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A national Green bulletin
Vol. 3, No. 11
Friday, October 14, 2005
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Green News | Events | Green
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SEPTEMBER 24 ANTIWAR PROTESTS Greens from all over the
country met in Washington, DC, and called on Bush to 'Bring the troops
home now!' at the antiwar protest that organizers estimate drew over
300,000. The weekend events included a joint United for Peace and Justice
(UFPJ) and ANSWER rally; a Peace and Justice Festival; and the day long
'Operation Ceasefire concert, which was organized by DC Statehood Green
Adam Eidinger. The Green Party held its own rally beforehand featuring
many Green Party leaders, officeholders, and candidates including
Louisiana Green Party Co-Chair Leenie Halbert and Green Party Peace Action
Committee (GPAX) Co-Chair Elena Everett. "The Green Party has led the
political opposition to the war," said Kevin McCarron, a Green Gulf
War vet. "Democrat Party leaders are on the wrong side, they
supported the war from the very beginning and now people like Hillary
Clinton and Joe Biden are calling for troop increases." Among the
Green speakers on McPherson Square was Hilda Mason, 89-year-old veteran
civil rights activist, founding member of the DC Statehood Party (which
merged with the DC Greens in 1999), and former elected member of the DC
School Board and DC City Council.
"The weekend is the beginning of a surge in the
antiwar movement which was sparked by Cindy Sheehan's vigil outside of the
Crawford Ranch and has spread across the country like wildfire," said
Echo Steiner, Green Party of Florida National Committee Delegate and GPAX
member. "Cindy Sheehan has brought more people into the peace
movement. The face of the anti-war movement is changing and becoming more
diverse. We saw many family members of soldiers in Iraq, veterans, and
people from all over the country and all walks of life."
Operation Ceasefire drew tens of thousands throughout
the day. California Green Party member Jello Biafra emceed the concert
which featured the spectacular line-up of hip-hop artist and DC Statehood
Green Party member Head-Roc, Joan Baez, Sweet Honey and the Rock, Steve
Earle, The Coup, Thievery Corporation, Wayne Kramer and others. Cindy
Sheehan and Rebecca Rotzler Deputy Mayor of New Paltz, NY and Green Party
Co-Chair, and Wisconsin Green and UFPJ Co-Chair George Martin were among
the featured speakers.
Several out-of-town Greens stayed in DC to participate
in civil disobedience actions. Organized by UFPJ, participants went
through a clergy-led CD training and took part in actions at the Pentagon
and White House on September 26. 40 people were arrested at the early
morning vigil at the Pentagon. 378 were arrested at the White House,
including Cindy Sheehan.
The Green Party's Political/Fundraising Director,
Brent McMillan, reports that the tabling effort in DC at the September
Mobilization was very successful, with lots of visitors from all over the
US, copies of Green Pages and Green Party Card Applications distributed,
and merchandise sold.
More:
http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_09_19.shtml
http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_09_22.shtml
http://www.gp.org/committees/peace/
http://www.unitedforpeace.org
http://www.wryr.org (radio
coverage)
http://dc.indymedia.org/media/all/display/27309/index.php
(WJLA story on Operation Ceasefire)
http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org/
http://GFSP.org/
http://www.MFSO.org/
http://www.IVAW.net/
http://www.veteransforpeace.org/
GREEN RELIEF FOR KATRINA Louisiana Green Party co-chair Leenie Halbert and
Andrea Garland(both from New Orleans) and Romi Elnagar (Baton Rouge) kept
Greens across the US informed about those party members who evacuated and
those who stayed in New Orleans, and continued work on local relief. Malik
Rahim, a Black Panthers veteran and Green who recently ran for New Orleans
City Council, stayed at his home in the Algiers neighborhood (one of the
few areas not flooded). His dramatic article "This is criminal"
was featured in a Green Party press release and has been widely published
<http://www.gp.org/press/states/la_2005_09_03.shtml>. Rahim
continues to organize relief in Algiers, assisting medical clinics and
self-help operations, delivering food and water, clearing blockages, and
helping people deal with FEMA and the police <http://www.rebuildgreen.org>.
Rahim invites those interested in helping to call him in New Orleans at
504-368-6897 for information on sending help. Assistance can also be sent
to Common Ground, PO Box 3216, Gretna, LA 70054.
Green Party of Florida co-chair Sarah "Echo"
Steiner established a safe haven for evacuees on a campground in Florida,
and sent water, food, and supplies to the New Orleans area.The Green-led
Minnesota Coalition to Aid Hurricane Katrina Survivors sent buses from
Minneapolis to transport evacuees and provide vital supplies. New Jersey
Greens also sent aid <http://gpnj.vshost.com/Katrina%20relief>. The
Green Party's Disability Caucus launched a web site to aid survivors of
Hurricane Katrina who have disabilities <http://immuneweb.org/katrina>.
Pat LaMarche, the Green Party's 2004 candidate for Vice President,
traveled from Maine to New Orleans to assist with relief, and has written
a series of on-the-scene articles for the Times Record (Maine) <http://www.timesrecord.com>.
Halbert and Garland have established a relief center to feed 250 people
twice a day and plan to set up a medical clinic. "Women are leading
this effort to go" said Halbert. "Women are going into this
militarized zone of our neighborhood, restoring trust and bringing love
back to our community through grassroots community organizing."
Halbert and Garland seek donations of non-perishable vegetarian food
(beans, dried fruit, grains, etc); vitamins, toiletries, water; and
rechargeable batteries, cell phones, computers, mobile cards for cell
phones; visit <http://www.getyouracton.com and http://www.rebuildgreen.org>.
More:
http://www.gp.org/katrina2005/
http://www.gp.org/committees/peace/
MILLION MORE MARCH The Green Party's national Black Caucus and the DC
Statehood Green Party issued statements of support for gay, lesbian, bi,
transgender, and queer (GLBTQ) African Americans participating in the
Millions More March, and critical of the apparent exclusion of them by
March organizers. While criticizing its leaders (especially homophobic and
sexist comments from Rev. Willie Wilson during a sermon in DC on July 3),
Greens also affirmed their general support for the March and its agenda;
many plan to attend the event, which will take place in Washington, DC on
Saturday, October 15. The statements encourage participation in
alternative and inclusive events organized by African American GLBTQ
leaders and the supporters during the weekend of the March. Greens note
that the March will focus on reparations for African Americans, which the
Green Party (unlike the Democrats and Republicans) endorses in its
national platform. Greens will meet Saturday morning at Freedom Plaza
(Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 14th Street) at 8:00 a.m. and attend the March
with GLBTQ African Americans. For details on the Freedom Plaza rally,
titled "We Are Family", and related events, visit <http://www.wearefamilyunityweekend.com/events.htm>.
(See also the listing under Upcoming Events). (Late breaking news: Black
GLBT activist Keith Boykin, President of the National Black Justice
Committee, has been invited to speak at the March.)
http://www.dcstatehoodgreen.org
http://www.greenpartyblackcaucus.net
http://www.wearefamilyunityweekend.com
http://www.nbjcoalition.org/
GREENS ON THE AIR A new web page at gp.org lists broadcast and webcast
programs hosted or produced by Greens. A dozen shows are already listed.
Visit the page to learn about broadcasts in your area, and if you're a
Green involved in programs aired on radio, cable or broadcast television,
or over the Internet, add your listing.
http://www.gp.org/onair/
http://www.gp.org/forms/onair/
GREENS IN RECENT ELECTIONS The Green Party recently competed in primaries
in Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, and Washington, and participated in a special
election in Pennsylvania this month. Several Green candidates and
incumbents will advance to the general election: In Minnesota, Dave Berger
for Minneapolis Board of Estimation and Taxation; Dave Bicking for
Minneapolis City Council Ward 4; Cam Gordon for Minneapolis City Council
Ward 2; Aaron Neumann for Minneapolis City Council Ward 3; and incumbent
Dean Zimmerman for Minneapolis City Council Ward 6. Incumbent Annie Young
came first in a primary election for Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
Board. Minneapolis City Council incumbent Natalie Johnson-Lee will run for
reelection on November 8. In Pennsylvania Marlene Santoyo finished second
in the Special Election for the open District 200 State Representative
Seat in the Philadelphia area. She beat the Republican candidate by more
than double. The Coordinated Congressional Campaign is underway. For more
information on Congressional races for 2006; or, if interested in
volunteering for a campaign or running for office, contact Political
Director Brent McMillan at 1-866-41-GREEN <brent@gp.org>.
GREEN CANDIDATES At least 116 Green candidates for public office
throughout the US will participate in the general election on November 8,
2005; see news about many of them in the state items below.
CAMPUS GREENS The Campus Greens Steering Committee recently started an
official blog, where updates, notes, and opinion pieces will be posted on
a regular basis <http://campusgreensblog.blogspot.com/>,
and invite one and all to check it often for news, and to post comments,
concerns, ideas, etc. Campus Greens are reminding everyone to celebrate
fair trade in October, which Transfair USA and OxFam America have
designated as 'Fair Trade Month,' during which time students and
progressive organizations are encouraged to publicize and extol the social
and environmental benefits of fairly trade.
http://www.campusgreens.org
http://www.transfairusa.org/content/support/fairtrademonth05.php
ALASKA (1) In September, Alaska Greens asserted that Arctic Refuge oil
will not solve the nation's energy problems. The Green Party of Alaska
reaffirmed its stand as the only Alaska party to oppose drilling in the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Greens stressed conservation, noting that
the US (including Alaska) has roughly 2% of the world's oil, yet consumes
25% of the world's oil. "We cannot achieve energy independence with
or without Refuge oil. If we were to use up our meager domestic oil
supplies without shifting to renewable fuels, we expose our economy and
military to serious risks, leaving our nation totally at the mercy of
foreign oil producers. Our only hope of achieving energy independence is
to continue to import foreign oil while we rapidly reduce oil consumption
and shift to renewable energy," said Green Party Energy Advisor Jim
Sykes. (2) On September 27, the Green Party of Alaska requested that
Congressman Don Young reconsider his stance against giving Alaska bridge
funds to storm-damaged areas in the South. Party Chair Larry Buchholz
said, in a letter to Young, "It doesn't seem particularly helpful to
invite people to 'kiss your ear,' or anything else, to talk some common
sense about the serious and immediate needs of our country versus the
far-off future 'wants' in Alaska. We agree with members of Congress, from
both political parties, that funding for Knik and Gravina bridges should
become part of the offsets to fund immediate transportation repairs in
disaster-stricken areas." (3) Jamie Smith, cartoonist and Green Party
of Alaska member, organized a fundraiser in Ester, Alaska, for the
Louisiana Humane Society and the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals. The fundraiser was held September 30, featuring
artwork, pet supplies, and veterinary services for auction, and raised
almost $7000 dollars. (4) Deirdre Helfferich, Green Party of Alaska member
and publisher of a small-town newspaper, has begun a blog <http://esterrepublic.blogspot.com>
connected with the paper, The Ester Republic <http://esterrepublic.com/Republicwelcome.html>,
but with the personal viewpoint of the publisher. Covering local news and
Green issues, the blog has Green Party and activism links, as well as
links to blogs of interest to Alaskans and Greens. Recent issues covered
are the Alaska's oil revenue taxation and Wal-Mart, which is planning a
second, SuperCenter, store in nearby Fairbanks. Greens and others in the
Fairbanks area are organizing to prevent the arrival of this big-box
behemoth, which is projected for 2006.
http://alaska.greens.org/
http://ap.juneauempire.com/...
http://www.ktuu.com/...
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net...
http://www.alaskacoalition.org/Transportation.htm
http://www.adn.com/news/...
http://www.news-miner.com/Stories/...
http://esterrepublic.com/...
http://www.tygreens.org/actionevents.html
CALIFORNIA 1) While noting it doesn't come close to a living wage, the
Green Party of California on September 7 praised the State Senate's
passage of legislation raising the state's minimum wage, and urged the
governor to sign it to give urgent relief to the state's working poor. The
measure raises the minimum wage to $7.75 over two years, and indexes it
for inflation annually. "Nearly 80 percent of low-wage workers are
people of color and the majority of minimum wage earners are women. While
the cost of everything goes up, from housing to food to gasoline, these
workers haven't had an increase in three years," said Susan King, a
spokesperson for the California Green Party. (2) On September 30,
California Greens and the National Lavender Greens Caucus expressed
outraged at Gov. Schwarzenegger's decision to 'terminate' equal marriage
rights for same-sex couples by vetoing legislation to recognize same-sex
marriages. The measure, AB 849, introduced by Mark Leno, D-San Francisco,
was approved on September 27 by the full legislature, and would have
required California to recognize marriages as gender-neutral civil
contracts. (Massachusetts is the only state to currently recognize
same-sex marriages, after an order from its Supreme Court, although it
also faces a gubernatorial veto.). "California's Lavender Greens
thank the California Legislature for finally acknowledging what the Green
Party has said all along: we all deserve the right to marry the person of
our choice, regardless of gender," said Thomas Leavitt, a National
Lavender Greens Caucus officer and Santa Cruz Green. "But, we are
outraged by the Governator's decision to terminate marriage rights for
same-sex couples." 3) On October 4, Green candidate Bea Tiritilli,
running a strong race despite the party's tiny registration in
conservative Orange County, found herself among the top 10 finishers in
the Special Election primary to replace former Congressman Christopher Cox
in the 48th District. None of the 17 candidates had won more than 50
percent of the vote, which forces a Special Election run-off Dec. 6. The
top vote-getter in each party qualifies for the run-off, including
Tiritilli. "I look forward to working on a strategy to promote a
peaceful and Green revolution in Orange County and the United
States," said Tiritilli, 42, a high school teacher who made
opposition to the Iraq War and social justice a major part of her
grassroots campaign.
http://www.cagreens.org
http://www.lavendergreens.org
http://www.cagreens.org/press/pr050930.htm
CONNECTICUT (1) Miguel Nieves, Green Party Candidate for Mayor of New
Britain, will offer free hair cuts to local New Britain taxpayers as a way
to discuss tax rates and spending priorities in the city. On October 12, a
local barber will offer free hair cuts all day at the Nieves For Mayor
Headquarters. Nieves said "The barber shop is a place where local
people talk about local politics and taxes, so we are doing this just for
one day and we hope people will discuss what they think our taxes should
be spent on!... It is getting harder and harder for taxpayers to pay their
local taxes, so maybe a free haircut will help just a little!" Nieves
seeks donations to help pay for his busy campaign office: call Annette
Alicea at 860-983-6191. (2) The New London Police Union's political action
committee has endorsed Green candidate Andy Derr for City Council (among
others), while declining to endorse a retired detective who spent 36 years
at the department. "I think it's just another indication that people
are really taking the Green Party seriously, and we're part of the
political scene in the city," said Derr, who declined an offer of
financial contributions from the union PAC.
http://www.nieves.politicalgateway.com
http://www.theday.com/...
http://www.ctgreens.org
GEORGIA The Georgia Green Party, in a consensus vote, officially endorsed
Elaine Brown in her run for mayor of the City of Brunswick during its
annual convention on September 17. Although the race is non-partisan,
Brown, who became an official member of the Green Party earlier this year,
faces strong opposition from Republican-backed candidate Bryan Thompson.
If elected, she will be the first female and the first black to hold the
position. Thompson is President/CEO of Blueprint Brunswick, a private
company created to institute a wide-spread plan to 'revitalize' the
Brunswick area by displacing thousands of poor, black residents.
Addressing the Georgia Green Party at the convention, Brown said, "It
would be an honor to receive your endorsement. What is happening to the
poor people in Brunswick is an absolute atrocity and we can no longer
afford to sit by and watch them be taken advantage of by a government that
exists solely for its own self interests. I believe the Green Party stands
for the same ideals which I have stood on for over 40 years now and I hope
you all will help me as we attempt to bring government back to the people,
starting in Brunswick, Georgia." Georgia Greens encourage Greens and
progressives from throughout the state to actively involve themselves in
Elaine's campaign, and urge all Greens to help with donations.
http://www.greens.org/georgia/
http://www.elainebrown.org
IOWA The Iowa Green Party joined the Iowa Libertarian Party as plaintiffs
in a lawsuit filed by the Iowa Civil Liberties Union challengeing the
state's undemocratic policy of limiting party affiliation on voter
registration forms. Currently, a party must receive at least 2% of the
vote for Governor or President before being listed on the voter
registration forms. Also listed as plaintiffs are Daryl Northrop, 2004
Iowa Green candidate for US Senate, and Clyde Cleveland, 2002 Liibertarian
candidate for Governor of Iowa.
http://www.greens.org/iowa
http://www.iowaclu.org/news.asp?ID=21
LOUISIANA On September 21, the Green Party of Louisiana issued a strong
condemnation of plans to suspend environmental protections in the wake of
the Katrina disaster. "The first disaster to hit our state was a
natural one. The one following suspension of EPA rules will be a
human-generated environmental disaster," warned Leenie Halbert,
Co-Chair of the Louisiana Green Party. A US Senate proposal would grant
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator authority to waive
or modify requirements for any emergency response related to Hurricane
Katrina. The blanket proposal, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK),
applies to any project carried out by the EPA. For more on Katrina relief,
see above.
http://www.lagreens.org/
MAINE (1) Benjamin Meiklejohn and Stephen Spring, two of the three Green
Party officeholders on the Portland School Board, were featured in 'School
Board News,' a publication sent to almost every school board member in the
US every two weeks, for their work in drafting policy to regulate military
recruitment in schools <http://www.nsba.org/...>.
(2) The Portland Green Independent Committee endorsed Green Party member
Carol R. Schiller in her run for the open At-Large Seat on the Portland
City Council. Schiller, who was also endorsed by the League of Pissed Off
Voters, has 25 years experience in community development working with the
University Neighborhood Organization, Greater Portland Neighborhoods
Coalition, Woodfords-Oakdale Neighborhood Association, Portland Public
Schools, Portland City Hall and Planned Parenthood. Schiller is a
businesswoman, mother, artist, video producer, arts advocate, and
educator. She needs to raise $1,500 for publicity this week. Please call
or email with your pledge today.. The campaign is required to report your
occupation if you contribute over $50.00. Make checks payable to:
Committee to Elect Carol Schiller, state your occupation, and send the
check to: Carol Schiller, 7 Longfellow Street, Portland, Maine 04103.
Contact Carol Schiller: 207-772-3243, schiller@maine.rr.com
http://www.mngreens.org
http://www.portlandphoenix.com/features/this_just_in/documents/04998779.asp
MARYLAND Read about Kevin Zeese, Maryland Green candidate for the US
Senate, in The American Chronicle: "In Maryland, Kevin Zeese Takes On
The Power Brokers", by Michael Butler, October 10, 2005 <http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=2851>.
Read about Joanne Ivancic, Green candidate for Frederick City Alderman, at
<http://www.mdgreens.org/inthenews/fnp-09-25-05.html>.
Ivancic the first third party candidate to make it into the general
elections in Frederick in 36 years.
http://www.mdgreens.org
MINNESOTA Greens advanced in five of six Minneapolis city council
primaries, coming in with 14% in Minneapolis and 19% in St. Paul mayoral
primaries, and advance in Tax Board primary. (More above in the Elections
report.) Green endorsee and Minneapolis/5th District Green Party board
member Annie Young, who came in first of a crowded field for at-large
members of the park board in the primary, desperately needs contributions,
since the city-wide races are among the most difficult and require the
most funding to succeed in the general election and the park board races
getting lots of attention this year. Dave Berger, in his statewide race
for the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation, also seeks donations
for advertising in local neighborhood papers and other grassroots campaign
activities. Berger came in fourth in the primary, and already has gained
some name recognition.
http://www.mngreens.org
http://www.annieyoung.net/
http://www.startribune.com/news/metro/elections/returns/coumsm.html
http://www.mngreens.org/candidates.php
http://votedaveberger.home.comcast.net/
NEW YORK (1) On September 29, the New York City Campaign Finance Board
confirmed that the Robyn Sklar for City Council campaign (Long Island
City, District 26) has qualified for matching funds. "This is the
first time in history that a Green Party candidate in District 26 has been
eligible for matching funds, and only the second time in all of
Queens," said Sklar. "I'm humbled by the outpouring of support I
have received from voters interested in having an independent voice on the
City Council calling for clean energy, affordable housing, safe transit
and more after school programs." "We are expecting close to
$27,000 from the
Campaign Finance Board to arrive in the campaign bank account later
today," said campaign treasurer Rebecca White. "Hundreds of
donors contributed from $5 to $250 to help us meet our goal. For working
people to put even $10 behind a local candidate is a huge vote of
confidence and an investment in grassroots democracy." Robyn Sklar
was featured in the Long Island City/Astoria Journal (and the Forest
Hills/Rego Park paper which is distributed in Maspeth) and in the Astoria
Times and the Woodside Times. An op-ed column co-authored by Patrick
Langhenry of the West Queens Greens and Sklar was published in the
Woodside Times. (2) On October 3, four Green candidates in Syracuse, Howie
Hawkins for Mayor, Gary Bonaparte for 2nd District Councilor, Cosmo
Fanizzi III for 16th District County Legislator, and David Linton for 17th
District County Legislator, issued 'Bring Our Troops Home' Resolutions.
(3) "Ever since Jason West captured the mayor's seat in the Village
of New Paltz as a Green party candidate, the local party has become the
model for Green Party slates across New York." -- report on Green
candidates for New Paltz Town Board, Town Clerk, and Ulster County
Legislature: <http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/NP_Greens-
10Oct05.htm>. (4) Gloria Mattera, Green candidate for Brooklyn Borough
President, is challenging an embattled Democrat who supports egregious
development throughout Brooklyn. Mattera's campaign is enrolled in New
York City's progressive campaign finance program, which will provides a
4-to-1 return to the campaign once it has passed a $50,000 threshold; over
80% of the required amount has already been raised. To donate, visit
<http://www.electgloria.org/donate.php> or (to mail a check) <http://www.electgloria.org/donate8.php>.
http://http://www.sklarforcouncil.com
http://www.syracusegreens.org/archives/000215.html
http://www.electgloria.org
http://www.gpnys.org
NORTH CAROLINA The Green Party of North Carolina may join a lawsuit filed
by Libertarians filed in North Carolina protesting rules that restrict
ballot access to third parties, calling them some of the nation's most
stringent. The State Superior Court lawsuit claims that the rules deny
citizens the ability to vote for candidates of their choice. The State
Board of Elections stripped the Libertarian Party of its official status
because Libertarians didn't win at least 10% of the votes cast in the 2004
gubernatorial and presidential races and failed to collect the nearly
70,000 signatures needed to remain on the ballot. Currently, only
Democrats and Republicans may appear on ballots in partisan elections.
"We've definitely never been able to get by the system in North
Carolina," said North Carolina Green Party co-chair Elena Everett.
http://www.ncgreenparty.org
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
PENNSYLVANIA Marlene Santoyo and the Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP)
enthusiastically greeted the news that Santoyo placed second in an October
4 election. Santoyo ran against Democrat Cherelle Parker and Republican
Robert Rossman in the 200th District's special election for State
Representative. "This is the first time any Green Party candidate in
Pennsylvania has beaten a member of a major party in a three-way
race," said GPOP chair Hillary Aisenstein. "We're thrilled that
Marlene got twice as many votes as Mr. Rossman," she added, noting
Santoyo's 627 votes and Rossman's 303. Santoyo received 16% of the votes
cast. "This race showed clearly that Philadelphians are hungry to
participate in the political process when it inclusive and
transparent," said Santoyo. "My campaign raised issues that the
other two candidates wouldn't have touched, and voters had an opportunity
to vote for an independent voice who isn't part of the Democratic Party
'machine' in Philadelphia."
http://www.gpofpa.org
WASHINGTON Greens in Washington mourned the death in early September of
Seattle Green Steve Molnes. Molnes worked on local campaigns, serving as
Brent McMillan's campaign press director in 2003, and on the Nader
campaign in 2000. He was a public school teacher who taught special ed
classes, with a knack for taking the kids that everyone else had given up
on and getting them interested in school and in their lives. He also
worked with other Greens on reforesting some clearcut land at the base of
the Olympic range.
http://www.wagreens.org
WISCONSIN (1) Greens in Wisconsin will collect signatures from October 1
through November 29 for their upcoming Troop Withdrawal Referendum
campaign. Milwaukee alone needs more than 20,000 signatures. Petition
circulators must be 18 years old and US citizens. To help out, contact
Ruth Weill at <moondog@execpc.com>. Read an article on the
referendum: <http://www.madison.com/...>.
(2) The Madison Capital Times published a story on Madison's Ray and Diane
Maida, who lost their son in the Iraq War and who participated in the
September 24 antiwar protests in Washington, DC <http://www.madison.com/...>.
The Maidas have made public their support for the Green Party's statewide
Bring the Troops Home Now! initiative. (3) Rae Vogeler, Wisconsin Green
candidate for US Senate 2006, blasted Herb Kohl’s decision to vote for
John Roberts, President Bush's nominee for Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court. Vogeler, a working mom and peace activist, also declared her
support for Cindy Sheehan and others who were arrested on September 26 for
peacefully protesting the Iraq War outside of the White House, and sharply
criticized the Senate's 97-0 passage of the 2006 Defense Appropriations
Act, which mandates another $50 billion for war in Iraq and Afghanistan,
saying "Congress is a rubber stamp for Bush’s war agenda."
Voegler also criticized President Bush's nomination of White House Counsel
Harriet E. Miers to the Supreme Court, noting her lack of support for
basic values such as civil rights, workers’ rights, and voting rights.
(4) The Wisconsin Green Party and the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin have
announced their support for State Representative Underheim's bill
legalizing medical marijuana. The bill would protect people with cancer,
multiple sclerosis, and other serious illnesses from criminal penalties
for using medical marijuana with their physicians' recommendations.
Representative Underheim was joined by a bipartisan coalition of 15
cosponsors. The Wisconsin Green Party has long supported making medical
marijuana legally available to patients. (5) At the Madison Common Council
meeting of October 11, a new ordinance creating humane standards for city
garment purchases was adopted unanimously. The new policy requires
garments purchased by the city, like uniforms for Police, Fire, Metro, and
Parks, to be made in conditions that respect the economic dignity and
human rights of workers, including the right to organize. "Today,
Madison has finally joined the list of responsible governments across the
country that have prohibited taxpayer dollars from being used to purchase
garments that were made under the deplorable and inhumane conditions of
sweatshop labor," said Ald. Austin King (Green) of District 8.
http://www.wisconsingreenparty.org
http://www.wisconsingreenparty.org/iraqreferendum
http://www.VoteRae.org
NATIONAL Other recent press releases from the Green Party of the United
States:
• September 13: Greens urge Bush to grant visas to 1,500 Cuban
physicians willing to help Katrina victims. http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_09_13.shtml
• September 20: 'Arctic' Green Parties (i.e., from Canada, Denmark,
Finland, and the US) call on world leaders to oppose oil and gas
exploration and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_09_20.shtml
• October 6: Greens support local cable access providers, and call
several bills in Congress (S. 1394, S. 1504, and R. 3146) giveaways to
corporate telecommunications lobbyists. http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_10_06.shtml
• October 11: Greens warned of the 'Iraqification' of New Orleans, and
urged Congress and all Americans to reject the White House's intention to
turn New Orleans and all disaster areas into zones of military control,
weakened human rights protections and oversight of federal agencies, and
corporate profiteering similar to occupied Iraq. http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_10_11.shtml
NATIONAL The Green Party Task Force on Haiti is extending the 'Season of
Solidarity with Haiti' for the next 6 months, and invites Green Party
members and friends to do actions and events of Solidarity with people of
Haiti from October 2005 thru April 2006. The Task Force seeks endorsements
from Greens and other supporters and organizations. Contact: Logan
Martinez, 937-275- 7259, greensofwcohio@hotmail.com or loganmartinez@hotmail.com
NATIONAL The Green Party's Annual Meeting Committee is looking for a host
for the party's 2006 annual meeting, and asks interested states send a
letter by October 30 to Ruth Weill at <moondog@execpc.com> and Joni
Leviness at <myths16@cox.net>. The letter should confirm that the
state Green Party is in full support of the proposal.
GREEN INSTITUTE Seven leaders in the movement to reform the US election
system discussed measures to protect the right to vote, in a panel at the
National Press Club in Washington, DC on September 16. Titled "A Call
to Protect and Democratize US Elections: A Panel Presentation on the
challenges to American elections," the event was sponsored by the
Green Institute, the Liberty Tree Foundation for the Democratic
Revolution, and FairVote (the Center for Voting & Democracy). Among
the speakers were Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.), 2004 Green
presidential nominee David Cobb; Robb Richie executive director of
FairVote; Linda Schade, Maryland Green and Co-Founder and Spokesperson of
TrueVoteMD; and Patrick Barrett of the Liberty Tree Foundation for the
Democratic Revolution.
http://www.greeninstitute.net/Democratize/summary.shtml
http://www.greeninstitute.net
http://www.greeninstitute.net/democratize
http://www.fairvote.org
http://www.truevotemd.org
http://www.libertytreefdr.org
CANADA (1) On September 11, Green Party of Canada leader Jim Harris issued
a statement saying urging Prime Minister Paul Martin to serve the
six-month notice required to withdraw from NAFTA to show Canada is serious
about re-negotiating a fair trade agreement with the US and Mexico.
Harris' comments follow the decision by US officials to ignore a recent
NAFTA ruling in Canada's favour over the longstanding softwood lumber
dispute. The US is also appealing an unfavourable WTO ruling. "Our
forestry industry has already lost more than $5 billion in tariffs on
softwood lumber thanks to the Liberal government’s inaction for nearly
three years, since the WTO first ruled the duties were illegal in
2002," said Harris. The Green Party of Canada has consistently called
for withdrawal from NAFTA if the multilateral agreement cannot be
successfully renegotiated to protect Canada's sovereign right to protect
our industries, workers and environment. (2) Canadian Greens have made
missing women a party priority: on September 23, Green Party of Canada
Status of Women Advocate Rebecca Bromwich issued a statement calling on
the federal government of Canada must step up its level of commitment to
end the nationwide epidemic of violence and abuse facing vulnerable women.
Bromwich made her statement in the wake of Canadian Press report about
staggering numbers of missing young aboriginal women whose disappearances
and deaths have been virtually ignored by the authorities.
http://green.ca/
http://newsletter.greenparty.ca/Media_Release/
CHINA The China Green Party has begun to organize, and reently sent out a
message saying they "would like to network with all of Greens in the
world, to be alliance with for the earth, for all people, environment and
Politics situations are getting worse in China, we need your support
desperately, Please support us to make a big voice for the 1.5 billion in
China."
http://www.chinagreenparty.org
NEW ZEALAND Revealing story about a Green member of the New Zealand
Parliament: "Naked truth proves Green MP a man of his word", in
Stuff (New Zealand), 26 September 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3422888a10,00.html
READ ABOUT and get involved in your state Green Party
http://www.gp.org/states.shtml
Read about and get involved in a national Green Party caucus
Lavender Greens Caucus (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and
intersex Greens) http://www.lavendergreens.org/
Women's Caucus http://www.gp.org/committees/women/
Youth Caucus discussion list http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/youth-caucus
Latino Caucus (site to be announced)
Disability Caucus http://immuneweb.org/dg/
MORE GREEN PARTY NEWS:
http://web.greens.org/news/
SIGN UP FOR GREENLINE.... Stay informed!
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/Greens/signUp.jsp
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OCTOBER 13-16 3rd Party National Conference 2005, at
the Merrimack Hotel, 4 Executive Park Dr, Merrimack, New Hampshire (Friday
night party location: NH Institute of Art, 148 Concord St, Manchester,
NH). Greens and numerous other third party leaders will meet to discuss
election issues and increase third party media clout. 2004 Green Pary vice
presidential nominee Pat LaMarche will speak Friday morning, October 14 at
11 am. Contact: Daniel R. Vovak, 202-367-4835, danielvovak@hotmail.com
http://www.3pnc.org/
http://www.prnewswire.com/...
http://unionleader.com/Articles_show.html?article=55285
OCTOBER 14-16 On Friday, October 14, on the eve of the
Millions More Movement 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, the
National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N'COBRA), hosts
its second National Reparations Forum and Rally, addressing 'Reparations,
Katrina, and Race', 7:00 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 5301 North
Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC. Free and open to the public. Speakers
include Rev. Al Sharpton; Ron Daniels, President, Institute of the Black
World 2001 Century; and special guest Dick Gregory. More information: 202-
291-8400, <http://www.NCOBR>.
Greens will meet Saturday morning at Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue NW
at 14th Street) at 8:00 a.m. and attend the March with GLBTQ African
Americans. For details on the Freedom Plaza rally, titled "We Are
Family", and related events, visit <http://www.wearefamilyunityweekend.com/events.htm>.
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/march503
OCTOBER 21-23 Democratizing Education Convention, at
the University of Wisconsin at Madison. An event for undergrads, grads,
faculty, staff and the community. An opportunity to plan nationally
coordinated actions in defense of higher education; develop proposals for
unity and a possible union of grads, undergrads, faculty, staff and
community members. Issues: skyrocketing tuition, massive cuts in public
spending on education, corporatization of research and services, renewed
attacks on academic freedom, union-busting and sweatshop working
conditions, elimination of affirmative action, ethnic studies, and liberal
arts programs, US students dying overseas for an education.
http://www.libertytreefdr.org/democratizingEducationConvention.htm
NOVEMBER 8 Election Day: good luck to our 116 Green
candidates!
DECEMBER 3-6 International Day of Action Against
Global Warming, December 3. From the Climate Crisis Coalition: "...On
December 6th we will deliver the People's Ratification of the Kyoto Global
Warming Treaty to the United Nations climate conference taking place in
Montreal. It is the first official meeting of the signers of the Kyoto
Protocol since it went into effect in February of this year. Since Kyoto
is at best only a first step, this meeting will also be a critical forum
for laying the groundwork for what happens after Kyoto. Once again the
United States delegation will be obstructing progress on all fronts....
Environmentalists around the world have declared December 3rd an
international day of action to stop global warming. Demonstrations will be
held in England, Scotland, France, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Turkey, and
Australia. More countries are still joining this list. As coordinators of
the Climate Crisis, USA Join the World campaign we're working hard to
organize demonstrations around the country.... The People's Ratification
campaign has gathered over 35,000 signatures, representing all parts of
our country." Contact: Ted Glick, coordinator, 973-338-5398,
usajointheworld@igc.org
http://www.kyotoandbeyond.org
Donate: http://www.climatecrisiscoalition.org/donation.html
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CALL CONGRESS
* Call, fax, write a letter, or pay a visit
* Contact information: Congressional switchboard: (202) 224-3121
US House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/
US Senate: http://www.senate.gov
* Write a letter to the editor, a guest op-ed column, essay, or article
and send us a copy!
* Join our “Green Writers” listserv: http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/media-writers
==> Call your Senators at 800-828-0498 and urge
them to support Medicaid for survivors
of Hurricane Katrina. The Bush administration and a small minority of
Senators are trying to stop popular bipartisan legislation that would give
Hurricane Katrina survivors -- including many of the 21,000 people living
with HIV/AIDS hit by the catastrophe -- the health care they need. Tell
Senators to support the Grassley- Baucus Hurricane Katrina Emergency
Health Care Relief Package (S.1716), which would provide health care to
all Katrina survivors who need it, and tell them not to cut Medicaid when
our nation is in need. We can't afford $12 billion in new cuts right now.
This is a matter of life and death for people with HIV/AIDS. The Grassley-
Baucus measure is a big improvement over what FEMA and the Bush
administration have enacted so far in several big ways: (1) it would serve
all low-income Katrina survivors who need health care; (2) it would
provide 100% federal funding for care, easing stress on tight state
budgets; (3) it includes enhanced mental health and care coordination
benefits; (4) it expands community-based services for people with
disabilities hit by Katrina.
http://www.campaigntoendaids.org/site/c.fnJMKLNmFmG/b.1067107/k.7325/C2EA_Action_Alert.htm
==> Urge your reps in Congress to support HR 3662
IH, the Financial Safeguards for Hurricane Survivors Act of 2005, which
will help survivors get back on their feet by delaying implementation of
draconian new bankruptcy laws and may lead to eventual repeal. Urge
Congress members to support eh Fair Wages for Hurricane Katrina Recovery
Workers Act (Senate Bill1749.IS) and Fair Wages for Hurricane Victims Act
(House Bill 3763), and to oppose the Orwellian named 'CARE Act' or Cleanup
and Reconstruction Enhancement Act (HR 3684), a Republican bill to support
the president's suspension of prevailing wages to workers on federal
projects in the area affected by Katrina.
==> Urge your reps in Congress to support HR 3787,
the Antibullying Campaign Act of 2005. Students in our public schools
deserve an environment free from harassment and bullying. Many students
currently find school authorities unreliable in providing protection, and
sometimes even experience bias-motivated harassment from school staff and
administrators or indifference towards complaints; such abuse has been
tied to school shootings. This legislation would help support programs
designed to end harassment and bullying.
==> Urge your reps in Congress to help save our
vanishing wildlife. For more than 30 years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
has protected magnificent creatures such as the bald eagle, the American
alligator, the brown pelican, the peregrine falcon, the black footed
ferret, and the California condor from extinction. In September, the House
of Representatives passed a bill that would gut the ESA, eliminating many
of its most important protections for plants and animals facing
extinction, and opening new loopholes for greedy developers. The fate of
the ESA will ultimately be decided in the Senate. Help ensure that the
Pombo 'Wildlife Extinction bill' is defeated by sending a fax to your
Representative at <http://www.saveesa.org>.
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FALL 2005 GREEN PAGES COMING SOON Green Pages, the
quarterly newspaper of the Green Party of the United States, is accepting
pre-orders for the fall 2005 issue. Pre-order a bundle now to ensure that
you qualify for the bulk discount, and the printers will ship the papers
straight to you via UPS. The fall issue is 20 pages of news and views from
Greens around the country and around the world. Highlights from the new
issue include articles about Greens helping out in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina; counter- recruitment; advocacy for medical marijuana;
international Green news; and efforts to impeach Bush 2; with a special
section on on the Green Party's national conference in Tulsa. The issue
alsos feature an excerpt from the new book about Jason West from an
award-winning Green journalist; Q&A with Green cartoonist Khalil
Bendib; and analysis by Asa Gordon of racism in the 2004 election. More
information on ordering, discounts, and subscriptions:
GP
Online Store
http://www.gp.org/downloads/greenpages_bundles.pdf
By phone: 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US) 866-41GREEN
Questions: 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US) 866-41GREEN or office@gp.org
WEB SITE FOR GREEN BUSINESS OWNERS Says Deirdre Helfferich of the Green
Party of Alaska: "Greens are often stereotyped as being
anti-business, but the Sixth Key Value of the Green Party of the United
States is Community-Based Economics and Economic Justice. Greens are in
the vanguard of what a successful economy truly is: one that takes into
account the real costs of doing business, and the real benefits of doing
it right. Businesses owned by Greens across the country are demonstrating
economics based on the real world every day: no economic system is
sustainable unless it accommodates the ecosystems and the people upon
which it depends. An economic site for and by Greens, started this fall,
has a broad range of businesses listed, all run and owned by Green Party
members in fields as diverse as fine art and graphic design to criminal
defense law to mechanical engineering. The website includes links to sites
concerned with sustainable economics and socially responsible investing.
The purpose of the site is to demonstrate the viability of a green
economy, and to help Greens support each other financially. Listings are
free: contact business@tygreens.org to list your Green- owned business
today."
http://www.tygreens.org/greenbiz.html
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Madame President: The Unauthorized Biography of the
First Green Party President. Book by Mark Dunlea, New York Green and Green
Party Media Committee member (Big Toad Books, 2004). Mark says, "In
honor of my novel being turned into a TV show on ABC (minus unfortunately
the Green politics or any credit) starting Geena Davis, my book will be
going to a half-priced sale $10.99 ($15 including shipping). Last year I
published a novel -- about the first women president. While I have been
struck by some time by the similarity of my book to Geena Davis' new
television show Commander in Chief, what is particularly striking is not
only that Davis' character is an independent (e.g., such as a Green), but
that both the book and the the show starts with a human crisis situation
in Nigeria."
http://nys.greens.org/madamepresident
"Condemnation Nation: The big business of eminent domain",
article by Joshua Kurlantzick, Harper's Magazine, October 2005 An
essential article on the use of eminent domain to transfer homes &
small businesses over to other private owners, the recent Supreme Court's
'Kelo v. New London' decision facilitating this abuse, and the support of
'liberal' Democrats for it. (House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.),
praising the Court's awful decision, said it was "as if God had
spoken.") The article cites dozens of horror stories in which local
& state officials seize homes, small businesses, and other private
property and hand them over to Wal- Mart, Costco, hotels, shopping malls,
etc. Harper's doesn't post its articles on line, so look for it on
newsstands.
Biowarfare & Terrorism. Book by Francis A. Boyle, with a forward by
Jonathan King, Clarity Press, to be released November, 2005.
The Iraq Quagmire: The Mounting Costs of War and the Case for Bringing
Home the Troops A Study by the Institute for Policy Studies and Foreign
Policy In Focus. By Phyllis Bennis and Erik Leaver and the IPS Iraq Task
Force, August 31, 2005
http://www.ips-dc.org/iraq/quagmire/
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GREENSWEEK is edited and issued by the Media Committee
(co-chairs: Scott McLarty, Starlene Rankin) of the Green Party of the
United States.
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CONTRIBUTE! Every dollar you donate to the Green Party
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BE AN E-MAIL BUDDY: Not everyone is on line, but you
can keep help offline friends, family, and neighbors stay in touch by
printing out Greensweek and other important national, state, and local
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IF YOU HAVE AN announcement or some Green news that
might be of national interest, an action alert, or an article
recommendation for Greensweek, send it to <greensweek@gpus.org>.
Please make it brief: 3 or 4 sentences at most, a web page, contact
information.
The Green Party of the United States http://gp.org
National office: 1711 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009.
202-319-7191, 202-319-7192, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193
Visit the web page of your state and local Green
Party: click on the map at
http://www.gp.org/states.html
Green elections and candidates
http://www.gp.org/patience.html
Green Party Platform
http://www.gp.org/platform.html
Cobb/LaMarche 2004 campaign & Ohio/New Mexico recount news http://www.votecobb.org
Greens in the media http://web.greens.org/news
Green ballot status & voter registration
http://web.greens.org/stats
The Real Difference
http://www.therealdifference.org/
Who REALLY spoiled in 2000?
http://www.gp.org/organize/spoiled.html
Greens World Wide http://www.greens.org
Campus Greens http://www.campusgreens.org
Global Greens http://www.globalgreens.info
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