A blog about Green Party politics, issues in America, voting reform, and a space for citizens to engage in debate. Views expressed in this blog are my own.
All future posts will appear at my new site, which will have (eventually), much more content and information about me, the Green Party, and the services I hope to offer local and regional Green Party groups, along with help for candidates!
Time to set back for a minute and think about what dependence on oil means.
Oil dependence means that our entire economy, lifestyle, and future is dependent on oil. This single commodity is not something we control, but rather something that controls us. Now, we have all seen the reports of the oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. And, we have all heard both sides of the argument over whether or not we should expand or restrict offshore oil drilling. While these are all important issues, the larger issue is: Where should we get our energy? Should it be from a finite, explosive, environmentally dangerous source, like oil? Or, should we harness the vast technological potential of alternative energy souces, renewables, and zero-emission sources?
Like it or not, oil will be with us for decades to come no matter what we do. But the Green Party stands ready to help build the clean-energy economy starting today! We stand for conservation, improved energy efficiency standards, and the rapid development of robust new clean energy sources. Think about where you live - would you rather have less pollution, less environmental damage, and less vulnerability to energy supply disruptions? If you answered yes to all three questions, you are not only giving the same answers as your neighbors, but you are giving the answers that the Democrats and Republicans are ignoring.
For decades, the two major parties have mouthed platitudes about reducing dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels in general. But seriously, where is the real action? Solar panels on the White House is the energy equivalent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Why is this so? Because the Democrats and Republicans, along with the candidates they put forward, take huge contributions from Exxon, BP, Halliburton, and countless other energy companies that depend on the ability to sell fossil fuels to make a profit. The Green Party takes ZERO dollars from these companies (or any other for that matter).
The Green Party believe that clean, sustainable energy independence is the only way forward. The next time you are at the ballot box, think about which candidate and which party will be actually able to lead our nation to energy security.
The Green Party is ready for a clean energy future. Are you? Because what we have so far, just isn't working. Lets roll the film...
It's fairly unavoidable being labeled as an environmentalist if you are a Green Party member. But do I live in a solar powered tree house?
No.
I like electricity, I like cars, I like modern doo-dads made of plastic and other such high-tech space age materials.
My environmentalism goes something like this: I know that I, and every other living thing, depends on the earth for life. Period. So we shouldn't poison our earth, because we are literally poisoning ourselves and those that we know and love.
Also, many folks if you ask them "Are you an environmentalist?" reflexively answer "no" because they think of people who live in solar powered treehouses or espouse other radical views. They are not asking the right question.
The correction question is:
Do you want an environment tomorrow that is as clean, or cleaner than the environment today? If you reflexively answered "Yes, of course, that's the most sensible statement I've ever heard" then congratulations! You're an environmentalist, and may not have even noticed it!
The next big issue is, now that you have identified yourself as an environmentalist, is your political party and are your candidates in line with your environmental values? The Green Party has been environmentally conscious since day one.
ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
As grad school comes to an end, I look forward to many things:
0. Spending more time with my wife!
1. Sleeping - this has been far too rare an occurrence over the past two years
2. Reading things I actually want to read.
3. Devoting more time to Green Party activities.
4. And lets not forget....getting to start paying my student loans!
But most of all, I look forward to working with my fellow GSPM grad's as we go out into the world of politics. I really have been privileged to work and study with some amazing people.
I have been working to change the world for the past 10 years with my activity in the Green Party, and I am just getting started!
As a soon-to-be-graduating student from the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University is to help my fellow Greens and regional Green Party's (DC/VA/MD).
In the VA area, I am working with the Northern Virginia Green Party to help them get their message out. Right now, they are more focused on issue work, as opposed to electoral, which is fine. The chapter has recently started to get more active again, and it will take a bit of time to grow membership, energy, and finances to a point where supporting candidates for local office is viable. I look forward to helping them use email, twitter, facebook, youtube, and other tech tools to help them with the strategy. Helping them get control over their message and get the message out the community and press is something I think is vital!
Over in Maryland, the U.S. Senate race to unseat Senator Mikulski is heating up! Natasha Pettigrew, a Maryland native, and law school student at University of Miami has decided that it is time for Marylander's to stand up against the two party system - she is currently meeting with local Green Party's across the state, and working to earn their ballot. Today, she was in Baltimore, meeting with the Baltimore Green Party, and she will address other party groups in the near future. Natasha's energy, drive, and respect for the citizens of Maryland will make her a great candidate, and I look forward to assisting in her campaign!
2010 will be a busy year for me and my involvement with the area's Green Party groups!
