permaculture

[Loren Davidson <loren@farwalker.com>]

At 09:56 PM 10/16/02 -0600, Tradingpost wrote:

> Wish I could agree, and I agree with Green ideals, but after a couple 
> years working (or trying to) with both wings of the Greens, I've had to 
> admit the fatal flaw in the whole third party thing. In our winner take 
> all system, not proportional representation or parliamentary system, 
> anyone running on a progressive agenda or left of center is always going 
> to siphon off votes from the more progressive candidates in the major 
> parties. There's just no getting around that. No third party has gained 
> major party status in 140 years, and it isn't going to happen now.

Especially with people like you attempting to discourage it.

Voting Green gives me something positive I can do in an election, rather 
than voting out of fear ("If I don't vote for X, Y will win and that would 
be bad) or disgust.

> The most discouraging part though, to me, was trying to get them to 
> support other organizations with publici!
> ty and networking, organizations that actively promote Green Party ideals 
> in other ways than elections. They won't do it,

Examples, please?  If this is a systemic thing, rather than they just don't 
support something that *you* feel they should, then it is something that we 
Greens may need to address.  But keep in mind that each party has limits on 
what they can/will address.

>  Other than passing paper resolutions against GMOs and pesticides, 
> agricultural and rural issues aren't even on their agenda. They have no 
> platform on agriculture or farmers' issues.

Such as?  I'd say that a commitment to sustainable agriculture is a 
"platform."  And since the party isn't a monolithic entity, it's possible 
that someone other than the person(s) you talked to may have more of a 
"platform."  The social justice and sustainability issues are definitely 
factors in ag here in California, and are being addressed by our Green 
candidate for governor.

I appreciate that you feel you have good reason to be discouraged about 
this...but by attempting to discourage others, you are doing the 
Demopublicans' work for them.

Respectfully,

Loren


Loren Davidson        Earth steward, healer, singer/songwriter
loren@farwalker.com   http://www.earthspring.org/loren/
AIM: loren334     ICQ: 65291610
Loren's album & music info: http://www.lorendavidson.com
"There is no key to the Universe. It was never locked." - www.nancybuttons.com