I appreciate what John Kerry's doing in this weblog post and email that he sent to his campaign email list. It's about time Democratic leaders in Washington started explicitly calling out the Republicans for their tacit endorsement of bigotry and racism and hate. If I were undecided about who to support for the nomination, this would have earned Kerry $50 from me.

Look, I've seen some ugly politics in the years since I came home from Vietnam. I've been targeted by the Nixon White House - the original masters of dirty tricks. I've seen the Willie Hortonization of politics. I've been disgusted seeing President Clinton attacked from day one of his presidency by a right wing machine. Most recently my brother in arms Max Cleland who left three limbs on the battlefield of Vietnam had his patriotism questioned by a vengeful and meanspirited GOP that tears people down to advance their agenda. I decided to run for President to oppose that kind of politics that degrade our democracy and turn good people away from the process.

Now I need you to join me in showing we reject the divisive politics some in the GOP are passing on to a new generation of Republicans.

These t-shirts were displayed and offered for sale at the College Republicans National Convention in Washington. The divisive slogans and graphic pictures are not to be laughed off as campaign rhetoric - they are racist, anti-gay and violent. I support the First Amendment and I am using my right to free speech to protest these products.

'Course, Howard Dean couldn't resist a leeetle bit of tweaking of Kerry and his campaign issued the following statement:

John Kerry Should Heed His Own Advice

At virtually the same time John Kerry sent out a fundraising email to supporters vowing to fight back against the politics of personal destruction, he failed to take his own high-minded advice. At the moment in the debate when Kerry had a chance to take the high road and join with Sen. Edwards in calling for the candidates to focus on their own plans and visions and not criticize each other, Sen. Kerry instead joined Dick Gephardt and resorted to the politics of the past by seconding the ridiculous comparison of Gov. Dean to Newt Gingrich.

Despite stating in his email, "I have taken the high road in this campaign" John Kerry continues to distort Gov. Dean's record and attack him at every turn.

John Kerry will soon learn that he is right that these tactics "turn good people away from the process." That is why more than 425,000 people have joined Gov. Dean's call for a new people-powered politics based on participation and hope, rather than based on the politics of the past and fear.

John Kerry should heed his own call.