Green Presidential Primary Candidates: Full Bios and More - Page 8 to 12 Green Focus

The Newspaper of the Green Party of California - Winter/Spring 2008 6 candidates fight for Green Party California presidential nomination Diverse field of 2 women and 4 men are lined up for showdown in primary on February 5th By Cres Vellucci * There are two women (McKinney and Swift), one Black (McKinney), When California Green Party and four men, including one Black voters – as many as 138,000 of them (Ball) and another with Native – go to the polls Feb. 5 to choose American heritage (Johnson). One their 2008 Presidential nominee, candidate has never registered with they will find something that voters a political party (Nader), and anoth- in the Democratic and Republican er is a former elected Democratic parties are lacking – a real choice. Congressperson, who just recently Because, not only does the re-registered Green (McKinney). Green Party provide a very real al- ternative for all voters to the gener- * Candidates include hip-hop schol- ally corporate-controlled candidates ar, professor and radio host Ball, of the Dems and GOP, it also offers actor/producer/union organizer a variety of candidates for Green Johnson, politician McKinney, en- Party voters to consider. vironmental engineer Mesplay, con- In fact, this Presidential Primary sumer advocate legend and former Like the End of a Bad Dream: While Greens and others hold their breath, waiting for for Greens portends to be the most Green presidential candidate Nader, the end of George Bush’s presidency, we all hope for a better choice ‘next time.’ The CA diverse, if not competitive ever, ac- the oldest candidate at 73, and the Green Party humbly suggests 6 fine people as potential successors to Dubya. See page 8. cording to veteran Green Party youngest candidate (not 35 until lat- and an opportunity to elect a Presi- The nomination will be decided members. er in 2008), Swift, a Texas organizer. dent who will make a real difference by about 800 delegates from state Those on the ballot in California The Green Party will hold pri- in truly ending the war in Iraq now, parties who will gather at the include, in alphabetical order, Jared maries in four states on February 5, protecting our planet now and pro- Green Party national convention in Ball, Jesse Johnson Jr., Cynthia including California. The Green viding universal, single-payer health Chicago, Illinois, July 10-13. McKinney, Kent Mesplay, Ralph Party has vowed to achieve 51 ballot care for all now," the GPCA said. Nader and Kat Swift. lines in 2008 in all the states and the Complete bios, statements and District of Columbia, and has com- photos are on Pages 8-11 inside. mitted party resources for this pur- Come Hear The Candidates Debate! While all candidates, declared or pose. Greens currently have ballot not, are opposed to the war in Iraq access in 21 states (including DC) Sunday, January 13, 2008 2 PM and want U.S. troops home now, http://www.gp.org/statelist.shtml. Herbst Theater - Veteran Memorial Bldg support universal single payer "This promises to be the most healthcare and fair and clean elec- competitive presidential primary on 401 Van Ness (opposite City Hall) tions, and want to fight global record for the Green Party of Cali- San Francisco warming immediately, there are dif- fornia. And it comes at a time in our Hosted by Cindy Sheehan and Matt Gonzalez ferences in their styles and their state and nation's history when vot- $15 - $25 donation at the door backgrounds, including: Green Party of California In This Issue P.O Box 2828 Place IRV Form for Presidential Primary...... 11 Sacramento, CA Stamp Presidential Primary Candidates...... 1 Here LA Greens Call for Impeachment...... 2 95812 GPCA Endorses Amnesty for Resisters...3 Green ‘Family Guy’ In Writer’s Strike...... 4 Greens Featured at Latino Congreso...... 4 Green Female Youth Speaks to NAACP...5 CA Greens United For Peace...... 6 LA Green Guy Goes Organic...... 7 3 Strikes Reform Initiative Filed ...... 11 Brezenoff Campaign Success...... 14 Thinking Points: Book Reviews...... 15 Ten Key Values & Subscription Info...... 16 Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 2 Greens Call on Democrats: “Come Clean on CIA Torture” By Green Focus Staff Writer of secrecy," said Cres Vellucci, a Vietnam veteran and member of the SACRAMENTO – The Green Party GPCA Veterans Caucus. of California called on California Democratic Party state and federal While the Democratic Party leader- lawmakers to urge House Speaker ship, including Pelosi, have main- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francis- tained they are opposed to the Iraq co) to respond about what she knew, war, and torture, and blame the Re- and what she did – if anything – in publican Party and the Bush Admin- 2002 when she was given a "virtual istration, the Green Party has tour" of the CIA's torture program. insisted both of the major parties are complicit in the continuing killing in According to reports this past week- Iraq. end, the CIA said there were no objections raised by members of "That Democratic Party lawmakers Congress, including at least two are being briefed about torture, and democrats, who were briefed and then tacitly agreeing with it is one given a virtual tour of the CIA's more example that voters in Califor- torture program, including the use nia are being misled when they are of the illegal and being told the Democratic Party is controversial water- boarding the answer to ending this war. technique. "The complicity of Democrats in "We are asking the Democratic state CIA torture is not necessarily a sur- leadership, including elected state prise to us. The Green Party of Cali- and federal lawmakers, to urge Rep. fornia has been opposed to the war Pelosi to tell all of us what happened before it even started, and our candi- dates for local, state and federal of- fice have insisted they are the true Green Focus anti-war alternative choice for vot- ers, not the Democratic Party," add- Editors: ed Vellucci. Don Boring In the Streets: Peter Thottam, (seen above,) speaks to a large crowd in Hollywood Cali- fornia, calling for and end to the war in Iraq and the impeachment of Bush/Cheney who Larry Cafiero falsified the alleged ‘evidence’ in justification of the current tragedy. See article below. Editorial Staff and Board: LA Greens Lead Call For Impeachment of Bush/Cheney Linda Piera-Avilla Serge Balkanin By Cres Vellucci and helped open the Impeachment Center to be false as a justification for the U.S. Michael Borenstein Don Boring earlier this month. invasion of Iraq; condoning and autho- Ellen Maissen The Green Party of the U.S. called rizing the torture of prisoners of war Orval Osborne Green Party 2006 Assembly candi- for the impeachment of Bush and and rendering detainees to date Peter Thottam, now executive di- Sharon Peterson Cheney in 2003, and the state party foreign countries known to torture; and rector of the Los Angeles National officially followed in 2006. The GPCA Wes Rolley authorizing warrantless wiretaps on Impeachment Center, praised the deci- cited the deception used by the Bush U.S. citizens for over five years," said Lisa Taylor sion by the West Hollywood City Administration to start the Iraq war, Thottam. Cres Vellucci Council to support the impeachment of the use of illegal chemical and Thottam, a Los Angeles attorney, President George W. Bush and Dick biological weapons by the U.S., the helped co-found the Los Angeles Na- Design and Layout: Cheney. targeting f civilians with tional Impeachment Center, which was Don Boring In adopting the resolution proposed military weapons, the sponsored in large part by Westside by the impeachment center that torture of prisoners and violation of Website: Greens and Los Angeles Greens, and Thottam now directs, West Hollywood international treaties prohibiting those progressive Democrats. The goal of the Pending became the first Southern California actions. center is to influence cities and counties Subscriptions: city and 80th municipality nationwide "Among a minimum of twelve high to approve impeachment resolutions, to sup- port impeachment, according to See Coupon, page 12 crimes and misdemeanors, Bush and and pressure state and federal represen- Thot- tam, who with other South State Cheney have abused their powers of tatives to do the same. Distribution: Hugh Moore Contact: Green Party of California P.O Box 2828 Sacramento, CA 95812

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No payment for articles. We look for maximum of 800 words on letters or articles. We reserve right to edit all articles for length and content or minor contextuals. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 3 Progressives Move Impeachment Forward – Again!

By David Cobb Notwithstanding the conspicuous Dick Cheney can also be made against As a result of this courageous act refusal of the corporate media to cover George Bush.) (and the failure of Democratic Majority Despite the best efforts of Demo- the growing movement for Impeach- The first Article of Impeachment Leader Nancy Pelosi's attempt to kill cratic Party leaders in Congress, the ment, Congressman Dennis Kucinich accuses Cheney of “purposely manipu- it), the resolution will now go to the citizen's movement demanding that the introduced impeachment resolution HR lating the intelligence process to de- Judiciary Committee of the House of Bush regime be held accountable for 333 on to the House Floor. This resolu- ceive the citizens and the Congress of Representatives. their high crimes and misdemeanors tion calls for the Impeachment of Dick the United States by fabricating a threat The lies of George Bush and Dick against the people of the United States Cheney. (It is worth observing that ev- of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to Cheney about Iraqi ties to al-Qaida are continues to grow. ery single one on of the charges against justify the use of the United States on videotape and in writing. Indeed, armed forces against the nation of Iraq they continue to insinuate the lie. Their in a manner damaging to our national claims about Iraqi weapons have been security.” shown in every detail to have been, not California State Green Party Calls To date, over 3,300 United States mistakes, but lies. Their threats to Iran military personnel have been killed as a are on videotape. For Amnesty For All War Resisters. result of these lies, and over 650,000 And these are not the only video- Iraqi citizens have died. Of course, this taped Bush lies. Bush lied when he Military personnel who have refused to fight in an "unjust" war does not count the millions horribly claimed he had not been warned about in Iraq should be given an immediate grant of amnesty – because it maimed and wounded. The war has seriousness of Hurricane Katrina on would be right, and in keeping with spirit of the season, said the already cost well over $500 billion, videotape. Bush lied about illegal spy- Green Party of California in a recent press release. greatly increasing our federal debt and ing (and later confessed to it) on video- In a resolution approved by the GPCA's General Assembly, the made us much less secure as a country. tape. Greens noted that the war was "created from lies and deception. The second Article of Impeach- The Supreme Court has ruled Bush Our (troops) should not be punished for refusing to fight an unjust ment accuses Cheney of “actively and and Cheney's system of detentions are war and speaking the truth about the injustice inflicted on our sol- systematically deceiving the citizens unconstitutional, yet they continue to ignore these rulings. Bush, Cheney and diers, the citizens of the United States, and the citizens of Iraq." and the Congress of the United States about an alleged threat of Iraqi weapons their staffs openly advocate torture, and The resolution goes on to state: of mass destruction.” U.S. torture is documented by victims, “Men and women across the United States are refusing to fight Prior to the March 2003 invasion of witnesses and public photographs. in this war...on strong moral grounds. They are making difficult Iraq, the CIA fully informed Dick Bush and Cheney both defend decisions, risking their life, career and harm to their families. They Cheney that no legitimate evidence ex- themselves with claims of “executive should not bear the shame of a dishonorable discharge, prison and isted regarding weapons of mass de- privilege.” Nixon tried that defense, humiliation. We do not want our (troops) to be victims for the rest struction in Iraq. In addition, Cheney too. It didn't work for him then, and it of their lives. This would be a great shame on the United States. intentionally lied about an alleged rela- shouldn't work for the Bush regime "Let us restore honor to our brave military men and women who tionship between Iraq and al-Qaida that now. stood up and refused to fight a war they determined to be morally he knew did not exist. Cheney pres- It is astounding that the Democrats corrupt and criminal... those who have refused to fight as well as sured the intelligence community to in control of Congress do not under- stand that removing the threat of im- those who have fought or are currently fighting, are deserving of change their findings to deceive the people, Congress and the media. peachment is what empowers the White compassion and support. Amnesty will allow our country some The third Article of Impeachment House to ignore subpoenas. And that healing. Our leaders need to provide moral strength and courage accuses Cheney of “openly threatening the threat of impeaching the White and grant amnesty to (troops) who have refused to fight in the Iraq aggression against the Republic of Iran, House for its stonewalling would break War. absent any real threat to the United down that wall even before we reached "We call on the United States government to grant amnesty to States, and has done so with the United impeachment. military personnel who have refused to fight in the Iraq War, and to States' proven capability to carry out Author: David Cobb was the Green reinstate them to active duty status or discharge them with full such threats, thus undermining the na- Party candidate for President in 2004, veterans¹ benefits. We call on Congress to address this important tional security interests of the United and is a. regular columnist with the.. issue." States.” Eureka Times-Standard.

Greens Denounce CA Democrats for Sacrificing Environment

By Green Focus Staff Writer "The Democratic Party leaders claim they oppose the war SACRAMENTO – The environment and the air that an in Iraq, but vote to fund it. Now they – like the governor – increasing number of asthmatic children in California are claim they are pro-environment but vote to continue to being forced to breathe were the biggest losers when the endanger the environment. Democrats have abandoned the state Senate approved the $103 billion state budget, ac- environment when, in fact, they have the ability to over- cording to a Green Party of California statement issued. come the Republican stranglehold on the budget. But Democratic Party politicians do not have the will to save "Democrats in the Senate again sacrificed the environ- our planet, and our children's future," Michael Feinstein, ment, and our children's health, to appease Republican former mayor of Santa Monica. lawmakers and the same big monied interests that fill the campaign coffers of politicians in both parties," said Shane The Green Party of California has consistently maintained Que Hee, GPCA Platform Co-Coordinator. "It is up to that the U.S. – which emits about one-half of the world's Gov. Schwarzenegger to allot the financial pain equitably car-caused greenhouse carbon dioxide emissions, and Cal- in his line veto now that he does not have to be re-elected ifornia about 10 percent of that – should, among other We all live on the same planet, rich and poor." measures, end the Air Pollution Credit ("offset") System, which allows large corporations to distribute air pollution To get the two votes necessary to approve the budget after over many emission sites; Promote the use of alternative a 52-day delay, Democrats claimed they had to agree to sources of energy relative to fossil fuel, but yet little was exempt public infrastructure construction from greenhouse gas emissions lawsuit, remove requirements that state buildings achieve "green" environmental status and pro- vide up to $250 million to already fat railroad corporations to meet air quality demands. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 4 Green Party Networks With National Latino Congreso By Alfonso Garcia, had a chance to talk and exchange Jan Holle and Will Yeager ideas. Some participants came as indi- viduals while others represented A group of Greens from the groups. One notable group was build- Los Angeles County Council staffed a ing low income housing without ac- nd cepting federal money. But the surprise table at the 2 Annual National Latino was that this small core group of people Congreso from October 5 - 9, 2007, at have been building homes for over 20 the downtown Los Angeles Sheraton years without public notice of their he- Hotel, sponsored by MAPA, the Mexi- roic efforts. This small group travels can American Political Association, a around the nation constructing homes, Co-Convening Organization of the a wonderful act of kindness, mostly at Congreso, whose president, Nativo Lo- their own expense. pez is a member of the Green Party of On Saturday morning, the Minute- Los Angeles County Council. The Con- men, a mostly white anti-immigrant greso was convened by 8 major pro- group, were in front of the Sheraton gressive Latino Organizations, Hotel in a protest holding up signs stat- including: MALDEF, LULAC, the His- ing that the Congreso’s purpose was to panic Federation and the Southwest promote illegal immigration; needless Antonio Gonzalez, (right front) the President of Southwest Voter Project, was a featured Voter Registration Education Project. to say, they were holding up the Amer- Though the Congreso participants were speaker at the Congreso, seen here with Green Party activists who attended the weekend ican flag as a symbol of their misplaced event. overwhelmingly progressive Demo- patriotism. The Minuteman are gaba- crats, their values coincided with Green chos blaming the Mexicans for their ed. Another observation was the fact cinich, attracting hordes. Our Green Party values. The Congreso agenda was economic insecurity. Gabachos need to that the Congreso was not dominated Party table drew visitors by a collection better than most Green Party Confer- blame someone, first they blamed the by males, as many female were active of buttons with catchy sayings. We ences, for example; the Sunday, Octo- American Indians, Blacks, Mexicans, planners, speakers and participants. The were kept busy dispensing Green Liter- ber 7th agenda was: “Saving The Globe Jews, Irish, Italians, Iraqis, and other people attending the Congreso did not ature, chatting with people from many for Our Children and Grandchildren: Europeans, but now it’s the Mexicans give us the impression they were there states, and signing them up on our out- Strategies on Climate Change, Energy turn again. The Minutemen were not to become rich and famous. They were reach list. While most of the Congreso Alternatives, Urban Greening, and Pub- well received by members of the Con- people who apparently, only wanted attendees had never heard of the Green lic Health.” The evening ended with a greso, but were met with non-violence, their lives to account for something. To Party before, they all did by the end of Climate Change Dinner in the ballroom yet firm dismissal of their racist intents make a difference. And in our private the Congreso, thanks to our tabling ef- that had clips from Leonardo by the majority of latinos present. discussions during the conference, we forts and the Green Party bookmarks DiCaprio’s movie “The 11th Hour” It was wonderful to meet people Greens felt that each day they work passed out at the escalators. Congreso playing while “A” list Latino Demo- running for public offices from gover- towards the goal of improving the sus- participants were very favorable to the cratic politicians spoke from the dais. nor to city council in other states. Most tainable humane condition of their Green Party and many seeds were The website for the National Latino of these people had very little money, communities is a day that we stand in planted that will hopefully grow into Congreso 2007, with all its informative but felt that their part of the nation solidarity together. To the extent that members, locals, candidates and pro- Workshops, Plenary Sessions and ad- needed a new kind of leadership. Most we can continue to offer opportunities gressive cultural change. We lay down opted Resolutions is located at the site: of the people at the Conference knew to lead with vision, and allow these this challenge to you: spread the word www.latinocongreso.org. Be sure to very little or nothing of the Green Party. progressive latin people to lead in their of Green Party sustainability widely put the Congreso on your calendar for We did our best as Greens to change own way, we feel that we can add vital- through all diverse interest groups, 2008! that. Once informed of the Green Party, ity to the party and help create a better whether they are united by race, reli- Attendee's at the Congreso includ- they indicated that both the current par- world for all of us – unto the 7th gener- gion, commercial interest, or whatever ed those from all parts of the US, Afri- ties have nothing to offer them. The ation and beyond. venue or space you may find them. ca, Europe, South America and the Democrats and Republicans talk the The large tabling area had a wide . Caribbean Islands, with whom we all talk but do nothing after they are elect- variety of themes, from Cuba to Ku- Green Family Guy Walks the Writer's Strike Picket By Patrick Meighan, different. And the tactics are differ- revenues. The studios respond- ent. But the homeless guy pee? LA Green and Screen Writer ed by telling the writers to go That’s just the same. pound sand. About a year ago I was sitting in What the hell am I doing?! So here we are. Fighting a jail cell in downtown L.A. Like Personally, I blame the Green our fight. several other Los Angeles Greens, Party for the mess I’m in. More on But ultimately, of course, I’d come to jail voluntarily (with a that later. First, a brief primer on this fight is larger than the few hundred of my closest friends), what this fight is about: the internet. WGA. This fight effects all of arrested, zip-cuffed, processed and Okay, here’s one a little less Los Angeles’s workers. held. All in support of L.A.’s hotel brief: traditionally, a writer’s pay- ‘Cause, see, if they can break workers, who were demanding rev- ment comes in two parts--X and Y.† my (middle class) union, they’ll olutionary things like health care, X is the initial upfront money when keep on going, right through and a wage they can live on, and the he/she writes something, and Y is an every other union in the enter- right to unionize, and a pony (okay, additional, deferred payment when tainment industry, and beyond. I was the one demanding the pony). the studio/network re-broadcasts Heck, if they can, they’ll go As I sat in that jail cell, and the hours that show and makes extra money back in time and bust the Lolli- dragged on, and my clothes slowly on it. In show-biz lingo, we call Y a pop Guild. With the unions absorbed the smell of home- less "residual." That’s how it’s worked broken, and workers divided, guy pee, I looked around, and one for years. But now (and increasing- we can say goodbye to L.A.’s ly in the future), studios are skipping Patrick Meighan is a WGA member, a writer on thought came to my mind: already-shrinking middle class. the Fox TV show, ‘Family Guy,’ and a proud Los “What the hell am I doing?!” that re-broadcast (i.e., withholding We can even say goodbye to Angeles Green. Cut to: a year later. And once the writer’s Y) and, instead, making L.A.’s working class. We’ll all again, I’m an L.A. Green out there, money with their re-runs on the be working poor. With sub- tel workers union (HERE Local 11) fighting alongside L.A.’s workers internet. And here’s what they pay standard, non-union lollipops. came to the latest WGA march. When I against unchecked corporate greed. the writer when they re-run some- L.A.’s workers know that. thanked them for coming out, they Only this time I’m one of the work- thing on the internet: $0.00. That’s why the WGA’s gotten looked me over and said, “Hey, you’re ers, and the union is mine: the WGA No residuals. No Y. No fair. support from workers across the man who smelled like homeless guy (Writer’s Guild of America). And So the writers decided to be silly the city: actors, teamsters, long- pee!” Sigh. you know, walking the streets of and politely ask for a few cents more shoremen, security guards, and, Anyhow, like I said above, I kinda L.A., day after day, toting a picket than the $0.00 they’re currently be- yes, hotel workers. That’s blame the Green Party for this mess I’m sign… well, it’s kind of like being ing paid out of the studios’ internet right, a contingent from the ho- in. I mean, I’m just a pasty-skinned back in jail. Sure, the setting is Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 5

California Green Party Hosts Green Candidate Training Forum

Organized by the GPCA Campaigns and Candidates Working she said, noting that she had half of her financial support committed to Group, Green Party candidates and campaigns workers were up front and was able to reach each voter about five time with mailers, schooled on innovative strategies – including the use of focused, and email. Her formula was two mailers, one visit/drop off and three cable-television advertising – to compete against corporate financed emails. Republican and Democratic Party candidates at a Campaign School "Door to door campaign is very powerful," said Bradbury-Huang in at UCLA in late August. her summary, who said her voter "universe" was 10,000 voters. She said The school, also made available for anti-war, fair trade, immi- she read books about campaigning, attended a Green-sponsored cam- grant rights and other social justice activists, included workshops on paign school, consulted with experienced Greens and paid a strategist Paid (and unpaid) Campaign Advertising: How to Buy Effective TV $5,000. She also talked about being a Green Party officeholder, includ- and Radio Spots on a Small Budget, Fundraising, Campaign Strate- ing being a "minority of one" on the school board. Her focus has been on gy, Media Relations, IRV, Voter Registration, Election Procedures, money and taxes and linking it "cost to value," and applying it to areas Getting Elected and Governing as a Community College Board like sustainable buildings. Trustee and Challenges and Opportunities of Special Elections. "Board members have power and therefore have responsibility to be According to Warner Bloomberg, CCWG co-coordinator who culture creators. I don't make the fact that I'm a Green a big deal but I coordinated the session, "Candidate training is one of the CCWG's don't hide from it either," said Bradbury-Huang. She said she's had to missions. We were able to plan and present the workshops in Los learn to use the parliamentary school to her advantage and to make sure, Angeles because local Greens volunteered for host responsibilities. when introducing measures, "you have a second." We hope to hold the next candidate training workshops and strategy In another presentation, Cres Vellucci, the GPCA Press Secretary meetings in March of 2008. It takes about four months to plan these and progressive candidate campaign consultant, urged Greens to do more programs, so we're looking for a host, and place to hold the meetings than just the traditional "flyering and tabling." as soon as possible." "We have to be better prepared to reach people not just one at a time, Those in attendance also agreed, added Bloomberg, that the but 10,000 or 100,000 at a time," said Vellucci, a former newspaper CCWG should create a statewide voter registration database to editor and reporter at the State Capitol, noting that "we can't keep assist GPCA candidates. The database provides candidates with complaining about the ‘right wing media.' vital contact information about available Greens in their election "The ‘bad guys' use paid television and some radio. They aren't using district, as well as basic information about the voter makeup in that the strategy just because they have money to burn. In fact, most people voter area. get most of their news from television and radio. Not the newspapers. In his presentation to potential and current GPCA candidates in Not the internet. Television and radio. We need to get in the game," he attendance, recent Congressional candidate Daniel Brezenoff (37th said. District/Long Beach) advised the workshop that although his cam- Vellucci noted that because of today's technology, production of paign began from ground zero, "we eventually had people making good television spots is either free, or close to it, and that placing spots phone calls for me from around the state, and even around the on television are not at all expensive if campaigns are creative. He added country. The volunteers, and I always could have used more, were that it's easier to raise money for campaigns "if you ask for money great." specifically for advertising. Supporters are more likely to contribute." Brezenoff also suggested that the Greens should have "soft He said that paid television is not that expensive, and suggested money," and possibly start a political action group to encourage buying short 10-15 second spots, instead of the traditional 30 or 60 those supporting progressive candidates. "We have a need to do this second ads for "frequency and reach." In many markets, if candidates especially in districts where we have a chance to win, or to get buy by district or zone, they can pay as little as $4-$15 – 2-3 times that media coverage," he said. in the biggest state markets - for television spots during evening prime "Overall, a lot of things went right in my campaign, although it time, he said. was a Special Election and we only had a few months," he said. Vellucci explained that he has purchased, for statewide Green Party "Overall, I discovered that when you run for office, people will stop candidates as well as congressional hopefuls, 4-7 p.m. slots on CNN, and listen," he added. HGTV, Lifetime Channel and Comedy Channel. Also presenting was Hilary Bradbury-Huang, a trustee of the In yet another presentation, Bill Nuttle explored the use of creating Pasadena Community College Board, and one of 55 elected Greens a Precinct Operations presence. He creates walk lists, phone lists, GOTV in the state, who defeated an incumbent for the position. She noted lists, precinct maps and similar tools for only progressive candidates. how she built and edited her message on her website, which she also had translated into Chinese. "Money and time are non-negotiable,"

Green Screenwriter, continued Young Green Speaks to NAACP Convention writer with soft college-boy hands, and the other side is a band of corporate By Lisa Taylor megaliths with insane power and Los Angeles Greens' wealth, led by a union-busting negotia- Volunteer Coordinator tor who sits on a throne of human skulls. Any sane person in my situation Los Angeles Greens' member would pack it in. But, dammit, I’m a Raam Kaur represented the Green Party Green. The Greens fight more corpo- at the NAACP State Convention, Youth rate megaliths before 9am than most Forum, on Oct. 27, 2007 in Manhattan people do all day. Beach, CA. The Republican youth was If I ever wanna show my face at the a no show, so Raam had the stage with next plenary, I have no choice but to do a Democrat, speaking to over 100 youth what every other California Green from across the state. does, every day of their Green lives: wake up, fight for what’s right (no mat- She covered the key points of our ter the obstacles or how powerful the Green Party platform: highlighting our opposition), go to sleep, repeat. Again freedom from corporate donations, the and again, until the sun burns out. Raam Kaur represented the Green Party at the NAACP State Convention, Youth Forum, Green Party's worldwide presence, jus- on Oct. 27, 2007 in Manhattan Beach, CA. The Republican youth was a no show, so Raam So great, thanks, fellow Greens. tice issues, fair trade, the consequences had the stage with a Democrat, speaking to over 100 youth from across the state. On account of your stupid example of of our purchases and personal responsi- courage and tirelessness, I’m now bility, global connectedness, sustain- is Power, discussing politics and youth Party! Thanks also to Linda Piera- forced to hit the picket line every morn- able agriculture, how the money that's involvement with reps from USC Re- Avila and Alex Walker for attending ing at 5:30, wave a sign, and never back going to the Iraq War could be better publicans, CA Democratic Party, San the NAACP Convention and passing down until one of two things happen: spent on education and health care, and Fernando Valley Young Democrats and out Green Focus newspapers, to Linda a) the corporate megaliths stop trying to how we need to consider the seventh the American Democracy Institute for photos, to SKCM Curry and Lisa roll-back the wages and benefits that generation in our deliberations. (ADI), who were promoting the Em- Taylor for strategy and rehearsal, and to L.A.’s workers have fought for & b) I The week before, Raam was on the power Change Summit upcoming at Denise Munro Robb for persevering to finally get that pony popular hip-hop radio station UCLA. Thanks Raam, for representing find a speaker for the radio program I’ve still got my fingers crossed for Power106, on the program Knowledge the Los Angeles Greens and the Green with very short notice! option b). Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 6 Greens Around State United Against War SACRAMENTO – California Greens continued to help anti-war activists pressure state Democratic Party congressional lawmakers to make good on a 2006 election year promises to bring state military personnel home by ending the Iraq War, but who so far continue to fund the war instead of stop it. All across the state, those opposed to the war are visiting offices of Democrats, demanding they not vote to further war funding in Septem- ber. Instead of a sympathetic year, people opposed to the war are being arrested. "The death toll in Iraq, for U.S. and Iraqi civilians, continues to climb and all Democrats can do is claim to be opposed to the it, while funding it," said Daniel Brezenoff, Green Party in the 37th District Special Election. He added that the Green Party opposed the Iraq War since before it began, unlike the Democratic and Republican parties. Greens were among those at a demonstration last week at the offices of Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Santa Ana) in Garden Grove. Six people were arrested at the protest after Sanchez refused to sign a pledge to not further fund the war. Sanchez – after saying she was opposed to the war – said she would still vote for more defense monies for the war because there was $2.1 billion for California to build the C-17 Globemaster, a military aircraft. Tuesday, Greens were among those who organized a People's Town Hall in Sacramento in front of the office of Rep. Doris Matsui (D), and other registered Greens were participating or supporting a hunger strike at the San Francisco home of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D).

Greens also arranged a visit to the office of Rep. Henry Waxman (D-L.A.), where the lawmaker said he did not believe there was enough "evidence" of fraud and deception about the war to warrant impeach- ment proceedings against Pres. George Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney. And, in the San Francisco area, 2006 Green Party congressional candidate (14th CD) Carol Brouillet was arrested along with Daniel Ellsberg and others at Lawrence Livermore Nuclear Weapons Lab in a peace protest memorializing the 62nd anniversary of the atomic bomb- ing of Hiroshima. "The war on terror is a fraud. Our best hope is non-violent, wide- spread opposition to the threats to the constitution and our civil rights, and the world, and for Congress to begin impeachment proceedings to halt (the war) and reverse the policies of the past several years," said Brouillet.

From Orange County to Oakland, Sacramento and Hollywood Boulevard: Greens all over the state of California have been pushing for impeachment of President George w. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq complete with war reparations to the citizens and government of that country. In addition, as noted on other pages of this paper, Greens are standing up daily for the right of all people to live a sustainable life, complete with the freedoms we have taken for granted far too long. Please consider joining the party. See back page for details. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 7 LA Green Gives Up Urban Living For Organic Farming

approximately 140 individual and fam- By Michael Carr, ily members in the New York and Former LA Green northern New Jersey metropolitan area. It has grown from a kitchen garden on After an extensive amount of re- four acres to over 150 acres, offering search into intentional communities over 100 varieties of vegetables, and organic farming, I discovered greens, herbs, and fruits. Excess pro- WWOOF-USA (the USA chapter of duce supplemented with additional World Wide Opportunities on Organic items from neighboring farms is sold to Farms) and, upon joining, received a passersby at the weekly Saturday mar- directory of approximately 500 farms ket in the Hells Kitchen neighborhood that provide room and board opportuni- of Manhattan. ties in exchange for work. Each day began with a 30 to 60 After looking into several in Cali- minute meeting to discuss what needed fornia, Utah, New Mexico and the to be done for the day. As I arrived in northeastern United States region, I fi- the middle of harvest season, there was nally chose Upper Meadows Farm in an inordinate amount of work, which Montague, New Jersey, about 70 miles ranged from daily animal husbandry northwest of Manhattan, near the Dela- chores to weeding, to preparing lettuce ware River where New Jersey meets seed in flats for planting, to actual har- New York and Pennsylvania. vesting. I arrived the day after Labor Day. Leonard lost his tomato crop to LA Green: Michael Carr became bored and disillusioned with urban life in Los Angeles Farmer Leonard Pollara greeted me af- invading deer for the first time ever, a and found WWOOF-USA, an organization dedicated to organic farming. And he went for it. Michael now lives and works on an organic farm in New Jersey. ter he finished tending to the cows, a devastating loss that was only slightly offset with a bumper potato crop that somewhat bucolic task following the myself) on the second Saturday of my viding fresh, healthy produce to people, served as my first introduction to sever- slaughter of his three pigs earlier in the experience, a frightening prospect until while educating them about what is al boutique varieties. Digging potatoes afternoon. I had actually gotten through the day involved in the process is so important in the extreme afternoon heat with Following a brief description of the and back to New Jersey in once piece. in this day and age of petroleum depen- thousands of hovering field bugs forced farm operation and a tour of the office But there were drawbacks and this dent industrial food, and the resources me to move my t-shirt from my torso to and "guest house," Leonard returned to is where worlds collide. There is just as required for its refrigeration and trans- my head to keep the bugs out of my ears his own house next door. I was left to much personal drama on the farm in a port. assess my "quarters" and what had actu- and face. Although the days were long, single day as there is actually in the the meal times were incredible. I had ally committed to for the next 2-1/2 office (and/or for TV watchers, in a Whether or not you believe in the never eaten such fresh food so consis- months of my life. And, I wondered... single episode of The Office): Econom- concept of peak oil and its potential tently, and for such duration in my life. what was he thinking about a 43-year ics on the Farm 101; Personal Relation- implications, it is now more imperative The distribution period for mem- old (most likely gay) man from Holly- ships 102; Inter-farm Relationships than ever that people become engaged berships was 22 weeks, from June to wood, California on his farm in New 103; Marriage and Family 104; Co- with local farmers and community sup- November. Full family shares num- Jersey? (As I later discovered, I was workers 105... and so on. As the pro- ported agriculture in terms of knowing bered about 11 items each week, with preceded by a lesbian who hardly lasted duce blossoms and fades, encourages what their food is, and from whom and half and individual share options avail- a few weeks, with twice the experience and disappoints, so does all of the where it originates. able. These consisted of varying items yet half the effort that I invested.) above. And therein is my education. This type of food consumption is subject to weekly availability: potatoes, The next day arrived shortly there- Independent farmers represent the no longer limited to actual health bene- green beans, mustard and dandelion after... at 6:30 a.m. But I was awake and last vestige of traditional American fits. We now must consider the environ- greens, kale, amaranth, beets, purslane, ready. He (politely) asked if I would identity, beyond our current misplaced mental and economic imperatives. Our squash, lettuce, some type or combina- rather work on getting the guest quar- one of war and shopping. The struggles very lives depend on it, both now and tion of alliums, radishes, cilantro, sweet ters ready for whatever he and/or I per- are the same as most Americans experi- well into the future. ceived as some middle ground for and hot peppers, and turnips. And then ence, but intensified by the demands of there was the parsley, sage, rosemary acceptance, and I (politely) declined, physical labor and the management of For more information about these op- and thyme. saying that I would rather get started on land, crops, animals, weather, et cet- portunites, visit www.wwoof-usa.org. farm chores with everyone else and Thursday through Sunday were the era... and family. deal with the rest later. harvest and distribution days: two were I’ve been asked to return, which I Upper Meadows Farm is a CSA- in New Jersey on Thursday, Friday en- am planning to do after spending some oriented entity, certified organic since tailed preparing for Saturday’s Manhat- time in Manhattan with friends for the 1991. The CSA was established in tan market, and there was one more on holiday season. Despite the difficulties, 2001, with nine members, and has ex- Sunday in West Orange New Jersey. I I’ve concluded it is important to sup- panded to four different groups serving was assigned the Manhattan market (by port this type of food production. Pro- Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 8 Presenting: The Six California Candidates

In Alphabetical Order unacceptable conditions of a majority is time to build a genuine populist par- of the people of this nation and world. ty, one built on the proper politics of JARED BALL: To best address those conditions a new those who, like Kwame Ture once made clear, are no longer willing to For more information: party is needed, a new style of politics accept the lesser of evil because, “we www.jaredball.com is needed and we are developing just that kind of campaign. While looking to will not vote for evil, period.” Biographical: Dr. Ball is a Member, bring something new we are also look- ...we are developing a campaign which DC Statehood/Green Party; assistant ing to do so on the basis of some old seeks to break convention by centering professor of communications studies at and forgotten (or suppressed) politics. attention and focus on culture, those Morgan State University in Baltimore, First among them are those of Dr. Mar- most oppressed and those who have MD.; an independent journalist; radio tin Luther King, Jr. whose genuine long since given up on the vote and are host with WPFW 89.3 FM in Pacifica goals have long been forcibly hidden looking for a new politics and new Radio Washington, DC; beneath the frozen and isolated descrip- organizations. We are working with Editor-at-Large of the Words, Beats tion of a dream. But 2008 being the “the mayor of DC hip-hop” Head-Roc and Life Global Journal of Hip-Hop 40th anniversary of his assassination and others to provide a hip-hop and Culture and founder of FreeMix Radio: demands that we run such a campaign progressive artist tour which will reach The Original Mixtape Radio Show – a on the basis of King’s truly revolution- out to the Indigenous, Black, Latino freely distributed monthly hip-hop mix- ary positions of calling for radical polit- and poor communities who will help us tape dedicated to the practice of eman- ical organization around an end to develop new bases of support for the Jarend Ball: Dr. Ball has a Ph.d. In Journal- cipatory journalism; Navy veteran who systems which reproduce white su- Green Party. This style of campaign ism and Media studies from the University of Marylind. He is also an active radio per- served during Desert Shield/Desert premacy, militarism and gross inequal- will be brash and powerful representing ities in wealth and access to society’s sonality on Pacifica radio in Washington, Storm; graduate of Frostburg State Uni- the necessarily unorthodox politics we D.C. versity with a degree in history, gradu- benefits. That campaign is here. need and which are represented best by ate of the Africana Studies and I am not running to further bolster the the Green Party. We are not targeting rhetoric of hate and division. Success in Research Center at Cornell University mythology of the vote as panacea. I am Democrats, Republicans or others to this case will be additional membership with a masters degree in Africana Stud- not running for simple symbolism. I am “steal” votes. We are not engaged in an for the Green Party from the tens of ies and a graduate of the University of running because the true majority of effort to upset one or another major millions of eligible but dormant voters. Maryland at College Park, with doctor- women, the poor, Black, Latino and party candidacy as we do not see either Success will be in demonstrating the ate in journalism and media studies. He Indigenous people need organization, as being able to legitimately represent difference of the party through the rad- has been a bartender, pizza delivery need a place to cohere and the Green the needs of the true majority and, ical difference in our presentation and man and a high-school teacher in DC’s Party is the structure with the expressed therefore, see no reason to assist in the campaign approach. Voting or not vot- public school system before settling in platform that can provide just that kind sabotage or ascendance of one or the ing are actions which by themselves, at Morgan State University. of liberated space and I am the candi- other. And while we are not expecting while equally political, are also equally date that can properly articulate such a to “win” the presidency we are expect- insufficient for change. Real change Positions/Statement (provided by need. The party’s freedom from corpo- ing to help build a party to build com- can only come from organization on the candidate/edited for length): My name rate dominance, its commitment to so- munity, society and a new world. basis of a truly radical platform such as is Jared Ball and I am currently running cial justice and redistribution of We are looking to build the original and offered by the Green Party. This is why for the Green Party’s presidential nom- society’s wealth and service and its call genuine Rainbow Coalition of Fred I am running. ination. I have accepted an invitation to for diversity are far more substantive Hampton, a coalition that breaks racial do this for several reasons. First among than those false claims of such made barriers and fosters unity along real with varying degrees by other parties. It material needs as opposed to the empty

ELAINE BROWN: It is my intention to use my presi- stroying familial foundations. In addi- dential campaign to galvanize the non- tion, the “three-strikes” crime laws Please Be Advised that shortly voting Marginalized Millions to seize overturned the 100-year-old juvenile before this paper went to press the ballot of the Green Party toward justice system, allowing for the inhu- that Elaine Brown declared she their self-empowerment. The Green mane housing of children in adult pris- was no longer a candidate for Party, too, must seize this moment of ons, in violation of the U.N. President on the Green Party national malaise and disillusion to Convention on the Rights of the Child. ticket. See her website if you re- come out of the morass of being a re- Finally, it has generated a nefarious quire further details. pository for disgruntled Democrats and economic scheme of financial gain for open the Party’s doors to the non-vot- private prison profiteers.—For blacks, Elaine Brown’s website can be viewed ing millions so as to actively and pow- this has been particularly oppressive, at http://www.elainebrown.org/ erfully challenge the status quo and given that 50% of prisoners are black, become an effective force in the nation- as compared to 13% of the population, Biographical: Former leader of the al political arena. I believe I am a reflecting the ongoing, institutionaliza- Black Panther Party, Green Party can- catalyst the Green Party can use for this tion of racism in America.—This crim- didate for mayor of Brunswick, Geor- necessary transition. inalization and mass incarceration of gia (2005), an author and college the poor, when compared to the glorifi- lecturer, a community organizer—as Beyond a call for the immediate, un- cation of mass murder in Iraq and else- where, demonstrates that in the United Elaine Brown: Instructor, Scholar and Activist , co-founder of Mothers Advocating Ju- conditional and complete withdrawal of and Community Organizer. Former Leader of venile Justice and the National Alliance U.S. troops and war machinery from States, crime is a political question. the Black Panther Party. for Radical Prison Reform, and a local Iraq and Afghanistan, my platform fo- This law, as it exists around the nation, leader of the “No on One” campaign cuses on the repeal of the “three- particularly in California where prison and the creation of laws that guarantee strikes” crime laws across the nation. overcrowding has rendered the state non-discrimination and human rights to Positions/Statement (provided by No other domestic issue is more urgent facilities gulags, must be repealed! all... Institution of laws and policies that candidate/edited for length): I believe for black people, brown people, poor promote purification and cleansing of a ballot cast for a Green Party candidate people. This Clinton-promulgated law My platform is... Full and free health the air, water and land and that outlaw or issue represents the most significant (1994) and its progeny caused the dou- care for everyone... Complete and free polluting, contaminating or adulterat- instrument for change available for the bling of America’s prison population in primary, secondary and higher educa- ing them. The payment of reparations Marginalized Millions—black people, the ten years since passage. The result tion for everyone... Complete opening by the United State government to na- brown people, other people of color, is, over two million people are present- of the borders of the United States ac- tive peoples for the theft of land and to poor working people, those languishing ly incarcerated in America, with five companied by the institution of a guar- Gullah/Geechee and other African in prison, those without decent housing million more on parole or probation, anteed minimum living wage of slave descendants for slave labor... To- or health care and all the other op- with families representing millions $25/hour for all workers... Creation of tal dismantling of nuclear and other pressed people trying to survive at the more affected by their incarceration, a base of free or low-cost, decent hous- weapons of mass destruction by the bottom of life in the most powerful and millions of formerly incarcerated ing, so as to eliminate homelessness United States, and recognition of and nation in the world. That is, change people. In general, this mass and provide every human being the adherence to all international agree- will not be e-mailed, rapped in a CD or incarceration—distinguishing the U.S. fundamental right to a decent place to ments as to war, crime and human YouTubed. To paraphrase Malcolm X, as the country with the highest incarcer- live... Repeal of all laws that discrimi- rights...Imposition of wealth taxes and for the masses of disenfranchised and ation rate in the world!—has devastated nate against or dehumanize people on reduction of taxes for poor and working disaffected millions in America, the black, brown and poor communities, account of ethnicity, gender, nationali- people, toward a complete and fair re- ballot is the bullet! further impoverishing them and de- ty, sexuality, religion, age, or disability, distribution of the wealth of the nation. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 9 For The Green Party Presidential Primary

JESSE C. JOHNSON, JR. that the US Constitution, is the ultimate Talk Back” with the USDE, NEA, VSA www.jesse08.us law of the land. I am a life long environ- of WV, and Kanawha Co. Schools, And Look To YouTube.com for more mentalist and conservationist. I stand studying the effect of violence in the information at the following for people who have no voice. media on children K through 5th grade. location:: My top three issues are : #1 Demil- As expedition director he received spe- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMxgYn itarize the economy (this includes cial recognition by United Nation’s mdHfg withdrawal from Iraq)); #2 Make the Year of the Indigenous People for his Environment, an Educational and documentation of the Cabacar tribe. Biographical: Born 1959, West Vir- Health priority; #3 Restore Constitu- 2004 lead him to winning the nomina- ginia. Attended North Carolina School tional checks and balances and civil tion for Governor of WV as the Moun- for the Arts, Marshall University and rights for all Citizens. tain Party candidate, a party where he several other universities. Has worked As state chair of the Mt Party of was elected Chairman and was their on a seismographic ship, as an actor, a WV, he presently is fighting to secure 2006 nominee for the U.S. Senate. stage producer, a stand-up comic and the ballot line in WV's general election While busy serving on several state and country line dance instructor. He for the GPUS nominees as promised in national boards, he is developing a helped form the United Electrical Reading at the plenary: “I may not de- new 501c3 “Million Dollar T-Shirt” to Workers Union in West Virginia in clare as of yet therefore I choose to empower charitable organizations ev- 2006. He was the first gubernatorial address these three issues first includ- erywhere. Otherwise he can be found candidate in the history of West Virgin- ing voter integrity. This is our founda- on his beloved farm, stewarding nature, ia to secure his place on the general tion. It has however been breached and hardwood trees, and his family grave election ballot before the primary elec- that breach must be addressed before plot. Protecting it from the encroaching tion in 2002. Ran for US Senate in we can possibly move forward as a Mountain Top Removal mining pro- 2006, nation and a nation such as ours must be cess. moving forward.” Jesse is one of the leading voices Positions/Statement (provided by Jesse adopted “Unifying Through against mountaintop removal in West Jesse C. Johnson: Farmer, Activist, Enter- candidate/edited for length): I have not Communication” as a personal mission Virginia - his struggles to save the tainer, Filmaker and politician, Jesse lives committed Treason, or High Crimes statement long ago. A tenth generation beauty and environment of his beloved in West Virginia and Misdemeanors. I ran one of the West Virginian, he embarked on a state have taken him from the well of long, as an affiliate of the GPUS. He most successful third party campaigns career as freelance artist/ - filmmaker - the state Capitol to the local prison, continues to work toward that union, for Governor in 2004. I ran taking no writer - instructor and practitioner jailed for resistance in the cause of jus- pursuing litigation in his state to allow contributions and spending no monies which has taken him as student and tice. the GPUS to use the Mountain Party's receiving about 2% against U.S. Sen. lecturer to a number of universities both In 2007, as Chair of the Mountain ballot line, even as he runs for the Pres- Robt. C Byrd in 2006. I was elected as state side and abroad. Owner of West Party, he worked with Green Party idential nomination himself. State Party Chair later that year in 2006. Virginia Film Investment LLC since co-Chair Steve Kramer to bring the I serve as the first Mt Party delegate to 2001, he recently completed work as Mountain Party into the world commu- the 2007 GPUS convention and cast our filmmaker and grant fellow for “Project nity of Green Parties, where they be-

CYNTHIA MC KINNEY: ers led to the United States Department For more information: of Agriculture admitting that it had, http://www.runcynthiarun.org/ indeed, discriminated against black farmers for decades. Biographical: A six-term member of the House of Representative from Cynthia McKinney proved herself a Georgia, Cynthia McKinney made his- courageous voice for the voiceless, un- tory when she became the first African afraid to speak truth to power. Cynthia's American woman to represent Georgia Power to the People Committee is in the United States House of Represen- working to put Cynthia on fifty-one tatives in 1992. She was born in Atlan- ballot lines. Her positions included: ta, Fulton County, Ga., March 17, Consistently opposed funding for bloat- 1955; graduated St. Joseph High ed military and secret intelligence bud- School; B.A., University of Southern gets; Introduced Articles of California, Los Angeles, Calif., 1978; Impeachment for George Bush, Dick attended Fletcher School of Law and Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice; Intro- Diplomacy, Medford, Mass.; diplomat- duced, championed, and passed in the ic fellow, Spellman College, Atlanta, U.S. House the Arms Trade Code of Ga., 1984; faculty member, Clark At- Conduct, prohibiting the sale of arms to lanta University and Agnes Scott Col- known human rights abusers; Authored lege. Cynthia was a member of the legislation to end the use of depleted Georgia state house of representatives, uranium weapons; Passed legislation 1988-1992, and elected as a Democrat to extend health benefits for Despised by Republicans and Democrats alike: Cynthia McKinney, former Democrat- Vietnam War veterans still suffering ic Congresswoman from Georgia, was voted out in a primary election, but not before in- to Congress in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, troducing a bill in Congress to impeach George Bush and Dick Cheney for ‘high crimes.’ 2000 and 2004. She was forced out by the health effects from exposure to the a re-districiting battle forced her out in defoliant Agent Orange; allow the survivors of the tragedy's vic- ney introduced articles of impeachment 2004, in a case that went all the way to Challenged Pentagon Secre- tims to sue those responsible for the against President Bush as (H Res 1106), the U.S. Supreme Court, she won again tary Rumsfeld and Chairman Myers of attacks as well as participate in the Vic- which makes three charges against in 2004. She re-registered in the Green the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the $2.3 tims Compensation Fund. She intro- Bush: manipulating intelligence and ly- Party in 2007. trillion missing Pentagon money and on duced legislation to establish a national ing to justify the war in Iraq, failing to U.S.-sponsored war games taking place living wage and she also introduced uphold accountability and violating pri- Positions/Statement (provided by on September 11, 2001; Currently legislation to repeal the Military Tribu- vacy laws with his domestic spying campaign/edited for length): While in serves on (a) International Tribunal on nals Act. Her signature environmental program. Congress, from 1993 - 2003, Cynthia Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, (b) Brus- piece of legislation was the National The second article also makes became known as the voice for the sels Tribunal on Iraq, (c) is participat- Forest Protection and Restoration Act charges against Vice President Cheney voiceless. She provided a seat at the ing in War Crimes prosecutions in which would have provided much- for helping to "fix" the intelligence in table for people long left out of Geor- Spain, and (d) is working with the Ma- needed jobs and revenues for the resto- order to justify the Iraq War, and gia's political and economic main- laysian Peace Organization to criminal- ration and protection of America's na- against Secretary of State Condoleezza stream. She supported candidates ize war; Introduced legislation to tional forests. McKinney successfully Rice for making false statements con- representing the people who had been eliminate federal subsidies for corpora- authorized the USDA disparity study cerning Iraq's alleged weapons of mass politically marginalized. The result was tions taking jobs overseas. that demonstrated USDA discrimina- destruction program. more hope and more representation at Cynthia was never afraid to introduce tion against minority farmers. McKin- Because McKinney waited until the the local level for black people and legislation that showed her moral com- ney, like so many Americans, has long final day of voting before her term end- people of low wealth throughout the pass and where she felt our country held Green values. McKinney is now ed to introduce the resolution, the reso- rural black belt of Georgia.. Her pio- ought to be. In that regard, after the proudly a Green. At the end of the 2006 lution was largely symbolic. neering work on behalf of black farm- tragedy of September 11th, 2001, Cyn- legislative session, however; McKin- Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 10 CA Green Presidential Candidates, continued

KENT MESPLAY: threaten the quick, easy profits of our through ballot access, have at least a For more information: centralized, commercialized, subsi- statistical chance of winning. “Better http://www.mesplay.org/ dized political and energy power sys- yet,” Kent says, “we ‘alts’ need fair, tems.” The main plank in Mesplay’s Biographical: Born and raised in Pap- equal access to the public airwaves presidential platform is that sustainabil- ua New Guinea to Lutheran Mission- without having to run to raise expensive ity is a security issue and that it is best ary parents. Studied Western and advertising money.” The current polit- enacted at a community level. In this non-Western medicine, earning a Ph.D. ical system does not emphasize deep view, governments, communities and in Biomedical Engineering from North- debate and the solutions that such open citizens must rapidly learn to build sus- western University. Informally studied discussion brings. Dr. Mesplay encour- tainably and efficiently for better inde- Feldenkrais and Reiki and other energy ages preferential voting, Instant Runoff pendence and basic security of water, methods of healing. Undergrad degree Voting (I.R.V.) and other improve- food and energy, to strengthen our core in Engineering from Harvey Mudd Col- ments to politics. infrastructure. Renewable energy, local lege, Claremont, CA., taught math in organic produce and improved health the Grossmont Union High School Dis- Peace is another important topic in care delivery are Green issues. tric, and currently an Air Quality In- Kent’s campaign. Trained in prosthetic spector. California delegate to the research and design, with a doctorate in Kent is a repeat presidential candidate. biomedical engineering from North- Green National Committee (G.N.C.); He acknowledges learning as he debat- Member,and former treasurer, co-chair western, Dr. Mesplay is convinced that ed David Cobb and others during the his political advocacy for sensible solu- Communications Committee of County last primary season, taking notes during Council of the Green Party, San Diego tions to human conflict will result in far each and every debate. One repeated fewer war-time amputations than he County; Green Party U.S. presidential theme that became evident to him on A True Environmentalist: Kent Mesplay candidate, 2004 primaries. Former could treat in a lifetime. “It's not im- has a medical degree, has been a teacher, the campaign trail is that our democrat- an activist, and is currently an Air Quality president of Turtle Island Institute. portant to just end the war in Iraq but to ic institutions aren’t so democratic. grapple with the issue of our national inspector in San Diego County, California. Mesplay’s second main plank is that addiction to war,” Kent says, adding electoral reform is critical to inspire Positions/Statement (provided by can- that he looks forward to returning to conflict. He also says “through im- confidence in voting. Kent says he didate /edited for space):As an Air Chicago for the nominating convention, proved communication and verification works “to improve the manner in which Quality Inspector in San Diego County, not far from where he once received techniques the younger generations of we reach decisions as a government and Dr. Kent Mesplay is concerned about V.A. funding. Kent is one of four today can help put an end to war, if their how we select, elect and retain candi- the negative effects of global climate Green presidential candidates to be on hearts are in it, so get out there and dates to public office.” He supports change. “The issue isn’t whether global the ballot in Illinois. Optimistic, Kent register Green!” His website is public funding of campaigns, with au- warming is real or that it is influenced believes our nation will take a leader- www.mesplay.org tomatic inclusion into debates for those by human behavior,“ Mesplay says, ship role in creating the conditions that ballot qualified candidates who, “but that the solutions, when enacted, will lead to diplomatic solutions to

RALPH NADER Positions/Statement (provided by tioners (see details at efforts to reform the system from with- www.draftnader.org draftNader//edited for length):Ralph http://www.draftnader.org/ballot- in, during the 1960s and early 70s, Nader signs his autographs “For Jus- access.php). Ralph's current ballot through his direct electoral challenge to Biographical: For five decades, Ralph tice,” as he has dedicated his life to the ac- cess lawsuits are considered by the corporate-sponsored parties with Nader has saved lives, opened minds, quest for justice, including: many to be the opening salvo of his Presidential campaigns which is implemented solutions, and inspired another Presi- dential run in 2008. currently being shown on PBS. citizens to help build a better, more Opposition to War for Corporate Profit See http://www.draftnader.org/ and democratic world. He founded more – Ralph continues to call for immediate “An Unreasonable Man,” a documenta- than 100 civic organizations, authored withdrawal from Iraq; Just Access to ry film tracing Nader's career from countless publications, and -- perhaps Insurance and Health Care – Ralph more than any other person -- defined helped pass Proposition 103 that has our modern understanding of the ideals saved Californians hundreds of mil- of democracy, civic duty, and participa- lions of dollars in car insurance costs. tion for the public good, rather than He continues to promote single-payer dominance by the corporate powers. national health insurance; Racial Jus- Known for his ethics, integrity and in- tice – In inner cities, Ralph pushed dependence, Ralph is recognized legislation for remediation and abate- world-wide for putting democracy to ment, asthma reduction, getting lead work. out of paint, exposing redlining in inner cities, and protecting consumers against Ralph’s mammoth legacy includes the predatory lenders; Economic Justice – effective national network of citizen Ralph promotes a multi-year, multi-tril- reform groups that labor to preserve the lion dollar public works program to put safety and quality of life of all Ameri- the unemployed to work at living wages cans, impacting civic skills, tax reform, rebuilding our country's cities and in- pensions, aviation, regulation of atomic frastructure, particularly a clean, re- power, renewable energy, clean air and newable energy system to combat water, clean elections, food, medicine global warming; Consumer Justice – and auto safety, safety in the work- Ralph helped found Foundation for place, access to health care, civil rights, Taxpayer and Consumer Rights that civil justice, Congressional ethics, cam- protects consumers all over California paign finance, discriminatory lending, (http://www. consumerwatchdog.org the tobacco industry, corporate crime /about/); and reform, investor protection, corpo- rate globalization, agribusiness and Just Access to the Democratic Process. small farms, intellectual property, med- The Democrats’ 2004 campaign to keep icine prices abroad, freedom of infor- Ralph off the ballot was the most mas- mation, and government procurement. sive anti-democratic campaign to disen- franchise voters since the Democrats Ralph’s name recognition, media pres- overthrew Reconstruction governments ence, organizational capacity, qualifi- in the South by force of arms and terror cations, and accomplishments make in the 1870s. Ralph sued the Democrat- him a strong Green Party Presidential ic National Committee, the Kerry cam- candidate, capable of taking on the cor- paign and others, charging them with illegally conspiring to keep him off the porate duopoly and maximizing the Ralph Nader Runs a Fourth Time: After 1996, 2000, 2004, Mr. Nader is at it again. voting power of the Green anti-war ballot through tactics of harassment, His 50 years of media exposure as a ‘muckraker’ extrodinaire for the common man has mandate. intimidation, and sabotage against peti- made him a quadrennial favorite with some. Photo used from Claremont Courier on fair use. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 11 CA Green Presidential Candidates, continued

Positions/Statement (provided by upon; Redress the effects Globalization KAT SWIFT: has created in relation to degrading For more information: candidate/edited for length): Com- plaining about the system wasn’t workers’ rights, environmental stew- http://www.bexargreens.org/katforpre ardship, immigration, and destruction z/ changing the system so I have been working for over eight years as a Green of community livelihoods; End Corpo- Party activist to bring alternatives to the rate Control of government and infor- Biographical: Born June 6, 1973 in mation; etc. Shreveport, LA. Kat was the first green ballot line and have run for local office. party member to run for city council in There is great potential to engage the non-voters, youth and women of this OGOV: It is impossible to implement San Antonio 2007 and received 30 per- an equitable and fair “One Green One cent of the vote against a well-known, country to use the power they hold in their votes to change the course of Vote” given the inherent inequities of well-connected and well-funded wife of state laws. Once elected, a statesperson an ex-city mayor & ex-HUD director society. It requires Greens to work together, know the system better than it represents the entire district, not just under President Clinton. She has held those who voted for her/him, i.e. if jobs from dishwasher to substitute knows itself, and provide the infrastruc- ture for candidates so they can do their elected President, a Green would repre- teacher and tech support. Kat has facil- sent all US residents, not just Greens. A itated consensus based meetings of var- job of engaging the public instead of figuring out the rules of the game. more effective use of our volunteer ious Green Parties(GP) - state of time is to expose the inequities inherent Texas(TX) Conventions, National in the systems of ballot access and voter If you are reading this then you likely Kat Swift: Experienced party organizer in Campus Greens Convention in Austin, registration and work to change the local Bexar County Green already know that when voters begin Texas, communications liaison, former voting for what we want, instead of the laws than to fight internally about how dishwasher and school teacher, she is polit- Party(BCGP) and precinct & county to figure out which state represents ically savvy and sticks to the 10 key values. conventions. She co-designed and -fa- lesser of two evils, we see a positive more “Greens.” to be extraordinary or famous; and we cilitated GPTX Statewide Green Lead- shift in candidates elected. As Greens Famous Candidates: Much time has need contested elections to engage the ership Retreat in 2005. Kat has been we want results that will get us: Social- been wasted in this Presidential election voters. Candidates must be Greens and elected Communications Chair and Me- ized Medical Care; Net Neutrality; a cycle because Greens were/are holding contribute to the development of the dia Liaison for BCGP 2000-2007, Balanced Budget every year; a drastic out for a famous candidate. Ground- Party. Divisive Tactics: In order to up- GPTX State Executive Reduction in Violence Against Women work has still yet to be done that would hold the 10 key values of the party we committee(SEC) at-large member and children; Proportional Representa- help any candidate, i.e. having dead- must cease perpetuating old tactics of 2004-5, GPTX SEC Co-Chair 2005-7, tion of electors to the electoral college; lines and petition requirements for all divide and conquer – defamation of Co-Spokesperson for National GP Federal Judges who will justly interpret primary, caucus and convention ballot character, slander, racism, ageism, clas- Women's Caucus - 2005-7, Alternate the laws without personal bias regard- lines together by last summer, etc. It sism, sexism, etc. Instead, as leaders, Delegate to the NC for GPTX 2006-7 & ing race, economic status, or religious helps to have ordinary citizens running we need to set a better example by for NWC at ANM 2006, Presidential beliefs; an End to Colonialism once and for all and re-creation of the public for office to show that anyone really modeling new behaviors. Justice is also commons that communities are built can run for office, that you don’t have necessary within the Party. FACTS Files the Three Strikes Reform Act of 2008 By Christopher Calhoun “strikes” to serious and/or violent and Geri Silva felonies only. No longer will minor offenses be counted as strikes. All A few years ago, the voters of Cali- persons whose third strike was a fornia almost amended California ’ non-serious, nonviolent offense draconian Three Strikes Law to ap- would be able to apply for re-sen- ply to violent felonies. If not for the tencing unless one or more of their lies of Governor Arnold priors include murder, rape or child Schwarzenegger and other politi- molestation, or their third strike was cians seeking to exploit the issue a major drug trafficking offense, a and the $10 million they poured into felony sex offense or a weapons a last-minute blitz against Prop. 66, use offense. To read the measure, the law would have been amended go to the FACTS website in November 2004… and Santos, www.FACTS1.com. who has spent the last 10 years FACTS commissioned a recent behind bars for taking the DMV test poll among California ’s likely gener- for his cousin, would be free and al election voters. This poll shows wouldn’t miss any more of his two that support for reform is as high as Overcrowding at Chino Prison: Overcrowding is just one of the problems associated sons’ lives. it has ever been – and that, since with the 3 Strikes Law. Wasted, futile lives are the worst part, as well as torn family life. …Thomas M, who is serving 25- we have crafted a more strategic progressives everywhere; this time, gatherers. We will need this money years-to-life for petty theft, would be and thoughtful initiative, we can we have a much stronger, more between now and the end of March able to visit his mother’s grave (she even withstand the vicious, decep- strategically crafted initiative but we Please get involved with a local died recently while he was in tive attacks we know will come. need the support of the Green Party FACTS chapter, or set one up. To prison). …Kelly, who is serving 25- and progressives again if we’re go- see where we have chapters, go to: years-to- life for forging checks, Here are some highlights from that ing to make this happen! www.facts1.com. Click on “about would have been able to come poll: Please consider becoming a pe- us” to find a chapter or find out how home. * 68% of Californians would tition coordinator for your block, to start a chapter. …and California would already be support this reform – even after your community or your county. In 2003/2004, you contributed gen- on its way to saving hundreds of hearing the toughest arguments We need over 700,000 signatures erously to the Proposition 66 cam- millions of dollars wasted every year against it, arguments based on the to ensure we get the 434,000 valid paign. We need you to contribute on senseless, unjust incarcerations. same things we heard in 2004. signatures that we must have to generously again. Join us in our We know the Green Party and qualify our measure for the ballot. faith that we can to bring justice other like-minded progressives * Fully 80% of voters say our new We should have the petitions in home to California – and bring non- haven’t given up the belief that jus- thinking – that, unlike the initiative in hand and ready to go by mid to late violent Strikers like Santos , Thom- tice is possible for Santos , Thomas, 2004, this one restricts resentenc- December. They must be turned as, and Kelly home to their loved and Kelly: FACTS hasn’t. We know ing to those who have never been into the state by April 21st. In areas ones, where they should be. Be as justice is possible. convicted of murder, child molesta- where we have chapters, the work generous as you can this holiday That’s why Families to Amend tion, or rape – is a very persuasive will be coordinated through the season, as we remember our loved California’s Three Strikes (FACTS) reason to vote for the measure. chapter. Where we have no chap- ones who are buried alive inside filed another initiative to amend * 68% of voters favor resentenc- ters, the work will be coordinated prison walls and struggle to bring California’s Three Strikes Law on ing those whose Third Strike is non- through FACTS’ state office. them home for the holiday season in October 20, 2007! violent or nonserious. We almost We are also seeking to raise $1.5 2008. This new initiative, The Three made it last time with the help of million to hire professional signature Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 12 Wanna Vote IRV for The California Green Primary ? While the only official Green Vote can be held this year via the ballot box in your local precinct, you can vote IRV here and mail your ballot to the Electoral Reform Working Group to aid in this Experimental Project. Please be part of this historical first. Vote Today and Send Us Your Ballot!

Vote IRV and We All Win GPCA Ranked Choice Presidential Primary Demonstration Ballot Part of the responsibilities of the Electoral Reform Working Group (ERWG) is to educate Party members Vote the order of your preferences among the candi- about ranked ballot voting (sometimes called instant run- dates (first choice “1”; second choice “2”; etc.) off voting). In single office or decision situations, the Candidates Listed in Alphabetical Order GPCA uses IRV with a single transferable vote (STV). of Last Name. That means if a person's choice does not get elected or Jared Ball ______approved, their next preference is counted, instead. Or their their third choice; or fourth choice. Until a candidate Jesse Johnson ______or proposal gets enough votes to meet the minimum for election or approval (e.g., 50% plus one for a majority to Cynthia McKinney ______elect a candidate to office or a 2/3rds minimum for a GPCA administrative decision). Kent Mesplay ______Below is a ballot listing the names of the candidates appearing on the February 5, 2008 GPCA presidential Ralph Nader ______primary ballot. The GPCA is not allowed under current elections law to have a ranked choice ballot in its elec- Kat Swift ______tions (it is trying to get that, eventually, through efforts to obtain Elections Code sections for the GPCA). The Write in: ______ERWG invites Green Party members to participate in a ranked ballot voting exercise to help us all understand Write in: ______how it works. We will report the results in the next Green Write in: ______Focus. The results of this exercise will NOT have any effect No Other Choice ______on the selection of California delegates to the GPUS presidential nominating convention scheduled to be held None of the Above ______in Chicago, Illinois July 10-13, 2008, and it will have no effect on how those delegates vote at that convention. NOTE: Persons who have announced that they are a Your participation in this exercise is ONLY for educa- candidate for the nomination of another national political tional purposes (and fun)! party are not eligible to participate in the GPCA presiden- tial preference primary election. Write in votes for any such candidate will not be counted – even for NOTA INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the ballot below listing purposes. This follows rules adopted at the May 2007 San the order of you preferences of presidential candi- Francisco Plenary. dates. List your first choice “1”; list youir second choice “2”; etc. You can mark choices for all candi- Your Name: ______dates, but you do not have to do so. Your last choice should be NOC for “No Other Candidate”. If you do Residence County: ______not rank all candidates, NOC will be considered your last vote after the candidates you did rank. If you You must be eligible to vote in the GPCA primary elec- vote NOTA for “None of the Above”, that is your first tion or approved by your County GP as a local member in and only ranking because you are saying that you do accordance with local special eligibility rules. not approve or support or even reluctantly vote for While “voting”, how about making a donation to the GP- any of the listed candidates. You can write in unlist- CA. We need financial help to support our candidates, ed candidates; but, if you do so, you cannot use the help finance delegates to the national party convention, NOTA option. and helping all of our GPCA projects (including money for Green Focus). Write whatever amount you can and After you have completed your ballot, mail it to: make your check payable to “Green Party of California”. ERWG IRV Project, c/o 867 North Fifth Street, San Or use the electronic donation button that can be found at Jose, CA 95112-5021. To be counted, your ballot cagreens.org. And remember to cast your official ballot in must be postmarked no later than February 5, 2008. the primary election on February 5th! Or, you can vote via the ballot page that can be found by going to the GPCA webpage set aside for this purpose at: http://cagreens.org/erwg/irvdemo/ Complete and Cut Out this Ballot and Mail to: pres08.html In either case, you may vote only once!!! Green IRV Project c/o 867 North Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112-5021. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 13 Do Greens Need a "People of Color" Caucus? Opinion By Alex Walker, years of "conservative" terror, Carmi- Here's the group dynamic. First, Los Angeles Area Green chael gave his first "Black Power" "differences" between "Us" and imitation Democratic Party caucuses speech in Mississippi, urging black "Them" are wildly exaggerated. Next, for "difference" worship. Let's have an "Urban Policy Cau- pride and independence. "difference" worship is declared a revo- Time to reject this organizing mod- cus" on urban sustainability, the "Drug lutionary end in itself. Symbolic proj- el. Let's organize around ideas like the War," large school systems, immigra- MEChA -- 1969 ects like naming lousy segregated "Green for All" campaign tion, etc. But please, no caucuses based institutions after Martin Luther King (greenforall.org) to train kids in green on skin color. That's a throwback to the The heroic struggle of César and César Chávez; expressing conspic- trades and around issues like clean air, 1960s when "Leaders" pleaded for en- Chávez and the United Farm Workers uous outrage over "offensive" words water, health care, and schools. Focus try into segregated "smoke filled similarly roused California's "sleeping and symbols; and pretending Kwanzaa on winning elections with candidates rooms" of Democratic Party bosses and giant." In 1969, students founded Mov- is a real "tradition" equivalent to Christ- like Green Party Mayor Gayle the Republican "Party of Lincoln" be- imiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán mas creates an illusion of "action." Fail- McLaughlin in the tough city of Rich- came the "White Man's Party" of die- (MEChA) - rejecting namby-pamby ure generates calls for greater "unity" -- mond. Attack racist conservatives in hard segregationists. liberal "assimilation and accommoda- more separatism, conformity, and de- Republican suburbs and sleazy liberals Americans revolted in the name of tionist melting pot ideology." A votion to "Leaders." The only main- in Democratic cities. Banish fear and liberty and sanctioned slavery. The MEChA leader at UCLA leader was a stream criticism comes from the Far build trust by working and winning to- French killed King Louis and crowned firebrand called Tony Villar. When Vil- Right, which, of course, lends credibil- gether. Emperor Napoleon. The Russians lar married the lovely Corina Raigosa ity to bad "Leaders." This idiocy let's Here's my last point. Twentieth killed Czar Nicholas in the name of he took the name Antonio Villaraigosa. Clinton boast about his cabinet of Yale century socialism and nationalism have socialism and consolidated his empire One lecture by Stokely Carmichael corporate lawyers who "look like failed. The only global visions left are under a corporate state. I have great changed my life. For this young, naive, America." Even Bush is lauded for the corporate capitalism and radical Islam. personal respect for Greens organizing kid in "conservative" Virginia, Black "First Black" mass murderer as secre- this caucus, but I do not want Greens Power was liberating in 1967. tary of state and "First Latino" war God forbid humanity having to imitating race-obsessed Democrats and criminal as attorney general. Scoun- choose! Republicans. "Hack Power" -- 2007 drels like San Francisco's Willie Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Vil- Our Green key values are what the Black Power -- 1967 Today, I'm grieved to report that in Los laraigosa win applause parroting 1960s world needs now even if we don't have Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, and clichés even after betraying every de- sense enough to know it. All my life At the height of the civil rights Oakland, those liberating slogans of my cent public and private commitment. somebody has tried to tell me where to struggle, Stokely Carmichael, a How- youth, co-opted by Democratic Party go, what to do, what to like, who to ard University student, was regional Machines, are used to rationalize evil Political refugees come into our party love, how to dance, vote, and worship director for the Student Nonviolent Co- by reactionary preachers, nutty profes- with emotional baggage. People of col- because of the group I was born into 58 ordinating Committee. He helped regis- sors, playboys, incompetents like Los or fear Greens using "white privilege" years ago. I hate this! I'll bet a couple ter voters and organize the Mississippi Angeles Unified School District bu- to abuse us. We don't trust our Euro- other billion people on this planet hate Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). reaucrats, and outright gangsters like American brothers not to be forming a it, too. Every woman is my sister. Every Lyndon Johnson, with typical "liberal" those promoting a Black-Latino race lynch mob around the next corner. Isn't man is my brother. Let's be the change cowardice, refused to support the war and killers from "Your Black Mus- that what white Clinton Democrats do we want to see. MFDP against the all-white, racist Mis- lim Bakery" who assassinated Oakland when the going gets tough? So, we sissippi delegation at the 1964 Demo- Post editor Chauncey Bailey in broad defend using the only tools we know: cratic Convention. After two more daylight. Major Reform Necessary in US Farm Bill

By Wes Rolley, Co Chair: purely partisan considerations. at best and results in a new breeding eral funds for investment in other areas: Although the current legislation ex- ground for terrorism at worst. Eco Action Committee, rural sustainable small-business devel- pired in September, the Farm Bill is Closer to home,when US subsi- opment, value-added and organic agri- Green Party; and stuck in the Senate and is not expected dized corn is exported to into Mexico culture, conservation. Anything less Jill Bussiere, Wisconsin Delegate, to move forward soon. The current im- under NAFTA, Mexican farmers are than that will surely not satisfy the Intl. Committee, Green Party passe finds Senate Majority Leader affected. Those farmers, with no longer WTO and will surely result in a veto. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Lead- a viable livelihood, look elsewhere for Congress needs to pass a Farm Bill er Mitch McConnell (R-KY) so far ways to feed their families. The end Maybe this Congress will muddle that reforms the current system of sub- apart that they can't even agree on result is illegal immigration to the US. through with a barely acceptable bill, sidy payments to corporate agriculture. which amendments will be considered one with Dorgan-Grassley. But it will The current bill that passed the House on the floor. Even if they do find some It is clear that we need a major re-think- still favor everything that is big: farms, of Representatives, the Farm Bill Ex- area where they can agree to disagree, ing of agriculture and trade policies. agri-business, transportation costs, en- tension Act 2007 (HR 2410) fails to it is very probable that President Bush California's so-called reformers in Con- ergy use. even come close to that goal. will veto the measure if it contains any gress have not the courage to do that. merica needs a comprehensive pol- provision for the continuation of our When asked about capping payments, There is a natural affinity between the icy that takes into consideration current current cotton subsidies. as Dorgan-Grassley amendment would ecological and grassroots democratic realities: climate change, the increasing Congress must deal with the ques- do, Sen. Barbara Boxer was non-com- goals of the Green Party and the needs prices of petroleum fertilizers, the scar- tion of subsidies this session because mittal and said that “We have our rice of small farmers and rural communities. city of water, vanishing bees, national the US faces severe penalties from the people and we have our cotton people. obesity, and world hunger. The guiding World Trade Organization (WTO) if ” Understanding that such changes Fundamental change will happen when principle, according to the Green Party, we do not. In 2003, Brazil went to the would not happen in the House, San farmers and Greens align their efforts must be food security for our people WTO with the complaint that US subsi- Joaquin Valley's Dennis Cardoza (D. for a food policy that prioritizes a sus- and for all the peoples of the world. The dies to cotton farmers artificially drove CA18) opted instead to seek subsidies tainable economy and benefits the primary goal of US farm policy should down world prices and harmed Brazil- for California's specialty crop growers. health of our citizens, our land, and our be to feed healthy food to our nation's ian [f]armers. When the WTO ruled in Do those Republicans who spend farmers. people, grown using sustainable meth- Brazil's favor recently, it opened the so much effort raising the specter of ods, while ensuring that all those in- door for other countries to file $billions immigration and terrorism not under- volved receive living wages and safe of claims against the US. stand the degree to which our own pol- The Green working conditions. Unfortunately, Subsidies are no longer just a way icies contribute to those very problems? Congress has other priorities. to ensure that farmers can earn a living. Are Democrats -- who now have some To reach a comprehensive, long They do not go to those who need them degree of control in Congress -- so Party is First lasting solution will take more than just the most. Under the current structure, beholden to corporate dollars that they this bill. Representative Ron Kind (D. 10% of farmers receive 62% of all pay- can not use their newly gained power to In Advocating WI) tried to do more in the previous ments. The ramifications go far beyond make fundamental changes to agricul- congress. His 2006 effort never got out this. ture policy? of an Agriculture Committee controlled In a similar manner, cotton farmers The very minimum that we should Out of Iraq Now by the most conservative of Republi- in sub-Saharan Africa have been forced get out of this new bill is the inclusion cans. Even with bipartisan support, his off their farms and into cities where of the Dorgan-Grassley amendments Impeachment amendment to this year's bill was there is no work. Such dislocation is limiting total payments to any one en- blocked by Speaker Nancy Pelosi for responsible for increased immigration terprise This action would free up fed- Sustainability Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 14 Green Brezenoff Gets 9 Times Voter Registration in Congress Race By Cres Vellucci ability to speak truth to power if and when a Democrat enters the White LONG BEACH – Green Party congres- House. We will pressure the Congress- sional candidate Daniel Abraham Br- woman to take up impeachment articles ezenoff – who polled an astounding against the President and Vice Presi- nine times the percentage of registered dent, do more to protect our environ- Greens in an August 37 District Special ment and to call for repealing the Election – said he will "keep a close Patriot Act. We do not expect (her) to eye" on winner Laura Richardson be- follow the party line, but tween now and the 2008 elections to see instead...remember that she must an- if she keeps her promises to voters. swer to her constituents at the polls in Brezenoff finished third in the race, just 14 months," said Brezenoff. garnering 5.41 percent (1,138 votes) of While Brezenoff said that the 8.4 the vote. Only .61 percent of the voters percent district voter turnout reflected in the District are registered Green, "apathy," he noted that voters "do not Brezenoff: In the best CA. Green election showing of 2008, Daniel Brezenoff won an even fewer than the Libertarian Party. feel they have good choices...even astounding six times as many votes as there are registered Greens in his Congress area. Brezenoff's final tally, though, put him those who support third parties stay staff. We ran a good race. We pushed appointment. I will be attending soon, into third, far ahead of the Libertarian home because they believe candidates important issues, built the Green Party and often. candidate, Herb Peters, who had just like me have little chance of winning in and peace movement in this district "We will need help from this con- 2.3 percent of the vote. our current system." He called upon and surrounding areas and we stituency. Eleven of twelve voters "I am disappointed with the low Richardson to make her "first goal" inspired many people to get more stayed home in this election and we turnout, and I am disappointed I will increased participation of her district in involved in political and community ought to feel very concerned and disap- not be represented by a more "American political life," and support activities," he said. pointed about our level of commitment progressive leader," said Brezenoff, a instant run-off voting to help accom- And, he stated again that he will to and participation in our fragile de- clinical social worker, of Richardson, plish that. continue to monitor the Democratic mocracy. Ms Richardson goes to Con- the Democratic Party candidate. Brezenoff was sincere about his Party winner. gress having the votes of approximately "She has ledged to oppose any run, although the congressional race "I offer to her office my support one of twenty constituents. and all new war funding, and we in the was a condensed one. and service. If there is any way I can "Given the chance to voice the call Green Party and the peace movement "I accept the election results with help her to serve this district, I am ready for change, for justice, for real repre- will hold her to that. I will help (by some disappointment and, yet, much and willing. One way I will help is to sentation, voters instead expressed apa- keeping) a close eye on her," he added. gratitude. I am grateful for the support keep a close eye on her and to hold her thy and cynicism about our political Brezenoff also criticized Richard- shown for Green ideas and grassroots feet to the proverbial fire on key issues, system. There is no excuse for such low son for not being a "strong" critic of the democracy. I am grateful for the oppor- including the Iraq War. She has pledged turnout at this critical time in history. Bush Administration. tunity to speak the truth to my fellow to oppose any and all new war funding, People have asked me throughout the "We...will push her to continue citizens, and I am grateful for all the and we in the Green Party and the peace campaign: ‘What will you do for this speaking out against failed Republican new friends, all the learning, all the movement will hold her to that. She has district?' Now I ask my fellow constitu- policies. We will also push her to speak service that took place. I am grateful to also pledged office hours in which con- ents: ‘What will you do?'" Brezenoff against failed Democratic policies, and live in a democracy. stituents can visit with her without an said. we certainly hope she will not lose her "I want to thank my supporters and Greens Score Success at Los Angeles Youth City Environmental Conference

By Lisa Taylor, LA Greens Volunteer Coordinator

The turnout at the LA City Environmental Youth Conference on Climate Change: How it Impacts Us & How We Can Make a Difference was incredible! Mayor Villaraigosa announced at 9am on December 8th, that there were already 3500 youth there! They came in busloads (some got extra credit) and many I talked to came on their own. Attendees were screaming like it was a rock concert for Tyrese, the hip hop/R&B star who did not mince words--he told them "we are all gonna die unless we do something fast so you better get texting and talking to all your friends, etc." There were child stars there too, from the Disney channel.

We gave away a busload of bumperstickers and buttons. Many told me our Green Party booth had the best stickers.

At 8:30am I had to hide half the sticker/button stock under the table so there would be some left later and I kept saying "please take just one and make sure you wear it or display the sticker!" It was wonderful and hopeful seeing all the interest from young people! They stayed at the booth, talking and listening. I must have said hundreds of times "when you get to be 18, you can register to vote with the Green Party."

I talked to many teachers and gave them info and my card to arrange Green Party speakers for their classes.

Christine Pinto designed a great youth flyer and our tips are more thorough, if I do say so myself, than the tips on the city's website: http://www.milliontreesla.org/

Thanks also to the LA Greens steering committee for their input on the flyer, Cathy McKnight for copying and poster production, and to Perias Pillay for tabling with me. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 15

neo-conservatives, right wing chris- design, or worthless on its merits due to Book Review tians, the WTO crowd, and the Bircher- poor thinking or limited mental re- Black Helicopter, conspiracy theorists. sources attuned to the effort. A real Case in Point. "Thinking Points," is book on semantics should empower only 156 pages, but nowhere does people to become magicians with Thinking Points: it empower people with the methodolo- words themselves so they don't have to Communicating Our gy of being what another author has stand in awe of the 'college boys' that suggested we could become, "semantic know all the tricks. American Values magicians." Lakoff, and his graduate It is to me interesting that the Dem- student ghost writers, (god, let's hope ocratic Party has adopted Lakoff as and Vision Lakoff didn't write this book...) lay out their poster boy for Newthought and George Lakoff, and a rehash of Lakoff's grounding thesis Newspeak that will somehow bowl the Rockridge Institute that conservatives worship a 'strict fa- over the evil neo-cons with some new ther' image and the liberal progressives found semantic secrets of rhetoric. I keep waiting to read a great book all had 'nurturing fathers.' That may be A truly progressive effort would by George Lakoff on frames, defram- far less accurate, and a more simplistic make every citizen a mental semantic ing, reframing, or outframing argu- view in real human experience than giant and capable magician in the cause ments. Lakoff would suggest. I know a few of progressive values. tough, young and middle aged lefties; Lakoff's book, with the help of his Linguistics Professor George Lakoff’s book And I continue to be disappointed. both men and women, gay and straight, apparent ghost writers, simply fails entitled, “Thinking Points,” has little to offer whose fathers where union men, or mil- miserably to accomplish this goal. I in comparison to the more serious seman- itarist's that 'wouldn't give a inch' and tic ‘magic’ book by Dr. Michael Hall, which George Lakoff first hit my personal will never read another book by George is discussed below. radar screen in 2004 with an interview that is enough for me to know that Lakoff again. he did on KPFK Pacifica radio in Los Lakoff's observations are far from uni- If however, you really do want to one would look for in the Lakoff books. Angeles on the topic of his new at that versal. So, I sometimes think that ole become a semantic magician, a person I challenge you to go to the following time book, "Don't Think of an Ele- George may have possibly been pro- who could argue virtually any case or TinyURL and read for yourself: phant!" jecting all that from his own personal point of view with the clarity of a high http://tinyurl.com/2zss9w That book introduced the non-lin- experiences or wanna be experiences. priced Washington attorney or the likes Read all the reviews, then back go guists in our midst to the concept of That he got a Phd. out of the thesis with of the late William Kunstler, listen up. to the page on Amazon and might I 'frames,' the conceptual frames of refer- a book entitled, "Moral Politics," com- In the world of cognitive psycholo- suggest you buy the book and read it ence which are inherent in any complex plete with statistical analysis and all the gy and neuro-semantics, a couple of several times. I am now on my 7th equilavence that people might utter. rest, may or may not lend credibility to men stand out as giants in their capacity reading and I can assure you that you You are a rude dude! That is a his thesis and his position in my opinion. to train other human beings in the in- will learn and master new concepts and complex equivalent. You is the subject, Building a weak case on his argu- credibly persuasive art of semantic linguistic skills with each reading. rude is the adjective and dude is the ments concerning the nurturing father, framing, reframing, deframing, and I promise you that if you read and object. strict father concept, he does little more outframing which is possible by careful master the 26 possible alternative se- Abortion is Murder is another com- in this book than play with a couple of analysis of the panolpy of sentences mantic frames possible for any given plex equilavence. Or consider, No Jus- basic liberal and conservative motifs or that invoke the complex equivalence's human expression that you shall never tice, No Peace! Virtually any human postion statements and almost laugh- as suggested in the opening paragraphs be caught speechless again, under any proposition is a complex equivalent if it ably suggests on page 125, (a bit late in of this review. circumstances. Get back to me if after has a subject, a verb, adjective and ob- the book for even simple suggestions Dr. Michael Hall, Phd. and Bobby reading the book three times you don't ject. like this) Bodenhamer, D.Min; have written a agree. I will buy the book from you if it Unfortunately, George Lakoff, Phd. "That is why someone attuned to series of books that have not only made is in decent condition. This book is an from the faculty of UC Berkeley politics can immediately understand or them world renowned experts in se- adventure – live it and change your life. doesn't know how to communicate the construct a "new" argument as soon as mantics, rhetoric, coaching and train- real power of semantics to those of us a new issue surfaces..." ing, but provided a wonderful book who could use it most effectively This to me is a big tipoff that this entitled, Mindlines: Lines for Changing to counter the specious arguments of book by Lakoff is either worthless by Minds,” which will do everything that Campaign and Candidate Announcements Candidate Training Program Videos Available Host(s) Sought For Spring 2008 Candidate Training Pro- gram and Strategy Meeting DVDs of the Candidate Basics training program held in Petaluma March 19, 2006 are available for distribution to County GP’s to use to The CCWG currently is seeking a host for a one-day candidate training recruit candidates and as a program resource. program in March or April 2008. Local Green Party members will need The program was designed for prospective GPCA candidates and to identify a weekend date and location for he program and provide campaign helpers who have no or little previous campaign experience. volunteers for helping with the program. The CCWG will provide Topics include: Deciding to be a candidate; Initial filing requirements; speakers and materials. The program will build on the March 2006 Media basics; and Campaign finance issues. Candidates Basics program by focusing in greater detail on selected Program sessions are about an hour and can be shown in order or topics. The CCWG also is seeking a host for a day-long strategy meeting separately. Packets have been distributed to contacts in Alameda, Fresno, to be held after the February 5th election. If a single host group is Humboldt, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San willing, the candidate training workshops and the CCWG strategy Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, meetings can be held on the same weekend. Tulare and Ventura, For more information, contact Warner Bloomberg, For more information, contact Warner the CCWG Program Coordinator at (408) 295-9353 or send email to: Bloomberg the CCWG Program Coordinator at (408) 295-9353 or or [email protected] send email to: [email protected]

Signatures in Lieu of Filing Fees for Partisan Candidates December 28 - February 21 CA Delegates to 2008 National

The period for candidates to collect signatures in lieu of filing fees to Green Party Convention Now qualify as candidates for the GPCA Primary Election ballot began Decem- ber 28, 2007 and ends February 21, 2008 (with an additional period ending Available Online March 7th to collect additional signatures to replace disqualified signa- tures). In accordance with the charter enabling California Collecting signatures to eliminate the need for (or at least reduce) the delegates, we are announcing that the list of dele- filing fee for State Senate, State Assembly and Congressional candidates gates from the Green Party of California to the can save a candidate hundreds to thousands of dollars. It is extremely important for County GPs to inform potential candidates for partisan office 2008 National Presidential Nomination Convention about these deadlines and to support their signature gathering efforts by can be viewed at the following webpage on: holding meetings and events where GP registered voters can be gathered http://www.cagreens.org/delegates/conv08/. to sign candidate petitions. Green Focus Newspaper of the GPCA Page 16 The Ten Key Values of the Green Party in English and Spanish Grassroots Democracy - Feminism - Replace the ethic Sabiduría Ecológica - Economía Basada en la Develop participatory ways to of dominance and control with Debemos actuar en la sociedad Comunidad - Rediseño de las control the decisions which affect cooperative ways of relating to humana con el entendimiento estructuras de trabajo para our lives. each other. de que somos parte de la fomentar la propiedad para los naturaleza, y aprender a vivir empleados y la democracia en Social Justice - Create a system Respect for Diversity -Honor dentro de los límites el trabajo, al mismo tiempo que which promotes equality and cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, económicos y de los recursos se establece una seguridad dignity for all. religious and spiritual diversity, del planeta. básica para todos y una reclaiming our country’s shared distribución justa de la riqueza Nonviolence - Develop alterna- ideals, the dignity of the Democracia de Bases - y los ingresos. tives to current patterns of individual, democratic Elaboración de sistemas violence at all levels. participation and liberty and participatorios que nos alienten Feminismo - Sustituir la ética justice for all. a controlar las decisiones que de dominación y control por la Ecological Wisdom - Operate nos afectan la vida. de relaciones de cooperación. our human society knowing we Personal and Global are a part of nature, and learn to Responsibility - Learn from Justicia Social - Creación de Respeto por la Diversidad live within the ecological and and be of genuine assistance un sistema que promueva la -Respeto a la diversidad resource limits of the planet. to grassroots groups in all parts igualdad y la dignidad de todas cultural, étnica, racial, sexual, of the world. las personas. religiosa y espiritual, volviendo Decentralization - Move power a los ideales compartidos de and responsibility away from Sustainability - Act not for the No Violencia - Encontrar nuestro país: la dignidad de larger and more distant short range narrow interest of alternativas para erradicar los cada persona, la participación institutions toward individuals and one country or group of people, patrones actuales de violencia a democrática, y libertad y communities, with the goal of a but for the collective future of todo nivel, y al mismo tiempo justicia para todos. decentralized, democratic the entire planet. eliminar la injusticia y sentido de society. impotencia que conducen a la Responsabilidad Personal y misma. Global - Debemos aprender de Community-Based Economics los grupos de base del resto - Redesign work to encourage Descentralización - Transferir del mundo y ser de verdadera employee ownership and el poder y la responsabilidad de ayuda para ellos. workplace democracy, and instituciones grandes y lejanas establish basic security for all and a los individuos y comunidades, Sostenibilidad - Pensar en a fair distribution of wealth and siendo la meta eventual una términos del futuro colectivo del income. sociedad democrática y planeta entero, no en los descentralizada. estrechos intereses de corto plazo de un país o grupo de personas. Be Mindful Unto The 7th Generation The Green Party Is Planning On We could use your help in producing this news- A Sustainable paper.

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