July 2019
Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.
On This Fourth of July
Oh the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof we were right, oil reserves lie down there.
Away in the trees, strangled bodies yet wave
O'er the land of the fee and the home of the slave.
by GPPA Co-chair Alan Smith
These "anthem" lyrics I rewrote. They paint of picture of the United States of America (USA), where the military and prison industrial complexes serve to enforce the marketization and commodification of life. War is big business. Big business is war. Ten miles from my home lies the headquarters for the biggest weapons maker on the planet and across the street from it lies the largest shopping mall in the USA. A mere 20 miles to the east, lies Independence Hall, the place where this mythical "experiment with freedom" began.
Mere feet from my doorstep lies a dangerous fossil fuel pipeline, and outside my windows I can see the steam rise from an environmentally destructive nuclear power plant. 40 miles to the northwest is the largest immigration detention center outside of Texas. The gates of the first concentration camp in Germany read, "Work is Freedom." "Exploitation and Destruction is Freedom" should be inscribed on all ports of entry to the USA. The freedom to take advantage of and to destroy people and planet is the thread that ties the history of the USA together.
What the Green Party offers is the complete opposite. We advocate for a society that cherishes people and planet and peace. On this Fourth of July and everyday, let's dedicate ourselves to this vision. We can rewrite the future to reflect another set of altered "anthem" lyrics.
Lightning bugs’ yellow glare, birds and bats fill the air,
Showing proof that it's right to give Earth greater care.
For all, fairness, compassion, and love that we give,
Plant this land with green trees, and the planet will live.
As, a Green presidential candidate once said, "Let's work for the greater good like our lives depend on it, because they do."
GPPA News Highlights
edited by Chris Robinson
GPPA’s loss will be GPNJ’s gain
Our loss will be the Green Party of New Jersey's gain when Dr. Stuart Chen-Hayes, relocates this summer to be closer to his responsibilities as a full professor at Lehman College School of Education, CUNY. Stuart became active with Bucks County Greens in 2016, and he is currently Secretary of the Bucks County Green Party and a GPPA national delegate to the GPUS. Since 2017, Stuart has been Judge of Elections in Newtown Township, one of two elected Greens in Bucks County.
PA Greens say, “Shut Down Berks Detention Center NOW!
“The Green Party will break the deadlock created by the two corporate parties,” said GPPA Co-chair Sheri Miller from Adams County. “Undocumented immigrants and their families, who are residing in the U.S., should be granted legal status with a chance to become U.S. citizens. All citizens of Canada and Mexico should have permanent border passes, and immigration for work should be decriminalized.” (show all)
Chair of the Green Party of Allegheny County interviewed
Jay Walker, chair of the Green Party of Allegheny County was interviewed on “Eco-Action,” PCTV21. The interviewer was Rachel Rakovan, GPPA Delegate and Mrs. Pennsylvania Earth USA 2019. (Watch the interview)
GPPA Delegate and Judge of Elections Dr. Stuart Chen-Hayes (Bucks County) has co-authored a memoir with his husband Dr. Lance Chen-Hayes. Double Dads One Teen: A Queer Family's Trailblazing Life in the USA and Taiwan is a celebration of the couple’s 25 years of activism while creating a dual national, mixed-race, queer family. (show all)
I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table
Green Party member Andy Antipin (aka “Andy Blue” of Philadelphia) has just released his fifth CD with acoustic blues and eclectic folk. Some songs have famous musicians accompanying, such as Sharon Katz (former Grammy nominee), Rolly Brown (former national fingerpicking champion), and Andy Cohen. (Listen here)
Send Pennsylvania's Voice to Salem
The 2019 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party of the United States will be held July 25th-28th on the campus of Salem State University in historic Salem, Massachusetts. Last year, Pennsylvania Greens sent a clear message that it's important for GPPA to send a delegation to this conference.
The issues we face here in Pennsylvania are unique. As a "swing state" we have tremendous pressure to give up on our party and vote mainstream, allowing the stagnant, unjust, and ecocidal duopoly to continue without challenge. As a fossil fuel-rich state, we have enormous challenges and responsibility in fighting for the future of our planet. We’ve also had many successes, including recent landmark, legal victories for ballot access and election integrity. Pennsylvania Greens have a unique perspective and an active and committed membership. The voices and experiences of our state should be heard in national conversations.
We don't need much to send a good-sized delegation; we'll be sharing housing and rides to keep costs low. The funds will be used mostly for registration fees. Your help could also allow us to provide the entire funds needed to send Greens who have economic challenges that create barriers to their voices being heard. We have thousands of members across the state. If each person could donate $5, then a diverse representation of Pennsylvania Greens would have an undeniable voice at the national table. Click here to donate today!
Campaign Updates
edited by Chris Robinson
Mike Farley for Supervisor and Auditor
Latimore Township, Adams County
Mike tells GREEN STAR that he has already collected enough nomination signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Nick Prete for School Board
Methacton School District, Eagleville, Montgomery County
Nick tells GREEN STAR that he has collected more than 200 nomination signatures (80 are required). You may find Nick’s campaign on Facebook. Facebook.com/nickformethacton
Olivia Faison for City Council
Philadelphia
Olivia tells GREEN STAR that her Facebook is now up, facebook.com/groups/2257786581154302/about/
Her campaign really needs your help in harvesting nomination signatures. Volunteers may sign up at www.olivia4philly.org/volunteer
If you cannot volunteer during July, please send Olivia a contribution paypal.com/donate
Riley Mahon for School Board
Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County
Riley, a high school senior, tells GREEN STAR that he has enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
Kelly Yagatich for County Council
Allegheny County
Richard, an advocate for criminal justice reform, tells GREEN STAR that he is in the same situation as Kelly (above). Anyone who would like to volunteer to harvest signatures with them should contact: [email protected]
Richard L. Weiss, Esq. for District Attorney
Allegheny County
Richard, an advocate for criminal justice reform, tells GREEN STAR that he is in the same situation as Kelly (above). Anyone who would like to volunteer to harvest signatures with them should contact: [email protected]
Team Updates
Communications Team by Chris Robinson
Last month, the ComTeam published this fantastic GREEN STAR newsletter, and we sure can use your help in getting out the August GREEN STAR. We have also posted several videos on GPPA Facebook and on www.gpofpa.org. Look for some audio clips coming soon, as well. If you find publicity and outreach exciting, please let us know. Oh yeah, we really need jpg photos of Greens being Green. Thanks! If you would like to join the ComTeam, sign up HERE.
Finance Team by Tim Runkle
Finance Team has had great success this month with our phonebanking campaign! This is our newest outreach to thank Greens who have contributed and find Greens who are interested in helping to build the party locally. Join us HERE.
GreenWave Team by Jenny Isaacs
It's not too late to run for local office in your community! Registered Greens interested in learning more about the requirements for running are encouraged to join our calls (2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month) -- sign up HERE or email greenwaveofpa
We are actively recruiting Greens for state legislature and statewide candidates for 2020. All county locals should be having conversations about whom they might approach to run for State Representative. In 2016, our down-ballot Green candidates for PA Auditor and Treasurer, Jay Sweeney and Kristin Combs, got three times the votes that Jill Stein did for President. THESE are the candidates who are likely to help us win back our minor political party status in 2020.
Core Team by Sheri Miller
Core has been working to ensure the new combined Slack meets our communication needs for active Greens. If you are interested in becoming more active and joining in the Slack discussions, sign up for a committee or contact the Core Team HERE.
National Green News
edited by Dave Ochmanowicz
Conviction of Green Party activist, Cheri Honkala, an attack on 1st Amendment rights
On June 10, a federal court in Washington, DC, issued a guilty verdict, finding former Green Party Vice Presidential candidate Cheri Honkala guilty of charges of trespassing. Honkala is an internationally-known activist and founder of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC). In March, 2018, Honkala led a delegation of 100 activists to Washington, DC, as part of the "March for Our Lives." Green Party leaders responded to yesterday's ruling in the case of United States vs. Honkala with strong words of condemnation for government officials involved and strong support for Honkala. (show all)
Stop the U.S. drive to war against Iran!
The Green Party of Florida condemns the warmongering being drummed up by the U.S. government against the government and people of Iran, and the insane drive to conflagration in the Middle East. Donald Trump and his inner circle — which includes Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton —claim that Iran attacked "Japanese-related" shipping while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was meeting in Tehran with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The incident derailed any attempt to defuse tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the escalation of economic sanctions against Iran and anyone doing business with the Islamic Republic. (show all)
“Major wins behind us, exciting struggles ahead!”
Jill Stein, “More than two years after the groundswell demanding recounts in the 2016 election, the fight for election integrity and voting justice is still going strong. To keep you up to date on our work, made possible by the generous support of recount contributors, here are some exciting developments in the continuing struggle on the front lines:
Pennsylvania headed for 100% paper ballots by 2020;
Wisconsin recount litigation moves forward - against corporate resistance; and Detroit activists continue the fight for election integrity!” (show all)
Dennis Lambert: “I call out the nation’s leaders for denying the right of service to the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who are going along with discrimination just to get votes. Old men making money by pushing young people in to war is a story as long as history. What is new is the bigotry that is behind the idea that there cannot be someone from the LGBTQ+ community who is brave, who is strong, and who is willing to fight for Freedom and Democracy. There is more bravery in the hearts of my brothers and sisters in uniform than all the elected bigots in Washington. My campaign will ALWAYS support equal rights for all Americans, regardless of background, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, race, education, or nation of origin. I will be marching in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus, Ohio this weekend, joining fellow presidential candidate Dario Hunter and the Ohio Green Party. (show all)
Pinkney Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee
"It's time for people to have a choice—a real choice. Right now, Democrats and Republicans aren't listening to the people and we have to stand up and change that. I am considering running because I believe that I can be that voice speaking on behalf of average people's concerns." Pinckney said. "We can't keep letting corporations and their friends in public office hold us down. We've got to stand up and fight back. We've got to work together to stand up to these elected officials who don't want to be held accountable. We've got to make them do the right thing. It's time for us to stand up and fight back." Recognized nationwide as a leader in the civil rights movement, Pinkney has appeared as a speaker at engagements and on radio programs across the country. (show all)
Green Party of the United States 2019 National Meeting In Salem, MA
Events at the Green Party's 2019 Annual National Meeting in Salem will include a forum for candidates seeking the 2020 Green Party presidential nomination. Many of the meeting events are open to the media and general public. The meeting will feature Green Party panels, workshops, and other events. Green candidates running in 2019 and 2020 and Green elected officials are expected to attend. (show all)
[Highlands Current, New York] As chair of Hudson Valley Green Party, I am delighted to see that people in many parts of the world are turning away from toxic plutocracy by voting for the Green Party, whose four pillars are peace, environmentalism, social justice and democracy.
Locally, the Green Party has become so important that it is no longer enough for a Democratic candidate for mayor to be content with the Democratic line. Instead, he must exploit state election law to attempt to run as a write-in candidate on the Green Party line, without the endorsement of Green Party. (show all)
Global Green News
edited by Dave Ochmanowicz
The Greens Are Germany’s Leading Political Party. Wait, What?
HAMBURG, Germany — The emergence of the Green Party as a leading force in German politics is not unlike the flowering of the Serengeti after a rainstorm: What had been mere seeds one minute, hidden but full of potential, sprout overnight, so fast and so fully that it’s hard to remember how things looked before. (show all)
How the Green Party plans to become a major force in British politics
LONDON — The Greens are having a good year. In May's local elections, the party more than doubled its council seats to 362, a bigger proportional gain than any other party. In the European elections that followed, the party more than doubled their seat count, from three to seven, on a fiercely anti-Brexit platform. Sian Berry, who co-leads the party with Lambeth Councillor Jonathan Bartley, said the party's recent successes are down to an organised ground campaign, their opposition to austerity and climate change, and their vocal opposition to Brexit. (show all)
In Merkel's Twilight, German Greens Ride to Brink of Power
A Green government could have far-reaching implications in transport, energy and other industries and would “want to accelerate the coal phase-out,” said an energy analyst at researcher IHS Markit. That could mean a growing reliance on gas imports from Russia. The Green surge has been fueled by the party’s transformation from a group of eco-fanatics into a more palatable people’s party. They’re also benefiting from disillusionment with the governing parties dragging their feet on issues from gender and income inequality to climate. (show all)
The modern Green Party is most definitely a progressive, urban political phenomenon. Its recent impressive showing in the European Parliament elections (particularly in Germany) seems to tell a story of a growing regional (if not yet global) political consciousness that is frightened of the future and is ready for present political action on a local, regional, and worldwide scale.
The Green Party due to the nature of the threat it wishes to solve is well suited to play the role of a global political party able to transcend its various national roots. All Green Parties are focused on the global nature of climate change. In order for each of them separately to achieve their self-professed goals, they must -- to a much greater extent than other political parties -- work across borders, which is to say transnationally. (show all)
Canada Green Party celebrates passage of ‘Free Willy’ bill banning whale and dolphin captivity
The Green Party of Canada celebrated in a statement Monday. “These intelligent, social mammals will now get to live where they belong — in the ocean,” the party said.
Dozens of supporters of the bill used the hashtag #emptythetanks to celebrate on social media. The bill makes exceptions if the animals are rescues, in rehabilitation or licensed for scientific research, or when it’s in the animal’s best interests.
“A person may move a live cetacean from its immediate vicinity when the cetacean is injured or in distress and is in need of assistance,” the bill states.
(show all)
GPPA Coming Events
edited by Chris Robinson
LOOK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT STATEWIDE AND LOCAL EVENTS.
July 4, 10:30 am
Declare Independence: From Drone Warfare to Nuclear Weapons
Organized by Brandywine Peace Community at the Federal Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.brandywinepeace.com/event/declare-your-independence-from-drone-warfare-to-nuclear-weapons-4th-of-july-phila-old-city-parade/
July 4, noon
Baby Trump Parade
Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Washington, DC.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2111662739132559/
July 11, 7:00 pm
Promise and Protest: Labor in Song
The Historic Pump House, 880 East Waterfront Drive , Munhall, PA
https://battleofhomestead.org/bhf/event/promise-and-protest-labor-in-song/
July 11, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
Interested parties should contact [email protected] for a link.
July 12, 11:30 am
Stop Banking the Bomb, PNC Picket
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County.
PNC Tower, 300 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
https://www.facebook.com/events/328901961134345/
July 13, 9:00 am
Bikes and Beers Victory
Hosted by the Bicycle Coalition at Victory Brewing, 3127 Lower Valley Road, Parkesburg, PA
A portion of proceeds go to the Bicycle Coalition to help improve the cycling conditions in the region.
https://www.active.com/parkesburg-pa/cycling/bikes-and-beers-parkesburg-victory-brewing-2019
July 13 and 14
Hands off Iran! Hands off Venezuela!
National, local demonstrations called by United National Anti-war Coalition.
http://nepajac.org/usiran2.htm
July 14, 10:00 am
Explore Bikes & Boats
Hosted by the Bicycle Coalition at Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA.
http://bicyclecoalition.nonprofitsoapbox.com/component/events/event/415
July 14, noon
GPPA Delegates’ Summer Virtual Meeting
This meeting of GPPA will be a virtual meeting held online! All interested members of the public may attend.
https://www.gpofpa.org/2019_07_meeting
Allegheny County Greens will participate collectively, Details from alleghenycountygreens-at-gmail-dot-com
Chester County Greens will participate collectively at 335 E Lancaster Ave, Unit B-11, Downingtown,PA. Details from efs1127-at-gmail-dot-com
July 15, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
For location and more information, contact [email protected]
July 18, 5:30 pm
Tale of Two Trails
Connecting the Schuylkill River Trail to Chester Valley Trail, hosted by the Bicycle Coalition at Main Line Health, 240 North Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, PA.
http://bicyclecoalition.nonprofitsoapbox.com/twotrails
July 19 and July 20
Poor Peoples Army Bootcamping
Strategic retreat to focus on plans for the coming year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/193565571581320/
July 20, noon
Lancaster Pride 2019
Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster, PA.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2290565924497996/
July 21, 9:00 am
Walk for Water
North Park Boathouse, Alliston Park, PA.
Host: Rachel Rakovan, GPPA Delegate and Mrs. PA Earth USA.
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County.
https://www.facebook.com/events/820755118287085/?ti=icl
July 25, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Meeting
For location and more information, [email protected]
July 25 -- July 28
Green Party U.S. Annual National Meeting
Salem State University, Salem, MA.
Register here: https://salem.gp.org/
July 27, 11:00 am
PNC: Stop Banking the Bomb, Lawrenceville Picket -
4101 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA
https://www.facebook.com/events/422196715029758/
July 28, 1:00 pm
Lancaster Peace Fest
Binns Park, 100 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA.
https://www.gpofpa.org/peace_fest_2019
July 29, noon
Protest at Drone War Command
Brandywine Peace Community with Bucks County Green Party, Montgomery County Green Party, Green Party of Philadelphia, [email protected] Air Guard Station, Easton Road (#611) at County Line Road, Horsham, PA.
http://www.brandywinepeace.com/events/
July 29, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Bucks County Meeting
Jules Pizza, 78 South Main Street, Doylestown, PA.
More information from [email protected]
August 6, noon
Hiroshima Day Remembrance & Nonviolent Resistance
Lockheed Martin (world’s #1 war profiteer, U.S.' #1 nuclear weapons contractor) behind King of Prussia Mall, Mall and Goddard Blvds in King of Prussia, PA.
Sponsored by Brandywine Peace Community. Endorsed by the Green Party of Philadelphia.
http://www.brandywinepeace.com/
August 9, 4:00 pm
Nagasaki Day 'Reach-Out' to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
West side of Philadelphia City Hall, 15th and Market Streets.
Sponsored by Brandywine Peace Community. Endorsed by the Green Party of Philadelphia.
http://www.brandywinepeace.com/
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2019:
- Summer Virtual Meeting/Web Conference: Sunday, July 14th
- Fall Meeting (TBD): Saturday/Sunday, September 14th-15th
- November Virtual Meeting: Sunday, November 17th, 12pm-4pm
Web Conferences are online - RSVP to get connection information. The locations for in-person conferences are to be determined. In-person conferences can be hosted by counties, county groups or regions. These events are fundraisers. When hosted locally, the host group receives back half of the revenue after expenses. To apply for hosting, submit your info to our Application for Local Hosting of GPPA State Meetings or GPPA-Sponsored Events. We strive for geographic diversity in reviewing applications, however, all submissions are considered.
Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team & Media Committee
Issue Credits:
EDITORS: Chris Robinson, Dave Ochmanowicz Jr.
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Runkle, Jenny Isaacs, Sheri Miller, Chris Robinson, Alan Smith
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller & Kevin Richardson
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson
Everything we do is based on our Four Pillars and Ten Key Values. If you find that you share these ideals, come and join the movement.
You can support the Green Party in many ways; however, a monthly sustaining donation helps to fund a solid infrastructure to help local chapters coordinate candidates and provide resources to make their campaigns successful. As little as $3 per month can have a significant impact!
Sustaining Donation Single Donation Green Merchandise
Join us and help bring about a future where people and planet are valued over profits. We have a new, tiered membership structure that allows you to determine your level of commitment and support. And if you want to get more directly involved, consider joining an action team. Work with other committed progressives and activists in activities such as planning events, developing media content, or helping with campaigns. Let's join together to make 2019 the year of progressives!
The Green Star is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2019
