#GreenParty, What The Hell?

Okay, just what the hell is this far left political party? What do they stand for and what are their origins? 

The United States Green Party, founded on July 30, 2001, is a the fourth largest party by voter registration, just behind the Libertarian, but the third largest by presidential vote, rising to prominence with Ralph Nader and Winona LaDuke securing 2.7% of the 2000 presidential race.  Frequent small successes within local elections but less so in federal elections.  The Green Party, known to some as the eco-socialist party, focuses on such issues as environmentalism, nonviolence, social justice, participatory grassroots democracy, gender equality, LGBT rights, and is anti-war and anti-racist.  In addition, party members are strong advocates for decriminalization of certain drugs, transgender health care, and access to free and safe abortion. Internationally, they support joining the International Criminal Court, updating the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and ending United States dependency on Israel.  

The Green Party of The US, founded by John Rensenbrink and Howie Hawkins in 1984, as part of thedecentralized Green Committees of Correspondence, this would later evolve into the more structured centralized Green Party Movement in 1990 with the formation of leadership, bylaws, and its platform.

 

The Green Party beliefs are best described with their four pillars of green politics, which are that of "Ecological wisdom, Social justice, Grassroots democracy, and Nonviolence". These pillars are then expanded into the Ten Key Values: democracy based on grassroots efforts, with the focus on social justice and equal opportunity, an ecological focus, nonviolence, decentralization away from an authoritative location, economic justice, focus  on feminism and gender equality, a respect for diversity, an understanding and responsibility for the United States position globally, and a focus on a future of environmental sustainability. 

https://www.gp.org/

You Are Talking About Me #election2024 #americanpolitics

 

Yesterday I felt like expelling so loudly, a terrified, stress-induced scream.  I didn't, at that moment, I held it back.  I was near downtown in my small city and although if anyone asked, I told them it was in response to recent events tied to my country's current political affairs, they no doubt would understand, I still refrained.  Added to that, I was walking a dog, whose sensitivity to such would worry him to no end, as he could never comprehend.  This past week I have been fortunate enough to spend my time with many a beloved pet, whose existence has not altered as the current political strain of the human world touches them not.  Their simple joy in the little things of life is desirable and a constant lesson for me to slow down, breathe, and embrace the reality of their world.  No, not to escape or distract from the truth of my human existence, but as a healing balm to strengthen and maintain a semblance of peace, stability, and security.

Once, when I was a Christian, I had a dear friend share with me about how her daughter in high school spoke up when her friends were bad mouthing Christianity with "You are talking about me" which silenced their bad talking.  Now, I am not a Christian any longer and I ain't trying to plug Christianity, but the significance of those five words holds weight alongside the current state of my country.  

In my life, I have aligned myself with different political ideologies based on different phases of my life, Democrat from youthful family origin, to the brief "Republican before MAGA" when I was a Fundie, to a stint in the Green Party, to now "Progressive" democrat from a growing information based personal decision.  Because of this, it affords me an unique understanding and affinity for those I care for in each of the political parties.  Yes, I have a strong memorable connection to a tried and true blue democrat, a green party liberal, the Never Trumper, and even the now advancing MAGA party.  In each, I have a memory of special times and a warm sense of love that never will die no matter the politic or change in relationship.  Yet, that doesn't mean that I condone the negative aspects of the beliefs that I feel are harmful and toxic, but only that I remember the love, though it may be buried.

With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me". 

No matter the political party, I hear the same refrain of blame ringing through alongside a lack of human compassion.  With friends that are more 'green party' affiliated, I hear the blame on all of America, both liberal and political, as fake, corrupt, stemming from a place built around conspiracy theories.  With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me".  On the opposite side of the spectrum, I hear the hate-filled spewing of the MAGA, with their self-righteous desire to assume Christianity while being anything but, they seek to 'own the liberal' and celebrate with lack of compassion.  With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me".  This proclamation is meant to give each pause to reflect, to stop in the tracks, and help recall what each of us must, that far deeper than the boundary of country, we are human beings doing our best to live, survive, thrive the human frailty of condition. 

You don't own me, don't try to change me in any way

 You don't own me, don't tie me down

 'cause I'd never stay I don't tell you what to say 

I don't tell you what to do

 So just let me be myself 

That's all I ask of you

Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me (lyrics)