From a post by Marnie Glickman at Green Change:
We all know the truth. Our planet is dying. Climate change is a major ecological crisis.
Glaciers and polar ice shelves are crumbling. Species are being eradicated at record numbers. Air pollution kills about two million people prematurely each year. Water supplies are drying up, while water systems are being sold off to big corporations concerned only with expanding their profits. And it turns out that lead poisoning may well be a major cause for violent crime.
Meanwhile, our nation keeps building new coal plants, even though they are the most destructive way to meet our energy needs. Some government leaders are pushing dangerous new nuclear power plants.
There is a way to make a sharp break from this madness. Immediately. We can make drastic changes quickly to avert global catastrophe is we take matters in our own hands. Our elected leaders are making too many compromises.
In 2010, let’s run for office and win. Our top priority must be protecting our planet from global warming.
It’s up to us because we, Greens, believe life, diversity, justice and grassroots democracy are more important than corporate profits and business as usual. We won’t compromise.
Here’s the Green Change platform for our 2010 candidate team:
The global climate crisis is likely the defining challenge of our generation. We are ready to lead the way to save our planet.
We believe, as does the IPCC, that the world must reduce emissions aggressively — 25-40% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels — to have a 50/50 chance of avoiding runaway climate change.
To forestall disaster, we call for a halt in increases in greenhouse gas emissions, and then reducing these emissions 90% by 2050.
As a nation, with less than 5% of the world’s population, we consume 22% of the world’s energy resources. That must change.
Greens support a decisive shift away from coal, oil, and nuclear power, towards clean and renewable energy such as wind, solar, ocean power, geothermal and small-scale hydropower. Republicans and Democrats do not.
We call for extensive energy conservation efforts, to reduce energy consumption by 50% in 20 years. Republicans and Democrats do not.
We call for a Manhattan Project-level of commitment to developing clean renewable energy technologies.
To jumpstart the solar market, we call for massive federal, state and local investment in solar cells on government buildings.
Unlike Democrats and Republicans, we are opposed to nuclear power. The prospect of a radioactive catastrophe is ever-present, and there is no safe way to dispose of the radioactive waste.
We call for early retirement of nuclear reactors in less than five years, no new nuclear plants, and an end to all corporate welfare for the nuclear industry.
We also support a ban on new coal-fired power plants, and phasing out of electrical production by the burning of coal.
Much of the solution to climate change is at the local level. We support massive subsidies for the growth of mass transit, as well as more bike lanes, bike paths and auto-free zones.
We support major changes in agriculture. We call for a dramatic expansion of organic farming. We want to shift price supports and subsidies away from industrial agriculture to organic agriculture, small family farms and cooperatives.
We want environmental justice. That means no new siting of toxic chemical or waste facilities in areas already contaminated.
We support a shift away from the use of toxic chemicals, and towards an industrial system based on clean production.
We call for a halt on all industrial timber cutting and clear-cutting on federal and state public lands.
We want to end the scandalous giveaway of our nation’s mineral wealth to mining corporations.
Do you agree with our platform? Will you consider joining our team of candidates?
The Democratic and Republican parties are failing our planet and our children with hollow promises and watered-down policies.
Greens have clear, decisive solutions. Greens don’t just hope for a cleaner environment. We have a detailed plan to create one. Greens have the focus and commitment to implement our plan.
Be the change. Consider running for office. We will help you.
If you are interested in learning more about our candidate team, please contact me. My email address is marnie at greenchange dot org.
Together we can transform power and politics in our country.
36 responses so far ↓
1 Petra Jenkins // Oct 15, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Good stuff.
More Candidates, Less Apathy.
2 Robert Milnes // Oct 15, 2009 at 9:39 pm
More candidates, not enough votes….UNLESS the Greens ask for The Libertarian Vote. & coordinate the Progressive & Libertarian Vote. That is The Progressive Libertarian Alliance Styrategy. ONE green OR ONE Libertarian on EVERY ballot. First on ballot gets recognized.
3 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 15, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Like most alternative political groups,the Loyal Opposition parties need to respond to newbies and other non regular volunteers in a positive manner instead of blowing them off on a regular basis.
As to the climate crisis, the planet is actually in a mini ice age. Pollution trends can be impacted, but the run away green house effect is, well, run away. If human presence could be dissipated or even even disappeared over night the effects would not tell for decades!
4 Michael Cavlan // Oct 15, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Ummmmm
The reason that I left the GP is because there is an element of the GP who seem bound and determined to not run candidates. Or run candidates or campaigns which will prove to be ineffective.
I say this based on experience.
It is for the reasons mentioned (which I believe 100%) that I am working with others to build a serious and determined opposition to the pro-war, corporate corrupted two party system.
5 upstartgreen // Oct 15, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Mr. Lake and Mr. Cavlan your criticisms of the Green Party are right on the money. I have been a member since early 2005. I was about to give up on the GP. But then Rev. Billy and the other green candidates in NYC and Illinois gave me hope.
6 Robert Milnes // Oct 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm
upstartgreen, they are all going to lose.
7 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 16, 2009 at 12:16 am
upstartgreen: I have been trying to work with west coast and national greens on abuse veterans issues since 2005. A total waste of my energy [massive health problems] and time, and no progress in a potential group of allies.
8 Vaughn // Oct 16, 2009 at 11:04 am
They need to change that website on Green Change Action. They are misappropriating the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan’s logo!: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_%28Japan%29
9 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Upstartgreen
Myself and others were on a conference call last week. There were activists from Florida, California, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington State, Minnesota and a number of other states.
the theme. Building an organized opposition to the pro war, corporate corrupted two party system. With a “no, we really mean it” attitude.
Meanwhile, that element of the Greens that seem bound and determined to attack any who want to oppose the Democrats are busy fighting and creating problems. Infiltration IMHO, if you catch my drift.
Upstart, we are building and organizing, including regional conferences. Under some central banners. When you are ready, come and join us.
No “blocking concerns” to subvert the will of the majority used. Can you dig it?
10 upstartgreen // Oct 16, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Mr.Cavlan,Do you have a web site or yahoo group where I can get more info.
11 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Upstart.
Yup.
Give me a day or two and I can get that for you. There are yahoo and others out there.
Which state are you in? Oh and BTW, be aware that some of us are VERY wary of Democrat/Green saboteurs.
My motto has become, actions speak much louder than words.
12 Ross Levin // Oct 16, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Michael, I’d be interested in joining that group, too. My email address is RossMLevin at gmail dot com.
13 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Upstart
Good place to start is the Greens For Nader website.
It documents fairly thoroughly the history of how the GP was sabotaged from with in.
As a former GP National Delegate and ironically, a rabid Cynthia McKinney supporter I can verify all that it states.
Onwards and upwards. organize.
14 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Ross
OK
will do.
15 VAGreen // Oct 16, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Actually, it was Cavlan and his pals who were the saboteurs of the Green Party. Unfortunately, some of them are still active on our National Committee. It’s sad that he has to build his party by tearing the Greens down. I would write more about this, but I’m too busy trying to recruit poll workers for our candidates in Arlington County.
16 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Audrey AKA VAGreen
Your sweet. loving personality comes shining thru again. Thanks for reminding us what we don’t miss with the GP.
Don’t worry though, I expect folks like Les Evenchick from New Orleans to leave you all and join us soon enough.
You will not have to deal with any dissenting voices at all. Than the National GP can go on with the important work you are doing now. Talking about list-serves, setting up heads of non functioning committees and other stellar work.
Before long, you can all meet in Greg Gerritt’s garage for your next National Convention.
By then people like Media Benjamin of Code Pink will ignore you. You will no longer be a threat to the pro-war, corporate corrupted Democratic party.
Ah yes, Media Benjamin, Code Pink PDA and David Cobb. You folks did a fine job Audrey. Not to mention Cam Gordon and Annie Young in Minneapolis.
Oh and Audrey, I am not tearing the GP down. You folks seem to be doing a fine job of that, all by yourself.
I am simply exposing you folks.
Dear oh dear Audrey. No censorship here. Unlike the National GP and GP Watch.
17 Dave Schwab // Oct 16, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Cavlan, you’ve had several comments appear on GPW this very day. Is that your idea of censorship?
VAGreen – good luck with the Arlington campaigns. It looks like you all have been working hard to build visibility, and I hope it pays off.
18 upstartgreen // Oct 16, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Mr. C I am from Michigan. I am neither a demogreen nor a naderite. I am a product of the political stew created by the counterculture of the late 60’s and early 70’s.
19 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 7:56 pm
UpStart
Right on. I was not a Naderitte either. I am someone who wants to see a serious challenge to the pro-war, corporate corrupted two party system though.
Oh and as a counter culture type, you should appreciate this.
I read the book Ringolivio, A Life Played For Keeps by founder of the Haight Ashbury Diggers, Emmett Grogan. I have called it my bible for 30 years now.
Dave, I was banned from posting on GP Watch. I just found a way to beat it. Which is why i posted there as Some Guy From Minnesota, not under my own name.
20 Dave Schwab // Oct 16, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Cavlan, the gentleman who runs GPW is not oblivious, he is just forgiving. You were temporarily banned for trolling, but you’ve been reinstated. Anyone who wants to engage in respectful debate is welcome at GPW.
21 NewFederalist // Oct 16, 2009 at 9:15 pm
This thread is very enlightening. I guess all minor parties have the same problems.
22 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 9:19 pm
NewFedaralist
Indeed. In fact it is my contention that what happenned to the GP should be studied by any and all third parties.
23 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Dave Schwab.
What you post here makes my point entirely.
What you call “trolling” others call dissent. Honest, open dissent.
Good to know that I am now “allowed” to post on GP Watch again.
After all, I miss the loving, respectful discussions on grassroots democracy, transparency etc etc.
24 Dave Schwab // Oct 16, 2009 at 9:33 pm
In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response[1] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[2]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29
25 Ross Levin // Oct 16, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Michael, at some point it passes from “dissent” to trolling. I think that point is when you consistently make the same comments on threads that are not entirely related to those comments and when you consistently hijack threads with those comments. And you’ve done that sometimes.
26 Michael Cavlan // Oct 16, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Ross
LOLOL
OK, fair enough. I guess I am just committed to the principle of exposing the National GP for what I and others see them as being. So I have let that get to me.
As for the controversial and inflammatory, well guilty as charged. In fact I am damned proud of it. Kind of like that bumber sticker, If You Are Not Outraged-You Are Not paying Attention.
Hell, using that same point, one can so easily call Cindy Sheehan, Ralph Nader or Cynthia McKinney trolls.
Of course Democrats at places like Daily KOS often do.
Guess one persons troll is another persons truth teller.
Kinda like that terrorist term used in the past.
27 VAGreen // Oct 16, 2009 at 10:33 pm
“VAGreen – good luck with the Arlington campaigns. It looks like you all have been working hard to build visibility, and I hope it pays off.”
Thanks. John Reeder got 23% in a two-way race for County Board last year, and I think that he’ll do better this November. By 2011, I think that our campaigns will be sophisticated and well-funded enough to be really competitive.
28 Michael Cavlan // Oct 17, 2009 at 12:41 am
As an aside, my favorite cartoon explanation of the rotten, pro-war corporate corrupted system.
Mouseland with Tommy Douglas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqpFm7zAK90
My favorite line. One mouse called for electing mice. He must be a Bolshevik.
29 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 17, 2009 at 4:40 am
VA Green: “build visibility” ???????
From a group whom is neither green or independent ??????
From a group whom conceals addresses and telephones and emails ??????
From a group whom ‘hangs up’ via voice mail when the questions get ‘touchie’ ???????
30 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 17, 2009 at 5:23 am
Donald J. Grundmann’s web site:
“The first, on May 21, [2008] headed “Climate change threat to Alpine ski resorts” , reported that the entire Alpine “winter sports industry” could soon “grind to a halt for lack of snow”. The second, on December 19, [2008] headed “The Alps have best snow conditions in a generation” , reported that this winter’s Alpine snowfalls “look set to beat all records by New Year’s Day”.
Easily one of the most important stories of 2008 has been all the evidence suggesting that this may be looked back on as the year when there was a turning point in the great worldwide panic over man-made global warming. Just when politicians in Europe and America have been adopting the most costly and damaging measures politicians have ever proposed, to combat this supposed menace, the tide has turned in three significant respects. ”
Oh gee, a couple of warmer winters, and like the non existent ’sexual fisters’ means that Cody Quirk and Doctor Grundmann are ‘making it up as they go along’ —— again!
I hate liars ……….
31 VAGreen // Oct 17, 2009 at 7:36 am
DRL: I’m with the Green Party of Virginia, not the Independent Greens.
32 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 17, 2009 at 9:08 am
thank good ness there is a cure for ignorance!
33 Don Grundmann // Oct 18, 2009 at 1:09 am
” thank good ness there is a cure for ignorance! ”
Response – Don Lake : You could take it but it won’t help. BTW the ” fisters ” can be found at NAMBLA.ORG along with all of the other things which they plan to do ( and are NOW doing ) to children which you and unfortunately countless others don’t give a damn about.
” We all know the truth. Our planet is dying. Climate change is a major ecological crisis. ”
Response – How easy it is to drink the Kool-Aid. The earth is NOT ” dying.” ” Climate change ” has happened throughout the history of the world. Anyone would know this but only nitwits trumpet DOOM DOOM DOOM with so-called ” Global Warming ” which was described in a government report of 40+ years ago entitled ” Report From Iron Mountain.” It accurately stated how the mice/cattle/lemmings of the populace could/would rally behind the government when faced with a SUPPOSED external threat to their existence including space aliens or a hyped up fake and phony ECOLOGICAL DISASTER. Since it is a lot easier to make up the fantasy of global warming than it is to manufacture space aliens we now have DOOM DOOM DOOM trumpeted from the hilltops by the lemmings who dutifully obey the Plantation Masters of the nation who tell them what to think – ” The Sky is FALLING!!! – and when to think it. Of course another name for them, out of many, is the Green Party.
Don Grundmann Vice-Chairman American Independent Party, California branch of the Constitution Party
P.S. – The campaign for Global Warming/climate change is designed to shut down industry throughout the world but mainly in our nation resulting in the crushing of the working class and the impoverishment of generations to come. But who cares? Certainly not members of the Green Party.
P.P.S. – In solving any crime a key question is ” Who benefits? I believe that it is referred to as ” Qui bono?” Hence follow the money. Where does the ” Green ” Party get its funding? Trace it back and you will find the Plantation Masters/International Bankers. The Greens are their front group for destroying the enemies of their plan to impoverish and enslave humanity. Just as the Bankers funded Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin so do they fund the Greens. And just as Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin betrayed the people who they claimed that they would help ( they killed tens of millions ) so will the Greens be used for the same purpose.
34 Don Lake, late at night // Oct 18, 2009 at 4:26 am
Yes, radical environmentalists do not do things for ‘Mother Earth’! They do stuff for the human condition as crawling ants on the planetary ant hill! A determined anti environmental effort would be brushed aside in “X” millions of years by global forces. But folks living at sea level [as I am, and as you nearly are] are feeling the waves lapping at their toes.
The idea of no global climate crisis [run away green house effect over riding a mini ice age] is like the lunacy of Doctor Donald J. Grundmann, the defacto creationist medico, being the recognized officer of the recognized AIP via the duly elected political establishment of the tarnished, once Golden State, of California.
Just because you and a dozen deposed in state Bible Thumpers, with the Amen Corner of another dozen out of state supporters [the Cody Quirk posse] shouting ‘Alleluia’, as you sit in a locked, darken room repeating the mantra “I am a bowl of Petunias, I am a falling Grey Whale” does not make you a bowl of Petunias or a sea going mammal!
Like I have stated numerous times previously, I am truly sorry that Reform Party of California state chair Rodney Martin /national VP and your California AIP faction have been legally, lawfully out maneuvered . But that does not dethrone Jewish Nazi thug John Blare [whom still owes me party money] or Ed Noonan [whom I personally like and is what you ONCE were, an advocate of abused military veterans] from their official place in the real world of politics and power. You are not the Vice Chairman of the American Independent Party —– simple as that!
I am sorry for justice, and I would like to be sorry for you —- but you are your own worst enemy and a real world buffoon. Screaming ‘Vice Chair’ at the top your lungs does not make you so.
35 VAGreen // Oct 18, 2009 at 10:03 am
“Hence follow the money. Where does the ” Green ” Party get its funding? Trace it back and you will find the Plantation Masters/International Bankers.”
The Green Party does not take corporate contributions, and if the international bankers were supporting us, don’t you think that we would be much more powerful than we are now?
We opposed the bank bailouts, and we think that anti-trust laws should be used to break up Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Bank of America, AIG, and all of the other Wall Street speculators that ran our economy into the ground and were rewarded with our tax dollars for their crimes.
36 Melty // Oct 19, 2009 at 5:51 am
I’ve been called a troll a few times, but only when I was on topic.
We Earthlings are currently experiencing global cooling.
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