited govnmt, and maybe revoking pres EO's. It's abuse brought authoritarianism.

Both parties & 3 branches are conspiring to end sovereignty, via NAU/SPPI/EU Economic Integration.

The reason NG control was taken from Gov's was Blanco failed to deploy in time. NOT fueling bickering, I am showing you "why" this happened.

I'm against the Hegelian dialectic technique/1 side vs. other trap.

[Kelldor42]

To allow this debate to return to the merits of the National Initiative, Democracy Act, and Democracy Amendment, and to walk the walk "away" from Hegelianism, I will depart from further discussion, as I have made my views known already.

In closing. I think that Gravels idea is interesting, but goes against the framers original intent. I'd like to see us return to that original intent.

Ron Paul for President in 2008!

[bust0er7]

what an idiot

[Ruckgesicht]

Eloquent.

[bust0er7]

that is Kellor42 is an idiot

[heinj98]

I haven't read it.  What is the electoral trust?

[Kelldor42]

The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act killed Habeas Corpus & stole the rights of governors to command the NG in emergencies. Gov's are uniting to fight back, they were not even consulted. The scapegoat for this is Gov. Blanco thx to her failure to deploy the NG durring Katrina. NDAA and 2006 Military Commissions Act were signed 10/17/06, and also killed Posse Comitatus by re-writting the Insurrection Act. NG troops are exempt from PCA "only" when Gov's are the CiC. not anymore.

[j0eg0d]

Someone please take notice of what I'm saying here.

Seriously, our Founding Fathers warned us of a full democracy when they created this country.

That warning is as valid today as it ever was.

[kakomango]

You're missing the point here. The National Initiative isn't about the outdated power struggle between small government and centralized power that bifurcated the conservative and liberal parties. It's more a means to empower the public voice to hold corrupt, opaque, and deaf administrations liable for their actions through more than a choreographed farce every four years.

[kakomango]

Yes. You're not making sense.

[andr333y]

go! Gravel! go!

[PerfectlyCromulent]

You know I like the way he's willing to exert himself to stop these sort of things, but being president involves campaign $ which means turning tricks for corporations so you have to be corrupt to even get a chance to run. With that said I like this guy, but unfortunately when it comes to another White guy as president or the first ethnic president in America, I've got to go with the latter.

[pronihil]

You're being racist. To choose a candidate based solely on his race (or her gender) is not only discriminatory to the candidate you've passed over, but also discriminatory to the different raced/gendered candidate. Basically, you're saying what they, or really, ANYONE, stand for matters little compared to the color of their skin or the shape of their sex organs.

[carnagerpm]

As how my vote did not count the last two times. i was not going to Vote till i seen Mike on CNN. I think most of you want to have a President that sound like a President. I don't care what Mike sounds like I'm voting for some on to make a difference. Mike you got my vote.

[CleverSleazoiddotcom]

You tell 'em, Mike.

[RobNunchucks]

hes got my vote shame i dont live in the states :)

[raskalraidex]

wanna move?... i got room..

[batmanthe]

Its impossible for big businesses to spend the effort needed on environmental protection. It's the nature of the machine. Capitalism is better than Fascism but all governmental systems are flawed. Capitalism will continue to favor competition and they won't be able to survive against those who are ruthless, unless the education, regulation and incentives are strong for all businesses of certain types and sizes.

[batmanthe]

Don't we already have too many laws?

New ones can't just keep piling on this mile high bureaucratic mess, gotta burn the old ones that aren't worth crap. Less government is the way to go IMO BUT there are areas where government is needed, one being environment!

[cyberen]

This is a great idea! I think with the possibilities of the internet, an entirely new form of representation can arise!

[IanCrossland]

Mike this is great to hear you speaking candidly to the American people. I want more people in politics to do this. Why are they holding back?

[TRUEADONIS]

I am proud of Mike Gravel. He is a true inspiration. Please pass his message to others as much and as often as possible! We need this kind of leadership and truth!

Please see my Videos of Gravel and also, please, copy and paste my video links as much as possible. GRAVEL needs to be heard! It is our Duty that his message gets out and that he gets a fair chance. The Mainstream media is sure trying to silence Mike Gravel. Don`t let it happen!!!!

[westphalianprinz]

This guy made me proud to be a Democrat again!

[Budvb]

Yes, here is your chance. When you Get a candidate like this. You think Big Companies are going to Donate to a Cause like this for the common folk. No, I don't think so. If you want to make a difference then help support Mike's cause and his views. Go donate at gravel's website.If its one dollar or a million dollars it will only make Mike more able to topple Big Companies that been screwing over the people for a long time coming. Now is our chance to show Big Money we can compete.

[raskalraidex]

well.. it looks like with his tax plans that they might like to contribute. Looks as if they would not pay taxes, well, no one would, other than sales tax. Which means they could list their products for cheaper prices (consumers really paid the corp. taxes through product price markups), and cheaper priced goods sell faster, more goods sold mean more profit. Plus it could create jobs with the increased demand for production.

[gravel2008]

Obviously we're striking a nerve when we get responses like this.

[jancey1964]

national initiative is the only way to go.

[GawdMachine]

Don't Listen to those asshats Mike. I hope you get a BIG bump.  Great job (when you were given a chance) speaking on Wednesday night!

[westphalianprinz]

Gravel's performance last night made me proud to be a Democrat for the first time in a very long time.

[CBMashup]

Yeah there's no other option, no reasnoble argument this guy can give, so he resorted to immaturity. A guy like Gravel has more valuable experience to share than many other peoples lifetimes. Wisdom should always be respected, even your view differs, because beliefs should be challenged if they are expected to be convincing.

[CBMashup]

Wisdom should always be respected, because even if your view differs, your should allow your ideas and beliefs to be challenged if you expect them to be convincing or win over others.

*Hmm that might be a bit better English, hehe. Should really proof read bit more.* Cheers

[kliide]

woo...ad hominem attack. I'm sure you've got a good point lying around somewhere. Fire up both those brain cells and let us have it.

[TheOmnipresent]

Earthwatch is a fool, who wants to put their future in the hands of another. Mike your the man for the job!

[robertolivero]

"Obviously we're striking a nerve when we get responses like this."

What a strange (and very junior high) thing for someone ostensibly hoping to get their guy elected president to say. Where'd these "campaign consultants" come from?

[HatTricksInc]

Thanks for giving us your psychic reading into Mike's staff members "secret motives" roberto.

What would we do without people like you to enlighten us?

Maybe you and earthwatch can run together on a platform of making decisions for the rest of us who actually like to make points and decisions based on reality.

Try again please.

[rasDavid]

After both Democrats and Republicans in Congress voted to continue funding of the War in Iraq,the National Initiative makes more sense than ever!

[HatTricksInc]

Amen to that!