January 2020 Green Star
January 2020
Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.
Planet Over Money in 2020... and Beyond
by GPPA Co-chair Alan Smith
As Australia and New Zealand celebrate a new year before the rest of the world, one begs the question, are they living in the future? No, they are just on a different part of the planet. Time is something we have constructed to represent the movement of this planet on its axis and its movement around the sun. This construct, this tool, however has been used to subjugate, exploit and destroy people and planet.
From obsessions with deadlines to obsessions with efficiency, our species has reeked havoc on itself and the planet as a whole. Yet, the idea of having reverence for this planet is timeless. As we celebrate a new year, a new decade, I encourage us to think about engaging in timeless activities, and living timeless lives. The new year will be full of deadlines, and all sorts of other ways in which this construct of time will used to rule our lives. Yet, I encourage us to be more focused on LIFElines, to help each other, and rescue this planet from our destructive ways. It is also important to cherish each moment. I know this all too well as this time last year I was mourning the passing of my mother.
The past and the future live in our minds as constructs. How we chose to think about the past and future greatly effects what we do in the present. Shared here is a drawing of mine inspired by a West African symbol called the "Sankofa bird." It is a bird with its feet pointed toward the future, but with its neck craned back. It represents taking what is good from the past and bringing it into the future, learning from the past.
The future can look bleak or bright. When I look at this past decade I am encouraged. One of highlights of these past 10 years was born out of the bleakest moments. The Occupy Movement of 2011 a response to the financial crash of 2008-9. It ushered in an awakening worldwide that the planet was more important than profit, that glacier ice sheets were more important than financial spreadsheets. Since then there's been a increase in worldwide attention to and activism against the economic, social, and environmental injustices wrought by capitalism, militarism, and other -isms.
As an educator, I know that changes can take years or they can take only seconds. There's no simple formula for having the light bulb going off in students' heads. Our constructs of time have no bearing on the changes we seek. Change is not bound by time. The 4 pillars and 10 Key Values that we hold dear as Greens are timeless and my commitment to them is likewise. My new year message: Planet over money in 2020....and beyond.
GPPA News Highlights
edited by Chris Robinson
PA Greens support formation of Federal Renewable Energy Commission (FREC)
On December 1, the Steering Committee of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) endorsed the formation of a Federal Renewable Energy Commission (FREC). This newly created national agency would have the mission of organizing the Green New Deal and creating a sustainable energy structure for the U.S. (show all)
Jill Stein Sues to Reopen PA Election Security Case
PHILADELPHIA - Jill Stein and the 2016 recount team filed a motion [on 11/26] in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of PA to enforce the settlement agreement in Stein v. Cortés by ordering the PA Department of State to immediately decertify the ES&S ExpressVote XL voting machine. Leading election integrity experts including Dr. J. Alex Halderman agree that the deeply flawed ExpressVote XL violates the 2018 settlement of the Stein recount lawsuit guaranteeing all PA voters the right to voter-verifiable, auditable paper ballots by the 2020 election. “After the ExpressVote XL’s disastrous debut on election night, when it was observed reporting incorrect vote totals in Northampton County, we offered the state one last chance to do right by voters by voluntarily decertifying the machine,” said Stein. “It’s even more troubling to consider that these flawed machines could swing elections to the wrong winners in less obvious ways that observers might not even notice.” The ExpressVote XL was used in Philadelphia and Northampton counties on November 5 and has been selected by Cumberland County. Please read more here, (show all)
Members of the Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) formed three working groups at their November general assembly: the Clean Energy/Anti-Nuclear Working Group; the Anti-Fracking and Anti-Petrochemical Working Group; and the Anti-War Working Group. Volunteers for each working group will meet outside of the general assembly to determine a plan of action for GPOAC in 2020. Working groups can decide the best way to work together, which may be in-person meetings, phone conferences, or other methods convenient for its members. If you’re interested in joining any working group, please contact the GPOAC executive committee at info@alleghenygreens.org. (show all)
Greens Table at Lancaster Pride
Photo shows (left to right) Tim Runkle, Nick Prete and Alex Noyle.
Campaign Updates
edited by Sheri Miller
Green Party of PA candidates for State Treasurer, Auditor General, and/or Attorney General will be selected at the GPPA January Webconference. Come join us and share in the excitement as we kick off of a great campaigning year - 2020!
National Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
“The Green New Deal will convert the old, gray economy into a new, sustainable economy that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible. It seeks to solve the climate crisis by combining quick action to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2030 along with an ‘Economic Bill of Rights’ – the right to single-payer healthcare, a guaranteed job at a living wage, affordable housing and free college education.” (show all)
Big Green Project!! Or is it? Bonus: Discussion of RCV Green Party calls for authorities to kill $1 billion hydropower project.(show all)
GREENS ARE ONE
In light of the recent propensity in the U.S. to divide ourselves on one side or another, creating a contentious us vs them atmosphere that appears to permeate every facet of our lives, I have set out this month to highlight how Greens are truly of one mind all over the world. We need to remind ourselves of this occasionally to stay grounded.
One young Green candidate, encouraging others.
Even though he is Canadian, he has an inspiring story of what to expect and how to grow, while remaining persistent, good advice to any U.S. Green candidate. (show all)
Why older people everywhere should vote Green.
Greens will write-off student debt. (show all)
Global Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
Sometimes it is good to go back to your roots to be informed of your history and to get grounded. For example, did you know that the first Green Parties were established in 1972 in Tasmania and New Zealand? Thought it was the U.S., didn’t you? Read more about the organizational history of the Global Greens. (show all)
Green Party Climate & Energy “Platform” The UK had another election December 12, called by Boris Johnson. The parties published their manifestos [platform] before the day of the election. Here are the UK Green Party climate and energy policies, which speak of funding the changes needed, somewhat different from the U.S. GP that seems to set goals but leaves the mention of funding to individual candidates. (show all)
Green Party [UK] piled on more votes than any other party in climate election with a 60% surge. (show all)
Seems the U.S. isn’t the only place the Family Sanders puts forth a candidate. Larry Sanders, UK Greens spokesperson for health & social care, and the brother of U.S. Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, attended a pre-election event on the Isle of Wight. (show all)
GPPA Coming Events
edited by Chris Robinson
Green Party events are in GREEN. Other Movement events are in RED.
January 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 11:30 pm
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.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2206600726129147/
January 3, 11:00 am
Stop Banking the Bomb
PNC Tower, 300 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County: info@alleghenygreens.org
https://www.facebook.com/events/715856215568533/
January 6, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
Interested parties should contact chescogreens@gmail.com
January 6, 7:30 pm
Tara Yaney Swearing-in Ceremony
Edgewood Borough Office, 2 Race Street, Swissvale, PA
More information from info@alleghenygreens.org
January 7, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from info@alleghenygreens.org
January 12, noon
GPPA Delegates Virtual Meeting
Delegates will elect GPPA officers for 2020. All interested members of the public may attend to learn more about the Green Party.
Please register in advance at: https://www.gpofpa.org/2020_01_conf
January 13, 6:00 pm
Meet Councilperson Tara Yaney
The Loft, 1118 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh. Meet newly elected Tara and share ideas.
Sponsored by the Green Party of Allegheny County: info@alleghenygreens.org
https://www.facebook.com/events/2521938821387018/
January 18, 11:00 am
Stop Banking the Bomb
PNC, 236 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County:
info@alleghenygreens.org.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2820693631287817/
January 20
Martin Luther King Day of Action
8:00 am, Philadelphia, Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive.
12:00 Noon, King of Prussia, Brandywine Peace Nonviolent Action, Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Boulevard.
January 20, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
More information from montcopagreens@gmail.com
January 25, 9:00 am
Green Party of Lancaster County Meeting
Folklore Coffee Company, One North Market Street, Elizabethtown.
More information from tim@lancastergreenparty.org
Please RSVP at https://www.gpofpa.org/2019_jan_lancaster
January 28, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
For the location, please contact gpop@gpop.org
February 3, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Meeting
Interested parties should contact chescogreens@gmail.com
February 4, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from info@alleghenygreens.org
February 17, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
501 South Easton Road, Wyncote, PA.
More information from montcopagreens@gmail.com
February 25, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
For the location, please contact gpop@gpop.org
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2020:
- January Webconference (online, officer elections, 2020 state candidate selection) - Sunday January 12, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
- Spring Conference and Presidential Forum (in-person two-day conference), March 21-22 - Harrisburg, PA
- Summer Webconference (online) - Sunday June 7
- Fall Conference & Retreat (in-person) - Saturday/Sunday September 12/13
- Year-End Webconference, Post-Election Day (online) - Sunday November 15
Web Conferences are online - RSVP to get connection information. . Visit the GPPA events calendar to RSVP. 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, Gayle Morrow, & Sheri Miller
CONTRIBUTORS: Alan Smith
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller & Dannee Schoepfer
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alan Smith
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 Purchase 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 2020 the year of progressives!
The Green Star is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2020
The Real Green New Deal and Our National Well-Being
-- By Neal Gale.
- (H) overhauling transportation systems in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector as much as is technologically feasible, including through investment in—
- (F) spurring massive growth in clean manufacturing in the United States and removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry as much as is technologically feasible, including by expanding renewable energy manufacturing and investing in existing manufacturing and industry;
- (G) working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible, including—
- (i) by eliminating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as much as technologically feasible;
- (iv) by ensuring that any infrastructure bill considered by Congress addresses climate change;
GPPA welcomes Pope Francis to Pennsylvania
For Immediate Release
September 25, 2015
Contacts:
Jay Sweeney jnln@epix.net
570-587-3603
David F. Ochmanowicz Jr. daveochman@gmail.com
GPPA welcomes Pope Francis to Pennsylvania
The Green Party of Pennsylvania welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis to our beloved Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His much-anticipated visit to Philadelphia is a joy to so many.
In Pope Francis’s recent encyclical about climate change and the environment, Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You), he has shown his passion to live up to his adopted papal name Francis, after the Christian patron saint of animals and the environment.
“Pope Francis shares many of the The Green Party of Pennsylvania’s values.” said GPPA Chair Jay Sweeney. “He is outspoken on social justice, environmental and economic issues that our party has been equally outraged over”, Sweeney concluded.
“Pope Francis’s encouraging words and efforts to address climate change, his implicit opposition to fracking, his care and respect for people of all nations and his criticism of the ‘cheerful recklessness’ of pure unregulated capitalism show that we share mutual goals in these important areas”, said GPPA Steering Committee member David Ochmanowicz Jr.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania is an independent political party that stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. The Green Party of Pennsylvania stands for grassroots democracy, social justice, non-violence and ecological wisdom.
Working for a Greener Pennsylvania
The Green Party of Pennsylvania is a confederation of local organizations. Our values of decentralization and grassroots democracy have encouraged us to avoid a top-down organizational style. Differences among affiliates are many. Projects and priorities depend on the energy and interests of members. New members and diverse voices are always welcome.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Green Party of Pennsylvania is to promote Green values throughout Pennsylvania by participation in the political process: electing candidates; enacting legislation; organizing communities; providing viable new political options; supporting the development of county Green Parties; and making government more open, democratic, and participatory for all Pennsylvania citizens.
The Green Party 10 Key Values:
Grassroots Democracy
Social Justice and Equal Opportunity
Ecological Wisdom
Nonviolence
Decentralization
Community-Based Economics and Economic Justice
Feminism and Gender Equity
Respect for Diversity
Personal and Global Responsibility
Future Focus and Sustainability
These core values place us in opposition to the corporate mindset of the Democrat and Republican parties.
Party Structure and Leadership:
The Green Party of Pennsylvania is grassroots political party that charges our affiliated local counties and committees with the leadership of the party. Learn more about our structure and party leadership by following clicking the buttons below.
Greens in Office:
Scores of Greens have been elected to county and municipal office throughout the country. In Pennsylvania, dozens of Greens have been elected to local positions across the state, e.g. Auditor, Supervisor, Mayor, Constable, School Board seats, etc. To see current office-holders, visit PA Greens in Office.
National and International Greens:
The Green Party of Pennsylvania is a member of the Green Party of the United States (GPUS), an alliance of state Green parties. To find our National Committee Members and Delegates, visit our Contact page.
Brief History of Green Party of Pennsylvania:
The Green Party of Pennsylvania has long been a leading force within Green Party politics. Pennsylvania members played an integral part during the founding meeting of the Association of State Green Parties in November 1996. During July 2001, the Green Party of Pennsylvania helped in the creation of the Green Party of United States with a Pennsylvania Green serving as one of the first co-chairs of the national organization. The Annual Convention of the Green Party of the United States was twice hosted in Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 2002 and at Reading in 2007.
Pennsylvanians have taken up the Green Party ballot line to run for public office since as early as 1993. Greens have run for nearly every office with many successfully serving as school board directors, council members, and election judges. During the 2012 Presidential election Pennsylvania Greens helped nominate Cheri Honkala for the office of Vice-President.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania was first recognized as a minor political party in the state in 2000. Minor party status was lost after 2006 and was not again obtained until 2016. While not always on the ballot, the Green Party of Pennsylvania has tirelessly fought restrictive ballot access laws in the state. The Green Party of Pennsylvania has defended such notorious ballot challenges like that of Carl Romanelli’s 2006 race for U.S. Senate. Romanelli collected over 100,000 signatures on his nominating papers yet he faced nearly $80,000 in court costs and was ultimately removed from the ballot. Such oppressive laws were broken apart when in 2016 a court decision reduced the required signatures needed for ballot access to just 5,000 and further alleviated the liability of the defendant to pay the challengers legal fees when filing objections to Green Party nominating papers.