SLUG: Herman Fails To Show Foresight On Syria
TAG: Hey Herman, How Can Our Citizens Feel Secure About Syria?
POC: Bruce Cobbeldick, Bay Village, OH (440) 668-0887
Bay Village, OH - - Bruce Cobbeldick has done more than simply be the first Republican Candidate to begin his campaign against Kucinich. He's done his homework! Cobbeldick, 40, a former Marine Corps sergeant sees his candidacy as addressing critical foreign policy issues germane to Syria, this nation's next real threat. With Herman's failing to weigh in on the Syrian issue, Cobbeldick questions the breadth and depth of Herman's strategies as a U.S. Congressional Candidate. According to Cobbeldick, matters of foreign policy will make or break this race, as 2004 is not just about jobs and the local economy.
These times call for a candidate who has domestic solutions and Middle East policy positions that will serve to safeguard the people, making them secure in the knowledge that their representative is proactive and aware of terrorism threats that go well beyond our current battlefields. President Clinton was unaware and blind to what was going on in the rest of the world, focusing mostly on Bosnia. Meanwhile, look at what nations were empowered to get away with murder and terrorism training, said Cobbeldick, who served in three different branches of our military, the USMC, Army and National Guard.
Terrorists crossing into Iraq from Syria have carried out attacks against American soldiers. In an August 22nd interview with al Jazeera, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said, “these fighters are not being stopped at the borders, and this is something that causes us a great deal of concern.” It is also important to note that Bashar Assad, President of Syria, is a proponent of the occupation in Lebanon and supports a terrorist organization known as Hizballah. By occupying Southern Lebanon, Syria enables Hizballah to carry out attacks against Israel. Hizballah has positioned 10,000 Katyusha rockets on Israel’s northern border. Moreover, President Assad has allowed the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to operate in the region. This is the area that Israel withdrew from in May 2000, in compliance with United Nations Resolution 425. If I had been a member of the 108th Congress, I would have supported H.R. 1828, the “Syrian Accountability Act.”
Representative Kucinich voted against this piece of legislation. This piece of legislation would enable the President to impose sanctions on Syria. The possibility of sanctions would include the prohibition of U.S. investment in Syria and cutting off U.S. trade and diplomatic relations. These are all things for Americans to be aware of, and according to Cobbeldick, a West Shore area businessman, as a Congressional Representative, it is imperative not to miss this threat. "I'm very proud of my Domestic Platform, but these times require more from a congressional candidate than simply talking up the need for education and bolstering our local economy. The people want and deserve to feel confident that their Congressman is up on these issues of great importance, and frankly Herman has failed to demonstrate any foresight on Syria whatsoever. The Race in 2004 ought to have a lot to do with Foreign Policy-savvy. If not, voters will look elsewhere for their leadership. Kucinich has dropped the ball completely, and Herman has failed to show any expertise or wisdom on this topic, as well," said Cobbeldick. "I have a family, and even if I wasn't running for office, I would consider these matters of security extremely relevant as to who I could get behind or not get behind for the role of Congressman. As a father and husband, the safety and security of my family is a priority, and as a candidate for the 10th District, I come to this race prepared and up to speed with these things. That's a real issue for me - not just as a politician, but as a family man. There can be no more 9-11 tragedies on our homeland. And there can be no room for politicians like Clinton or others who fail to show the needed foresight in taking a position on Syria and the Middle East issues that are so relevant to Americans nowadays."
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Cobbeldick Residence 440-808-8926
----- Original Message ----- From: cobbeldick@comcast.net To: steck@wews.com Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 9:41 AM Subject: Elizabeth - the concern here is how'd Herman do it UNLESS IT'S OK TO BE WITHOUT AN AGENDA IF YOU GET A LITTLE MONEY & BACKING...
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE dtd. 1-26-04 ***Read emails from Trakas to Cobbeldick below***
From: Bruce Cobbeldick To: Ohio-HispanicAmericanRepublicanCommitte@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 9:17 PM Subject: [Ohio-HispanicAmericanRepublicanCommitte] VOTE FOR BRUCE COBBELDICK ON MARCH 2
...BECAUSE EDDIE (HERMAN) NEEDS A LITTLE MORE TIME TO GET READY!
Hello, you can reach me at 440-668-0887 or cobbeldick@comcast.net
Welcome to my website! My name is Bruce Cobbeldick. The key thing I would want the voters and the media to be aware of for the March Primary and November General Election is the question of having mature experience, as Congress is no place to cut ones teeth. The role of Congressional Representative is an important one - it is not a hobby or alternative career. Congress is a chance to serve your fellow citizens and get important things done for your community. Everyone knows Dennis Kucinich is a Wacko. It's not enough for Herman to simply state ones opinion that Dennis needs to go. Many feel that way. But in order to earn the people's votes, you have to show preparation, maturity, and be electable. Being Pro-War, a fan of George Bush and for education and improving the economy are nice soundbytes from Herman, but what else have my opponents got? Where's the beef? Where's the creativity? Where's the innovation? Mere enthusiasm is not enough.
The fact is I am the only Candidate who has stated I will introduce legislation to get Congressmen and Senators on the same Social Security Retirement Plan that the rest of us are on; I am the only candidate who has stated that I will take steps as a Congressman to see to it that our country collects on the Foreign Debts other countries owe America; I am the only candidate that has said I will seek to reduce United Nations funding by 50% and route the savings to our senior citizens health-care needs; I am the only Candidate with a well thought out, cogent and professional Foreign Policy, at a time when the Middle East is a serious threat; truth be told, my Domestic Platform covers 20 topics - not three or four topics; I offer the voters breadth and depth - experience!
The people want ideas - not some campaign like Herman's that has got the "mechanics down" of running a race. Whether a candidate has 3,000 or 30,000 dollars to run against Kucinich, on March 2nd, 2004, Independents, Republicans and disenchanted Democrats alike will have to realize that Kucinich has millions. So, any bragging about having fifty thousand in ones campaign fund is silly. Dennis has funds that will eclipse that! I, Bruce Cobbeldick, offer substance.
So, to the people, I tell you: This race better be about IDEAS and SOLUTIONS - not money. Because in the big picture, whether it's 5,000 dollars or 50,000 dollars, money will not beat Dennis. But sincereity, character, maturity and business acumen can. AND THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR BRUCE COBBELDICK ON MARCH 2nd, 2004!
My opponent has pinned his political hopes on being a Veteran and "being mad - very mad at Dennis Kucinich," as he puts it. That is flawed thinking, and I'll tell you why. As a former Marine Corps Sergeant and past Chairman for the American Legion, I too am a veteran. I'll gladly compare my military service with that of Herman!
In fact, while my opponent is quick to point to his one year of active-duty time with the Army, I was in the Marines on active duty for 6 years, then I went on to also earn Honorable Discharges from the Army Reserves and National Guard for a total of 14 years in the military. I was the only candidate or politician who was at the Veterans Rally at the Cleveland Muni Parking Lot this past Fall.
But folks, that is not enough. No one is more proud of the military or being with the American Legion than I am, but the people of NE Ohio need more from their Congressman than simply being "mad at Dennis" and offerig military service to ones country. Where's the beef? Many Clevelanders aren't Veterans. My campaign does not hinge on my being a Veteran. A quick scan of websites shows my preparedness.
The people here in the 10th Congressional District do not need someone who is single and 29. Voters want and deserve someone with maturity, business acumen and someone who can relate to what today's families are going through. How can a Congressman fight for family values and be insightful and sensitive to what it takes to hold a family together in the midst of tough economic times when the Candidate is single and 29 years young? Age is no guarantee of intellect, but ones life experiences are tremendous indicators of ones character and resourcefulness!
I had no silver spoon in my mouth. I know what it's like to be a child, drinking 3 glasses of milk to fill up your stomach when you're hungry. I know what it's like to be a latch-key kid. I know what it's like to be without medical insurance and I know what it's like to go from being a teenager to the family's breadwinner because of a parent's death. These are all intangibles - things that make you be caring and sensitive - they are life events that forge inner strength and compassion for others. My background has many things that I can draw on to help people - to care in a way that my opponent just simply cannot fathom.
I remember what it was like when we had my Social Security Death Benefits suddenly terminated. I have graduated from the School Of Hard Knocks and after beginning my life over in the Marines, I know what it is like to put yourself through college and change careers to make ends meet. Pain and struggle can serve to make a person be more patient, show more courtesy and love for ones fellow man. This I offer you.
I applaud my candidate's military service record. I salute him for having enthusiasm. But the people here in NE Ohio need substance and experience - not mere enthusiasm.
But ultimately, this race is far too important for the future of Greater Cleveland than to simply "be mad, very mad at Dennis Kucinich." The people don't want merely a default option to Kucinich. The voters want someone who has a Foreign Policy, someone with maturity and someone they can relate to - but best of all, the voters need someone who has walked in their shoes. I am that kind of human being. I've been there.
I did not attend St. Ignatius High School and move on to a nice Liberal Arts College and teach English to Arabic Children. My father died when I was 18, and I immediately dropped out of School and went to work at Cleveland Hopkins Airport unloading planes and loading trucks for Summit Airlines. I then joined the Marines and after getting out of the military, I went to night school and put myself through college. My background and experience says a lot for my character and resolve.
I love this community. I believe this still is The Best Location In The Nation, but if we're going to work together and make Greater Cleveland geat again, the people in this District are going to need experience and enthusiasm - not just enthusiasm! So, on March 2nd, 2004, vote for Bruce Cobbeldick. There's work to be done. March 2nd better be about ideas, experience and preparedness. Pit someone young and inexperienced against Kucinich? Voters need help, relief, assistance - they need money brought home from Washington and someone who can have a dialogue with CEO's and CFO's. My .com and e-Learning background will be very key in helping Cleveland. I've coached executives as well as Ohio County Agency senior managers, doing Efficiency Studies and Management Consulting to help government be more effective. That's key.
Get a family man who's worked for Blue Chip companies and who knows how CEO's and CFO's think. Cleveland needs a Congressman who can bring home the bacon and fight for this District.
If elected, I will fight for a fair flat tax and I will introduce legislation to get Congressmen and Senators on the same Social Security Retirement System that the rest of the American people are on. I will legislate to reduce United Nations spending by 50% and route that money to senior citizens health-care. I will fight for Tort Reform and Health-care Reform, including a Patients Bill of Rights. So, come March 2, 2004, please make it to the polls and vote for Bruce Cobbeldick. The question is who will get it done?
Vote for EXPERIENCE, MATURITY AND QUALIFICATIONS. Vote for BRUCE COBBELDICK!
"Together We Can Make Greater Cleveland Great Again!"
LOBBY FOR COBBY ON MARCH 2nd!
www.brucecobbeldickforcongress.com
Let's Show Dennis The Door In 2004!!!
READ THE LETTER FROM THE REPUBLICAN COUNTY CHAIRMAN JIM TRAKAS CRITICIZING HERMAN FOR "A LACK OF AN AGENDA"
(even Trakas asks, where's the beef?) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Trakas" To: Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 8:13 AM Subject: RE: i loved what i heard - nice talk tonight Jim
> > Bruce, > > Nice seeing you. Good decision on the newspaper. Just think "what would Chesty Puller do?" and you'll answer your own questions. > > This Herman is someone to be reckoned with. I was underwhelmed by his apparent lack of agenda, but he can raise some bucks. Of course, Bill Smith is a very well intentioned man, but you know what that is all about. > > Happy Thanksgiving. > > Jim
Read the next email message where Trakas asked Republican Executive Director Brad Lamb to run for something else other than Congress!
It beckons the question, how and why would the Screening Committee back someone the Party had serious doubts about ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Trakas" To: Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 11:11 AM Subject: RE: Hi Jim
> > > > Hi Bruce, > > Got the message on Herman. Brad Lamb tried to move him to another race this year, but he says he is focussed on Congress. I have never met the guy, but will have a crack at him myself. (Please keep this confidential) > > The last thing we need is a primary to waste resources against Dennis! (his name, you know). Only Dennis! benefits from a primary. You don't have to convince me, you need to convince the Central and Executive Committees. Make sure you check the website for all the party events, Holiday parties, and ward club meetings throughout the county, not just in the 10th. People tend to support who they know. > > I am actively recruiting for all the other races, but certainly want to talk to you soon about the 10th. If we don't have a strong ticket, they will shower all their resources at you, and I am trying to build a decent ticket. > > Jim > > -- > This message was sent using 3wmail. > Your fast free POP3 mail client at www.3wmail.com