Olympia, Wa. - Democratic Presidential hopeful Charles Rehn isn't your typical
presidential candidate. He believes that's a good thing.
The 48 year-old resident of Olympia, Washington grew up in the hills of Santa Cruz,
California, as well as Humboldt County in Northern California, where he graduated from
Arcata High School in 1973.
"I've lead an unusual life" says Rehn, who laughs a little as he says it.
"I always knew I would end up in Southern Washington or Oregon, and involved in local
government. I'm as surprised as anyone that I'd be running for national office, let alone
President. But, then, I've always been an "out of the box" thinker. I like to
break glass-ceilings. And I'm a big believer in the power of citizens, and the importance
of citizen involvement in their government. In many ways, citizens are being shut out of
the political process more and more. I'd like to see that change"
Rehn has spent his professional career in a variety of fields, intending to focus on
broadcasting and writing, but being lured into the field of computers in 1978. He says he
always enjoyed the productivity of computers, but his real reason for becoming a training
specialist, systems analyst and programmer was to help people.
"A few years back, I decided I was tired of computers, not because they're not
interesting, but because technology is not why I got into it. I saw the power of
microcomputers when they first came out, and knew that small businesses would not be able
to compete without them. So, I decided to "empower" small business people.
That's how I approached it. It wasn't about computers, it was about people."
"I can't think of a single thing that's more satisfying than being someone who
allows people to think big, to ignore the boundaries of "this is how we do
it" or "in the box" thinking, to have confidence in themselves and
accomplish more than they thought was possible."
"I like to "burn the box". That doesn't always mean changing everything.
It's about what works, and giving each individual the opportunity to
excel and flourish - finding a way. And empowering them by helping them find an
opportunity that they feel called to do, something that gets them turned on. That causes
excellence."
With 9 other Democrats with national reputations already in the race, it would seem
unlikely that a citizen candidate could overcome the odds of a presidential race. But,
Rehn doesn't seem discouraged.
"I honestly believe in Democracy. I believe the 2004 race is, fundamentally, about
Democracy. And I know many people agree with me on that. I know that the American
people, when informed, make the right choices. And, I believe that as more and more people
hear what I have to say and understand the simplicity of my ideas - free of the typical
political entanglements - I believe they'll support my candidacy. I share their
concern and urgency to defeat George Bush in 2004. But, I want Americans to believe their
choices are more than the lesser of two evils."
"One of the most frequent questions I get is "What makes you more liberal
than Howard Dean or Dennis Kucinich?" That's seems funny to me. I don't think I
am at all. I'm very conservative in many ways. I'm a warrior for human and civil rights,
concerned about the environment, optimistic about the possibilities of uncorrupted
globalization and I love this country. But, I know there are no black and white answers. I
have a more holistic approach, and my campaign will deal with numerous issues that most
would not."
"I talk about embracing possibility. That's not about being a dreamer. It's about
setting goals and daring to try. Making plans that include the steps needed to
fulfill a vision. Doing the right thing, putting Americans first, keeping us safe while
making a better world for all. We have the power to do that."
"When people tell me it's impossible, I tell them they have plenty of time to
support another candidate. But, if they agree with me then that means other people do too.
That's how it works. One person at a time. That's Democracy. The best ideas win. And, if I
win, you win."
There's an old saying "the best way to expose a fool is to give them a platform
from which to speak."
"That's all I ask for" Rehn says about his campaign. "I'm willing if you
are, and I love a challenge".
The campaign website is at www.charlesrehn.com
On the site, you'll find his opinions in an e-book called "A Conversation With
America: Questions That Must Be Answered" as well as an additional section
called "Creating the Future: Embracing Possibility". They're being written
online, and are expected to be available for purchase in paperback later this fall.
