Wacky Doodle Politics and Common Sense: Where does the Green Party fit in?

Opinion by Gregg Jocoy

May 12, 2006

Thomas L. Friedman wrote (New York Times) that he is hoping for the creation of a third party to respond to the energy crisis. He goes on to say that this third party can't be called the Green Party because that connotes a political agenda that is too narrow and liberal.

This illustrates two things. The first is that people like Friedman hope for a third party, and that and $13.95 can get you a pound of Fair Trade Coffee, while others actually are going about the process of creating that party. The second thing it points out is how out of touch Friedman is with the actual American voter. 

We Greens are an unknown quantity to most voters, and as such we active Greens define who and what we are. What Friedman and his ilk are doing is trying to suppress the desire of the average voter to find new ways to impact the political process. Green doesn't connote anything in particular to the average American voter to this point because most voters have never met a Green face to face.

In other words, "Those guys are wacky doodle" is Friedman's unwritten message.

We Greens don't always make it easy to love us, and the general public is not knocking down our door to look at our new mousetrap. That said, we have not disappeared, and that alone is cause for concern by the likes of Friedman. Despite all exhortations to the contrary, it is difficult to see how someone like him can benefit from the sorts of reforms the Green Party might represent. Bemoaning our captivity by Big Oil while working for Big Media is just a tad difficult to ignore if you know what I mean.

It's not for Friedman or others to define who we Greens are. We will be known for our accomplishments, not our words. This does not always translate into winning elections, but in winning a concession, improving representation from a community, or protecting air quality through effective testimony and regulatory intervention. All these things represent Green victories.

What we Greens need to do is use our skills to serve average voters, and make sure they are aware of our efforts. Community gardens created and supported by Greens are an empowering example of Greens in action. Green Party sponsored events calling for fair wages and jobs can show a community a way to bring their issues to the table. Articles written and outreach made can impact government actions at the smallest level, but making an impact even so.

Friedman can try to define us, but it's up to we Greens to show the voters what we really are made of. Most elected Greens are interested in innovative changes that bring results.

We are common sense people who think it is wrong to give tax breaks to the rich while sticking our grandkids with the bill. We are patriotic people who believe that we can offer the world nothing more effective than an example to follow. We are concerned people who think the planet may not be able to shrug off the pollution load we are spewing forth every day. We are your neighbors, friends, and indeed, we likely are you.

Why not look us over? Read our Ten Key Values and see if you see what you hope for, something to believe in. If you do, get active.

The future can be one of decentralized energy production with minimal environmental damage, but only if Green policies are used. A future free of international poverty and with lessening levels of violence is only possible if Green policies are implemented by Greens worldwide. We really must all be free or none are fully free. Greens are solution oriented, grounded folks who decry waste and thoughtless effort. 

So you be the judge. Is Friedman right when he says that Greens are too narrow and liberal, or am I right to point out that Greens are neither? That we are in fact more like you than he is, and deserving of your vote, if not much more. Give him a shock and find a way to make the Green Party your own party, and make it reflect you. I know it reflects my values, and I think I'm a pretty average fellow. How about you? I hear the Simpsons is a re-run tonight. How about spending that time joining the Green Party. Lisa won't object. I checked.

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