NOVEMBER 2019
Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.
On Dragonflies
by GPPA Co-chair Alan Smith
Cold, crisp November air fills my lungs as I run on the Chester Valley trail. I stop to catch my breath. To my left I notice, to my surprise, a dragonfly. It’s too cold for them to be around I think to myself. I am reminded that indigenous people all over the world consider the dragonfly to have a special connection with the world beyond our sight and are associated with change and transformation. Human eyes see things at 60 frames a second. Dragonflies see things at 600 frames a second. Some believe they carry messages from the ancestors. I immediately think about mother, she was born during the first week of November in 1932, and passed on during the second week of November last year. Her voice rings in my head, “Always leave a place better than when you found it.” It is one of the most important things that she had impressed upon me. It is describes a philosophy that guides the Green movement all over the world.
From indigenous people in Central and South America fighting to save the rainforests and its inhabitants to the local work here in Pennsylvania to stop fracking and fossil fuel pipelines. The protests against corporate and oligarchical rule and for a more equitable way of life can be found in every corner of the world. Here in Pennsylvania, from Tom Bailey’s work to stop the use of nuclear energy and hold people accountable for its destructive radiation, to Cheri Honkala’s work to empower those who have been financially exploited and chewed up by capitalism, Greens have dedicated their lives to leaving this place called Earth better than when we found it.
One of the most important ways I think we can be inspired to continue this work is to simply, “stop and smell the roses.” November and December are typical times when we reconnect with each other and think about what we are thankful for. Take some time, slow down, and imagine viewing life at 600 frames a second like a dragonfly! The Green Party’s 10 Key Values and 4 Pillars are a reflection of such a vision, they paint a picture of a world that is equitable, just, and appreciated. It is why I am Green. (Painting below, “Dragonfly” by Antonio Solari) (Drawing below of Alma Smith by Alan Smith)
GPPA News Highlights
edited by Chris Robinson
The Red Flag is waving above Pennsylvania’s coal mining towns PennLive Letter by Timothy Runkle, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County.
Pennsylvania is a powerhouse in the energy market ranking as the number two and three natural gas and coal producer in the nation. Our long legacy as a coal country has now overlapped with a gas boom. So the energy economy is a large part of Pennsylvania’s past and will no doubt be part of its future. We have all heard the phrase “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” but how many of us can recognize the red flags preceding a repeat? Red Flag! Recently as many as 67 rare cancers have afflicted children in Washington, Fayette, Green, and Westmoreland Counties. As many as thirteen of those children have died. It may be no coincidence that this area is also densely populated with gas-producing fracking wells. With this information before them our state legislators are seeking to enhance gas extraction through bill packages such as Restore PA that will debt ourselves to the gas extraction industry or Energize PA that busts the dam on gas extraction. The Red Flag is waving! Does it not deserve a pause for reflection? Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. [Tim Runkle is treasurer of the Green Party of Pennsylvania and chair of the Green Party of Lancaster County.] (show all)
Challenge to Philly voting machines could affect 2 other counties
Northampton and Cumberland counties, with nearly half a million voters between them, also selected the machine that Philly bought. The legal settlement at issue resolved a lawsuit filed by 2016 Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein's campaign. Her suit charged that the lack of a paper trail on voting machines used in 2016 left voters and officials unable to carefully audit the results. The settlement requires the state to switch to election systems with voter verifiable paper ballots that can be audited and to have the machines in place no later than the 2020 primary. (show all)
Green Party Candidate Jill Stein at Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia
The Steering Committee of the Green Party of Philadelphia (GPPA) has endorsed the Protect Our Vote rally on Wednesday, October 2, and the struggle to “Stop the Machine.” Protect Our Vote believes that the voting system chosen for three Pennsylvania counties does not meet the standard for election integrity. GPPA Co-Chair Sheri Miller said, “Cumberland, Northampton and Philadelphia Counties have chosen to use the ES&S ExpressVote XL voting system. We demand that this be stopped. (show all)
Greens Say, PA Legislators Working Overtime to Destroy the Planet
As the world goes on strike for peace and ecology and engages in direct action to save the planet, some PA legislators are working overtime to push through HB 1102, the Keystone Energy Enhancement Act. On September 23, the House Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote on this bill, which proposes to use tax dollars to set up and develop “Energy Enhancement Zones,” where fracked gas will be promoted and new fracking spurred. GPPA Co-chair Sheri Miller from Adams County said, “The Green Party urges PA legislators to vote “NO” on HB 1102. We urge all voters in PA to contact their legislators to voice their opposition to this bill. We urge everyone to flood the media to highlight this disastrous bill, so it can be stopped.” (show all)
Campaign Updates
edited by Chris Robinson
Mike Farley for Supervisor
Latimore Township, Adams County
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlesMichaelFarleyForLAtimoreTwpSuper
Riley Mahon for School Board
Upper Saint Clair Township, Allegheny County
For more information visit https://alleghenygreens.gitlab.io/rileymahon2019/
Nicholas Prete for School Board
Methacton School District, Eagleville, Montgomery County
For more information visit www.facebook.com/nickformethacton
Tara Yaney for Edgewood Borough Council
Allegheny County
For more information visit https://taraforedgewood.com/
WRITE IN CANDIDATES:
Keith Collins for Trainer Borough Council
Delaware County
Olivia Faison for City Council
Philadelphia
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/2257786581154302/
or https://www.olivia4philly.org/
Timothy Runkle for Elizabethtown Tax Collector
Lancaster County
Team Updates
Finance Team by Tim Runkle
The Finance Team includes volunteers who help to manage and plan the finances of the Green Party. Team tasks include membership promotion, fundraising, merchandise, and state event/meeting planning. Our volunteers are spread across the state and perform their organizing remotely while connecting local Green Chapters with new membership and supportive organizations. Finance Team meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Meeting of each month at 8:30 p.m. To join the Finance Team sign up HERE.
Communications Team by Chris Robinson
The Communication Team needs volunteers with talent in graphics to design election flyers and posters. If you would like to join our team, please volunteer HERE.
Core Team by Sheri Miller
The Core Team has been writing a new draft of the GPPA Platform. If you are interested in becoming more active and joining the Core Team, please sign up HERE.
National Green News
edited by Dave Ochmanowicz
Green Party Supports Chicago Teachers Strike
The Green Party stands with the Chicago Teachers Union in their strike demands, including lowering class size and hiring more support staff such as nurses, librarians, social workers, special education case managers and bilingual teachers. We support their demands for affordable housing for new teachers and more than 16,000 homeless students, and their demands for higher raises and more school funding. "The Green Party emphasizes its pro-labor platform and urges all ... area residents to stand in solidarity with striking school employees, and workers everywhere to join and support those refusing to cross picket lines in whatever capacity they can," said Tony Ndege, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. (show all)
Hillary Clinton: Jill Stein "is a Russian asset. I mean, totally"
Hillary Clinton hasn’t just attacked Jill, but every one of Jill’s volunteers, her staff, her voters — everyone who supported her campaign. And not just Jill’s campaign! Clinton’s scaremongering is aimed at all Green Party candidates and supporters — all of us who dare to challenge the Democrats and Republicans’ stranglehold on our elections. It’s an attack against you. (show all)
Green Wave Telethon 2019 - If you missed it we've got you covered
Woot-woot! 🎉 Last week’s Green Wave Telethon livestream featured a FABULOUS showcase of Greens running for office from across the country. Did you miss it? We’ve got a link below for you to catch up. The telethon had two goals: 1. We want to celebrate who is out there fighting in the trenches for our party’s values in 2019 and (show all)
Jill Stein challenges Hillary Clinton to debate after 'Russian Asset' smear
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday made the baseless claim that Dr. Jill Stein, the Green Party's 2016 nominee for president, was a Russian agent—an allegation that was met with derision from Stein and an invitation to debate. "In light of the latest slanderous allegations from Hillary Clinton, I challenge her to a debate," tweeted Stein. "It's a shame HRC is peddling conspiracy theories to justify her failure instead of reflecting on real reasons Dems lost in 2016," Stein added. (show all)
More Greens Running in Connecticut than other states
CLINTON, Ct — Not Democrats, not Republicans, the Green Party in Connecticut is running more candidates in local elections than it ever has before, and it is running more candidates in more local elections than any other state in the union. Take, for example, the Town of Clinton, located on the shoreline in Connecticut. There are nine Green Party candidates running in the local election. There are Green Party candidates running for positions for every council, board and commission in the Town of Clinton. The Green Party candidates’ slogan is: “Vote Clean, Vote Green.” (show all)
Global Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/politics/federal/2019/09/16/green-party-platform-unveiled-and-it-goes-well-beyond-just-a-climate-change-plan/elizabeth_may.jpg)
In addition to the party’s concern for the climate, pledging to cut emissions 60% by 2030, and reach “net zero” by 2050, the Canadian Green Party Platform has gone even further before the October 21 federal elections. They intend to work for “free post-secondary tuition, prescription drugs, dental care, universal child care and affordable housing” in addition to a “Guaranteed Livable Income to help Canadians adapt to a transforming job market.” To keep work on climate crisis non-partisan, Greens are proposing a “cross-party cabinet mandated ‘to ensure that Canada does its part to limit global warming to a level civilization can survive, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on Canadians.’” (show all)
GREENS BEING GREEN
Green Party in Ireland to seek €20 in carbon tax in Budget 2020
Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, said “action needed to be taken immediately and not at the end of the decade when it will be too late,” and has also proposed a goal to “increase the tax to €90 per tonne by 2030.” (show all)
THE YOUTH WHO ARE SAVING US
We would be remiss if we did not praise our young people for their efforts to save the planet they will be inheriting. They created, organized, and implemented Climate Strikes all over the world, demanding action on the crisis now. From groups of thousands in New York and London, to smaller groups of perhaps only a few such as Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley, PA to Hong Kong, our children whom we ignore at our peril stood up and shouted! Thank you, guys.
GPPA Coming Events
edited by Chris Robinson
Green Party events are in GREEN. Other Movement events are in RED.
November 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 11:30 am
Climate Crisis Awareness Rally
Lincoln Square in Gettysburg (York Street crossing)
Hosted by Adams County Green Party in solidarity with Greta Thunburg's worldwide climate awareness movement.
facebook.com/events/2206600726129147/
November 8, 15, 22 and 29 at noon
Youth Climate Strike, Fridays for Future
City County Building, 414 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA.
More information from
[email protected]
November 4, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
Interested parties should contact
[email protected]
for a link.
November 4, 7:30 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from
[email protected]
November 5, 7:00 am until 8:00 pm
GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Please vote for progressive candidates
November 9, 7:00 pm
Monthly Fund Live Music Event
Benefits Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign
Sankofa House, 906 South 49th Street, Philadelphia.
https://www.facebook.com/events/377979329745077/
November 11 thru November 15
Waging Peace in Vietnam
Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d50cffdef3559000172e304/t/5d927b43d8534629353a9c80/1569880905084/WagingPeace-GW+Program-4pg-V4.pdf
November 16, 10:00 am
Breakfast of Champions
Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign
1505 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia PA.
https://www.facebook.com/events/415076579420265/
November 18, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Bucks County Meeting with Green Party of Montgomery County
Arcadia University, 450 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA.
More information from: [email protected]
or [email protected]
November 30, noon
Close the Drone War Command Center
Air Guard Station, Easton Road (#611) at County Line Road, Horsham, PA.
Hosted by Brandywine Peace Community with Bucks County Green Party, Montgomery County Green Party, and the Green Party of Philadelphia
[email protected]
http://www.brandywinepeace.com/events/”
December 2, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Meeting
Interested parties should contact: [email protected] for more information.
December 3, 7:30 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from: [email protected]
December 5, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP) Membership Meeting
More information from: [email protected]
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2019-2020:
- Sunday, November 17, 2019 - Virtual Meeting
- January 2020 (Virtual, officer elections, state nominating convention) - Sunday January 12
- March 2020 (In-person) - Saturday/Sunday March 21/22 (Region 1)
- Early June 2020 (Virtual) - Sunday June 7
- September 2020 (In-person, retreat) - Saturday/Sunday September 12/13
- Post-Election Day 2020 (Virtual) - Sunday November 15
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., & Gayle Morrow
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Runkle, Sheri Miller, & Chris Robinson
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller & Dannee Schoepfer
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alan Smith, Antonio Solari
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!
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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
