I find it fascinating that blogs now recieve things like this … oh, and it’s a nice example of the democratic process as well.

My name is Mark A. Goldman and I am announcing my candidacy for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This seat is currently held by Jim McDermott, a Democrat, representing citizens of the 7th Congressional District in the State of Washington.. This announcement is for the election to be held in November 2004. I am an independent candidate and have no party affiliation.

My purpose in running for office is to offer the citizens in my district the opportunity to be represented by someone who will faithfully preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

I am making this announcement too late for my name to be included on the ballot, but not too late to be elected. It is not too late for me to become a write-in candidate.

If you want to vote for me, here’s exactly what you should write on your ballot: Mark Goldman, US Congress 7th Dist, Independent.

In the state of Washington, each individual may legally contribute up to $625 towards my campaign. You can also purchase one or both of the books I recently published, one of which is available in paperback, both of which are available for download as an e-book at my web site. Income received
from these publications will help me personally and allow me to continue in this effort.

If you would like to learn more about me and what I stand for, you can visit my web site at www.gpln.com . I believe that George W. Bush and other members of the current administration have violated their oath of office by undermining the Constitution, and I have written about this
extensively. I have communicated to Congressman McDermott and other members of Congress requesting that they file Articles of Impeachment to remove George W. Bush and other members of his administration from office. Every member of Congress that I asked has refused. I believe this
is negligence or cowardice on their part. I will not hesitate to file such articles if, as a member of the House, I come to believe, as I do now, that the sitting President or any in his administration has betrayed his or her oath of office.

My writings include sample Articles of Impeachment with respect to members of this administration… one was prepared by a former Attorney General of the United States, another was prepared by an internationally respected attorney, legal scholar, and authority on Constitutional and International
law. And in layman’s terms, I prepared articles of my own. These references and my writings provide an excellent outline of why the current President and members of his administration should have been and currently should be removed from office… not by election, but by the operation of law as provided under the legal framework of our Constitution. In addition, if elected, I will do what I can to see to it that anyone who has committed a crime while in office is not only removed from office, but is also prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and brought to justice. I believe representatives in Congress have an obligation to tell the truth of their experience, even when it isn’t politically convenient to do so. If you want to know where I stand on other specific issues, please feel free to write to me and/or visit my web site. I will post my answers to questions there along with other relevant information so that you can make an informed decision about the kind of person you would like to represent you in Congress.

Let me say that I did not ask myself whether or not I have a good chance of winning this election. This is not something that I set out to do; it is something that I feel I now must do to serve my country… because I do not see anyone else in Congress carrying out their duty as I think it should be done. There are many fine and capable people serving in Congress, I am sure, but no one there is willing to tell the truth as I see it and act accordingly… i.e., to defend the rule of law as it should be defended. I only asked myself if I was willing to serve and if I believe that I could
serve honorably if elected. My answer is, I am willing to serve and I believe I can do so honorably. For me to be elected will require that citizens to do more than just check a box. If you want to live if a free and just society, you will have to stand up and say so and take action that indicates that this is important to you. The opportunity is there if you are willing to make the choice.

If you are afraid that voting for me will support someone who you would not like to see get elected, let me say this: an election system that guarantees that by voting for someone you really believe in will result in the election of someone you most certainly do not believe in—is a system that is seriously flawed and needs to be changed. Neither Jim McDermott, nor the party he belongs to, is dedicated to making the necessary changes in support of our Democracy. If elected to office, I will work for Instant Runoff Voting… but this cannot happen unless you are able to muster enough courage and heart to take a chance on yourself to make things better. I am not asking how many people will vote for me… I am only asking if you will.

If you would like to help me get elected, let me just make this one suggestion: do not ask who else has received this email. If you think others should know about my candidacy and your support for it, then forward this email to them. Don’t be concerned that they might have already seen it.

If you’ve ever asked, “…but what can I do?” I’m offering you this. I’m giving you a choice.

Mark A. Goldman
P.O. Box 1865
Vashon, WA 98070
206 463-2019
mark@gpln.com
www.gpln.com

Whatever you might think of his positions, you have to admire the man for taking a stand and a risk. Good for you, Mark.