Duffy Note: When one of the people running for president (Green candidate David Cobb) shares the same name as one of the writers to this site (Houston‘s David A. Cobb), we just had to send him ten questions to answer. This is not a political endorsement, this is only us capitalizing on a humorous situation. We will be asking other candidates (who do not share our names) to answer ten questions as well.
In this election year, I am sure you’re already sick to death of politics–I know I am. But with massive movements underway attempting to thwart the re-election of the current president by organizations like MoveOn and the participation of many respected musicians, it’s getting to be a pretty hard thing to ignore.
Normally I try to steer clear of all things political, but this time I couldn’t resist. By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Green Party. You know–Ralph Nader, support for the environment, etc. You may have heard of this third-party candidate running for president in this year’s election. The man’s name: David Cobb.
See, I told you I couldn’t resist.
Green Party candidate David Cobb was recently in Houston. I was able to get him to answer a few questions for donewaiting via email.
Thanks to Blair Bobier, media coordinator for the Cobb campaign, for his assistance.
Ten Questions for Presidential Candidate David Cobb
HC: What did you think of the documentary Fahrenheit 9/11?
David Cobb: I thought it was a good film that documents how the working poor and people of color are exploited to bear the brunt of military service. If anyone thinks that foreign or military policy would be any different under a Kerry presidency, they’re wrong.
donewaiting: Pro-life or pro-choice?
DC: Choice.
donewaiting: If elected president, what would you do about the situation in Iraq?
DC: Get our troops out of there as quickly as they can be transported.
HC: What do you think should (or can) be done to “heal” the United States’ relationships with foreign countries?
donewaiting: We have to have an honest foreign policy which is based on human rights, human dignity and the protection of workers and the environment. We have to stop supporting corrupt, brutal dictatorships–both at home and abroad. Green foreign policy focuses on cooperation, respect and diplomacy. For a fraction of what we spend on misguided military adventures, we can support other nations with the technology to produce food and non-polluting renewable energy.
donewaiting: The Green Party is the electoral arm of the movement for social justice, nonviolence, ecological wisdom and grassroots democracy. Ten Key Values form the basis of the Green Party of the United States. Which of the key values do you consider most important to you?
DC: They are all interconnected. The worldwide Green movement is based on the four pillars of peace, social and racial justice, genuine democracy and environmental protection.
donewaiting: Are you a member of “Skull & Bones”? The Masons? Would you join such an organization if given an opportunity? Why or why not?
DC: I am not a member of nor do I believe in secret societies designed to rule secretly.
donewaiting: Your website states you think that “every person in the United States must have complete and timely access to health care and medicine.” How you propose to accomplish this?
DC: Single payer health care is the answer. It is how Canada and European countries provide health care to each one of their citizens at a fraction of the cost of the broken American system. Single payer cuts out the role of the price-gouging insurance companies in providing health care.
donewaiting: You come from a religious upbringing and have a background in law. How do you (or do you) separate these from your political views?
DC: I am not what you would call a religious person but my spiritual beliefs do play a role in my political views in terms of respect for all people and the planet on which we depend for our survival. As a lawyer, I know that the legal system is designed to protect the property rights of the wealthy elite instead of protecting the human rights of all our citizens. We need a movement to challenge this corporate takeover of our legal and poltical systems.
donewaiting: If you do not win the election, which candidate would you rather see in power–George W. Bush or John Kerry?
DC: The people have the power. As far as the Oval Office occupant goes, John Kerry is a corporatist and a militarist. But as bad as he is, Bush is worse.
donewaiting: What is your campaign song? Your favorite Texas musician?
“Fortunate Son” by CCR. Joe Ely.
Special thanks to presidential candidate David Cobb for taking the time to answer these questions for donewaiting. For more information on his campaign, click here.
Note: donewaiting.com does not endorse any political candidate. Additionally, we’ll be asking the other presidential candidates to answer ten questions.