In a press release today, Alan Augustson – one of five Green party candidates currently running in Illinois’ fifth district – criticized Independent Voters of Illionois Independent Precincts Association for hosting a forum for Democratic candidates but failing to host one for Republicans or Greens.

Augustson said, “Frankly, I do believe that a lot of Democratic money will be spent to keep Democrats and Greens from sharing a stage during this process. I can guarantee you, and you can quote me: if their eventual nominee debates me openly, he or she is gonna get schooled.”

In the press release, Augustson stated:

Interestingly, however, only candidates in the Democratic Party primary have been invited — this, despite IVI-IPO’s endorsement of Green Candidate Alan Augustson over Emanuel for this seat in 2008. Augustson has vowed to attend, anyway — “not to disrupt the proceedings, but as an observer,” according to the candidate, who has filed to contend again for this office as a Green.

In addition, because the IVI-IPO has allowed anyone who wishes to submit questions, Augustson has submitted the following:

1. The Democratic Party leadership took “off the table” any hope of
impeaching President Bush. Will you commit, now, to an investigation of the Bush-Cheney Administration to determine if crimes were committed? Will you commit, now, to urge President Obama NOT to pardon any members of that Administration?

2. Latest research suggests that so-called “clean coal” is not and will not be a feasible technology. Will you commit, now, to urge President Obama to reject so-called “clean coal” and support REAL sustainable energy?

3. The Fifth District of Illinois includes a very strong and proud LGBT community. But neither President Obama, nor our Democratic Congress, supports same-sex marriage. Will you commit, now, to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996?

4. America’s children continue to die in Iraq — a war that, we now know, was started under false pretenses. Will you commit, now, to support for an immediate end to American involvement in Iraq, to vigorous prosecution of those parties responsible for its inception, and to hold accountable those profiteers that have benefited most from the slaughter?

5. Will you commit, right now, to restore the freedoms stolen from the American people by the Bush Administration, by immediately repealing the so-called “Patriot” Act and the Military Commissions Act, by immediately restoring habeus corpus, by vigorous prosecution of illegal wiretapping and domestic spying, and by vigorous prosecution of those who persecuted Americans for mere political activity?

6. The US is currently building a “Berlin Wall” at the Mexican border, under the auspices of combating terrorism. But the “9-11″ terrorists came in through Canada. Will you commit, right now, to the demolition of this wall and an immediate end to racist policies against our peaceful neighbors?

7. Biofuels are nothing more than a cash cow for Cargill, ADM, Monsanto, and other major agribusiness. They are tantamount to burning food — an unconscionable act when so many are starving worldwide. But major agribusiness contributes millions to Congress to keep biofuels on the table. Will you commit, right now, to reject biofuels in favor of REAL global warming solutions such as improved mass transit?

8. Last year, our Democratic-contolled Congress approved corporate “bailout” legislation that will not result in the protection of jobs,
homes, pension plans or health benefits — it accomplished nothing but to guarantee the shareholder value of private companies, at the expense of generations of taxpayers. Will you commit, right now, to repeal that legislation and take that money back from those companies, to be reinvested in infrastructure improvements and programs to promote full American employment?

9. The Obama Administration has spoken about healthcare on many occasions, but has never yet offered any potential solutions. However, universal healthcare has already been offered through HR 676. Will you commit, right now, to co-sponsor HR 676 and become a champion of real universal healthcare?

10. The Chicago Democratic Party machinery is now in disgrace, and rightly so. But that machinery still has to provide its stamp of
approval on any candidate with any hope of being elected. Will you commit, right now, to refuse to accept orders or policy decisions from the Daley-Stroger-Blagojevich-Emanuel patronage empire, and to make your own decisions based upon factual information and sound judgment — even if it costs you campaign money and votes?