[NV Greens] Independence from Other Parties

[Charles Imboden]

Hello everyone,

Firstly, I would like to say how great it is to see so many voicing an
opinion on this critical issue.

I don't see any reason for Greens not to support proposals by other
parties, if such proposals are in tune with our Green vision of a
brighter future. The question is, has this been the case with the
Democrats? I would argue that, no, the Democrats have not put forward
proposals that we as Greens should support. It is true that Harry Reid
is against Yucca Mountain, but so is everyone else in this state,
regardless of party.

With regard to the current war and the current administration, the Green
Party should be their most outspoken opponent. However, let us not
forget that in order for the current administration to have been
re-elected in 2004, the Democrats had to falter - in leadership,
vision, and tact. 

Furthermore, both Nevada senators (Reid and Ensign) and both of our
congresspersons (Berkley and Gibbons - there were only two at the time)
voted "Yea" on HJ RES 114, permitting the war in Iraq (see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Resolution_to_Authorize_the_Use_of_United_States_Armed_Forces_Against_Iraq).
John Kerry voted for the war, as well. The blood is not simply on our
current administration, and these problems will not go away simply by
the removal of our current administration.

It has been said that, "The definition of insanity is doing the same
thing over and over and expecting different results," (attributed to
both Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein). The Democrats have again
and again failed to represent their constituents, instead using and
abusing them, and taking them for granted. How long are we willing to
compromise OUR party to support Democratic stances on issues that prove
ineffective and too often conservative?

Let us also not forget that the Democrats take every opportunity to
undermine the good work we are trying to do - by calling us "spoilers",
locking us out of debates (along with the Republicans), and offering
legislation that is counter to what the left is actually trying to
accomplish.

The Democrats could easily take our stances on issues to undermine our
candidates and EARN our vote. Why then, don't they do this? It should
be obvious to all by now that they are simply the "liberal" arm of an
essentially one-party system, so entangled with the Republicans that no
clearly divisible line between them can be drawn. The Democrats EXPECT
your
vote, they don't want to earn it. Time and again we  have witnessed
this.

Generally, Green Party members are some of the most kind, loving, caring
people in this nation. We all want a better future for ourselves and our
children, and frankly, we deserve better than the Democrats. After all,
isn't that why we're in the Green Party? It pains me to see fellow
Greens support Democratic positions and candidates, as it can only lead
to disappointment. The Green Party is here to represent your voice and
bring about the change that the Democrats cannot/will not/have not
implemented. We are the independent, oppositional voice in politics -
we definitely should not water ourselves down by giving the Democrats
voice within our own internal framework, or supporting them publicly.

In the end, it is up to each individual Green to decide for themself as
to where they stand on this very important issue. I am of the opinion
that at the very least, our officeholders must share a commitment to
the values of the Green Party and its independence within the political
landscape. 

Additionally, the Green Party is the only one that empowers everyone to
be
potential leaders, and as such, I do feel it important that fellow
Greens have a commitment to our values and independence, as well.
Otherwise, what are any of us doing here?

Warm regards,

Charles Imboden
Secretary - Green Party of Nevada
cimboden at clarkcountygreens.org
602-214-7089