Green Party Regains Ballot Access
by Kyle Michaelis
Congratulations are in order to the Nebraska Green Party for its successful recapturing of ballot access in the 1st Congressional District, as reported by Nebraska State Paper:
Sadly, running political candidates too often does seem like the Green's priority, at the expense of good candidates with far better chances who share many of the Green's values, if not their entire laundry-list of issues. All the while, progressive voices are weakened by petty factioning as labels stand in the way of our unity and the possibility of change.
Alas, I can't share in celebrating a victory so fleeting. Signatures are still being gathered to get on ballot in the 2nd and 3rd Districts. To stay on the ballot beyond 2006, the Greens need only receive 5% of the votes in that years Congressional, Senatorial, or State Officer elections. Sadly, if that happens, it likely means the Democratic Party didn't even try and, let's face it, voters felt free to throw away their votes.
Maybe I'm being unfair, but how hard is it to put away your pride and look at the world around us, the reality of America 2005. The Green Party can talk about short-term losses for long-term gains all it wants, but sooner or later these caring, sensistive, and mostly intelligent people have to remember that - in the long-term - we're all dead. One day, hopefully sooner rather than later, they are going to have to realize that the fire isn't catching and it's time to head back to the cave.
The point's been made. How much longer must the American people suffer for our lack of unity as we get trounced at the polls? We need the Green's strength. We need their voice and passion. We just can't afford an independent Green Party, not with elections by majority vote.
Can you say it with me and say it proud, "I am a Green Democrat"?
"Thanks to the work of many tireless volunteers, the Green Party will have ballot access until at least the 2006 elections," said Cindy Asrir, Nebraska Green Party Co-Chair. "This will enable us to focus on our priority, which is running political candidates."
Sadly, running political candidates too often does seem like the Green's priority, at the expense of good candidates with far better chances who share many of the Green's values, if not their entire laundry-list of issues. All the while, progressive voices are weakened by petty factioning as labels stand in the way of our unity and the possibility of change.
Alas, I can't share in celebrating a victory so fleeting. Signatures are still being gathered to get on ballot in the 2nd and 3rd Districts. To stay on the ballot beyond 2006, the Greens need only receive 5% of the votes in that years Congressional, Senatorial, or State Officer elections. Sadly, if that happens, it likely means the Democratic Party didn't even try and, let's face it, voters felt free to throw away their votes.
Maybe I'm being unfair, but how hard is it to put away your pride and look at the world around us, the reality of America 2005. The Green Party can talk about short-term losses for long-term gains all it wants, but sooner or later these caring, sensistive, and mostly intelligent people have to remember that - in the long-term - we're all dead. One day, hopefully sooner rather than later, they are going to have to realize that the fire isn't catching and it's time to head back to the cave.
The point's been made. How much longer must the American people suffer for our lack of unity as we get trounced at the polls? We need the Green's strength. We need their voice and passion. We just can't afford an independent Green Party, not with elections by majority vote.
Can you say it with me and say it proud, "I am a Green Democrat"?
posted at 12:56 AM
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