Being a Democrat, Kerry is abstaining to ensure his soft money from Eco-terrorist groups such as PETA. Also, like most Democratic presidents before him, he is willing to stand by while others wantonly kill or throw to Barney, Gods little creatures.
Mike's Dictionary:
Eco-terrorist group; A group that uses violence to further cause.
standing by: What Bill Clinton did for 8 years while Saddam Hussein killed 1,000S in his own country. This was being done while political sanctions, that only hurt the people Saddam was hurting, were being imposed and enforced by NATO.