Current News and Events

Michigan Greens Point Out Disconnects in Obama's "State of the Union" Agenda

The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) has deep concerns about much of the agenda President Obama laid out in last week's "State of the Union" speech.

"As usual, President Barack Obama delivered a polished presentation, but I am forced to wonder if his speechwriters aren't a little disconnected from reality," notes Douglas Campbell, a registered professional engineer in Ferndale, Michigan and a member of GPMI's State Central Committee. "The Democratic Party has had control of the House, the Senate and the White House for more than a year now, yet little or nothing resembling a 'democratic' agenda has been enacted.

"Budget-busting bank bailouts and war funding appropriations have sailed through this Democratic-controlled Congress," Campbell adds. "But instead of withdrawing American troops, contractors and mercenaries from the Middle East, the military operations are being escalated. Guantanamo remains open for business; there is no health-care-funding reform act; and nothing enacted during George Duhbbyah Bush's two terms has been repealed."

"Obama claimed there would be no freeze on Social Security and Medicare, but there already is a freeze this year on both of those programs," says Linda Cree, an active Green Party member in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. "Not only that, last year, for the first time in 30 years, Social Security recipients did not receive a cost of living adjustment because the government felt there hadn't been enough inflation to warrant one. That translates to a two-year freeze already."

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-state.php?ID=295

Michigan Greens Call for Fee-and-Dividend Plan to Let People, Not Corporations, Profit from Reducing Greenhouse Gases

100% of Fees to Be Restored to the People; No Cap-and-Trade Giveaway to Energy Conglomerates

The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) has adopted a resolution supporting collecting fees on fossil fuels based on the amount of carbon in them, with the whole amount collected being paid back to individual users.

GPMI will promote this "fee-and-dividend" approach to reducing carbon dioxide pollution in this year's election campaigns and other activities. The state party will also offer the proposal to the Green Party of the United States (GPUS) for inclusion in this year's national platform.

Art Myatt, current Vice-Chair of GPMI and an engineer working on the manufacture of solar panels, originated the proposal within GPMI. "We believe that resource depletion and excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are two crucial issues which require reduction in the amount of fossil fuels burned," he commented.

"Instead of pursuing war for oil and global economic growth, we need to move in the direction of sustainable, low-carbon local economies.

"A substantial carbon fee, resulting in a substantial dividend, would be a big step for reducing fossil-fuel use and for rebuilding local economies."

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=290

Global Greens call for honest, scientifically sound climate agreement

As the Copenhagen COP enters its second week, the Global Greens today called for an honest climate agreement, based on science not tricky accounting.

The Global Greens are concerned that rich nations are building loopholes into the agreement to give the appearance of strong targets without the reality.

Land-use and forestry in particular are being used as let-out clauses to avoid actual emission reductions, according to the Global Greens Coordination, which includes representatives from Asia Pacific, African, American and European Green parties.

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=274

Greens blast the anti-choice Stupak Amendment in the Democrats' health care bill, predict voter anger and defections from the Democratic Party over the amendment

2009-11-16 Washington, DC -- Green Party leaders today called the Stupak Amendment in the recently passed US House bill on health care reform a disaster for women's reproductive rights and a betrayal of the Democrats' stated support for women's rights and well-being.

The Green Party supports full reproductive rights, including uncompromised access to abortion services for women:

http://www.gp.org/platform/2004/socjustice.html#998980

http://www.gp.org/platform/2004/socjustice.html#1012830

"Michigan Greens targeted Bart Stupak's District One seat in Congress with the candidacy of Jean Treacy, who challenged his opposition to women's rights, including the freedom to choose. The Stupak Amendment is the sharpest blow against poor women and their rights since the Hyde Amendment. It was proposed by a Democrat and passed by a Democratic Congress. We challenge feminists, feminist and progressive organizations, and all Americans who support rights and equality for women to stop supporting candidates who retreat from these principles, and to vote Green instead," said Candace Caveny, Green candidate for the US House in Michigan's 10th District (http://www.candacecaveny.org) in 2010.

more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=264

Greens make gains in city council races across the US on Election Day 2009, with a 35% victory rate in municipal elections

Green Party beachhead in California: Greens take a majority of seats on Fairfax Town Council; see Preliminary Election Day results for Greens at http://www.gp.org/elections/2009-videos/november-results.html

'Send a Green to Congress in 2010': Greens will reach out to voters who are disappointed by Obama and Dems but haven't forgotten eight years of GOP misrule under Bush

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party made a strong showing in city council races across the US on Election Day, November 3, 2009.

Greens now make up a majority on the Fairfax Town Council in Marin County, California, where first-place finisher Pam Hartwell-Herrero joins incumbents Lew Tremaine and Larry Bragman. Fairfax becomes the fourth municipality in the US to have a Green majority, following Arcata and Sebastopol in California and New Paltz in New York.

A list of Election Day highlights follows below. For a comprehensive report on Green results for Election Day 2009, visit the Green Party's web site (http://www.gp.org/elections/2009-videos/november-results.html). More results will be listed on the page as they come in.

more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=263

Greens Condemn FBI Raid and Murder of Imam Abdullah

The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) offers its condolences to the family of respected community and religious leader, Imam Luqman A. Abdullah.

The Green Party of Michigan is joining the call from Imam Abdullah's family and others for an independent investigation into an FBI raid in Dearborn, MI on Oct. 28 that resulted in Imam Abdullah being shot 18 times and left to die.

We condemn this FBI raid and murder of an innocent man," Green Party of Michigan Chair Fred Vitale said. "The FBI fails even today to bring charges of terrorism against the other people arrested. Rather it and the corporate media make wild accusations; their only witnesses unreliable former criminal informants, dependent on the FBI for food and freedom. It appears that the only charges are those associated with petty crime, and even these were instigated by government agents and grinding poverty.

full press release here.

Green Party candidates to watch on Election Day 2009

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party highlighted several Green candidates running strong campaigns in the 2009 races, with some likely victories on Election Day, November 3.

158 Green Party candidates have announced runs in local and state races. Below are profiles of some of the more promising and prominent candidates, with campaign web site links and some quotes. For information about more Green candidates and information about Green electoral efforts, see:

* Press information for Green candidates http://www.gp.org/candidates/index.php

* Green Party Election Database http://www.gp.org/elections/candidates/index.php

* Greens run for several offices simultaneously in Stamford, Connecticut http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1443

* Ingredients for the success of Green incumbents: Cam Gordon and Alan Brison http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1422

* State Green Party efforts to gain ballot access across the country http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1430

* Green Party of Arkansas Sues to Keep Ballot Status: Claims state rules hurt third parties and voters alike http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1436

* Embedded video clips of Green candidates, other topics http://www.gp.org/video/archive.shtml

* Livestreaming video http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=257

The Green Party announces new national party co-chairs

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Committee of the Green Party of the United States has confirmed the election of four new co-chairs, Mike Feinstein (from California), Farheen Hakeem (Minnesota), Jason Nabewaniec (New York; reelected), and David Strand (Minnesota); and the reelection of Holly Hart as the party's national secretary.

The co-chairs, who form the party's Steering Committee, are elected by the 200 members of the Green Party's National Committee, which includes delegates from state Green Parties and Green caucuses. The newly elected and reelected Steering Committee members join four continuing members, Jill Bussiere, Sanda Everette, Craig Thorsen, and treasurer Jody Grage.

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=255

Greens to join mid-October protests against US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq

Green Party leaders, activists, and members across the US plan to participate in mass rallies, marches, coordinated local and regional demonstrations, and other forms of protest to take place on and around Saturday, October 17 calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

more at www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=251

In Detroit, Greens will be part of the MECAWI rally on Oct 17 at 1pm at Grand Circus Park

www.mecawi.org

The Green Party responds to Obama's speech: Mr. President, make health care a right for all Americans

2009-09-14 Washington, DC -- ... the Green Party supports Single-Payer/Medicare For All. It has always been in our national platform -- and Green candidates and elected public officials are firmly behind the demand for passage of HR 676, Rep. John Conyers' bill to expand Medicare to cover everyone.

The Green Party says: We can either protect insurance and drug companies and their profits, or we can save American lives and dollars by enacting Medicare For All / Single-Payer national health care. We demand Single-Payer.

more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=249

The Green Party appeals to Labor: Democrats have failed working people -- help elect Greens to Congress

WASHINGTON, DC -- Calling organized labor's support for Democrats an "investment that hasn't paid off," Green Party leaders appealed to unions and all working Americans, calling for support for the election of Green candidates to Congress in the 2010 election.

On Labor Day 2009, Greens expressed their solidarity with working people with a call to "come home to the Green Party."

Quotes from Greens:

Howie Hawkins, Teamster (Local 317), Green candidate for Syracuse City Council in 2009 (http://www.howiehawkins.com), and 2008 candidate for Congress in New York, District 25: "The Democrats' attitude towards unions has been 'you have to support us, you have nowhere else to turn.' That's no longer true. Unions and working people have a home in the Green Party."

Matt Reichel, Green candidate for the US House in Illinois, District 5, who will join a Labor Day march sponsored by the AFL-CIO and picket with laid-off public truck drivers next Wednesday at Daley Plaza (http://www.mattreichel.us): "The continued loyalty of unions to Democratic candidates, regardless of Democrats' actions while in office, has proven a disaster for working Americans. The Democratic Party has consistently favored the demands of corporations over the needs of workers. Despite a Democrat in the White House and control over Congress, Democrats have refused to make good on campaign promises."

"Democrats have sent trillions of dollars in bailouts to Wall Street, while offering minimal help to workers, homeowners, poor people, and others affected by the economic meltdown. The Obama Administration, under the influence of pro-Wall Street White House staff like [economic advisor] Lawrence H. Summers, has retreated from the Employee Free Choice Act [EFCA] and from plans for public works projects that would employ millions. Living wages, anti-labor 'free trade' pacts, and the Taft-Hartley Act's curb on union power aren't even on the table. How much more abuse and neglect can labor take?

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=247

Green Party of Michigan State Membership Meeting Saturday, Sep. 26 in Petoskey

GPMI State Membership Meeting

Saturday, September 26 2009, 9am - 5pm

City Park Grill
432 East Lake Street
Petoskey MI 49770
231-347-0101
www.cityparkgrill.com

Proposed Agenda:

- Officer Reports
- 2010 Election planning
- US Social Forum, Detroit, June 2010
- Annual National Meeting proposals
- GP Outreach & Recruitment
- Guest Speaker

Record number of Green candidates run in 2009 elections

Green campaigns to watch in 2009; Elections page: http://www.gp.org/candidates/index.php

WASHINGTON, DC -- A record number of Green Party candidates are running for public office throughout the US, with many campaigning for reelection along with fresh new Green faces.

146 Green Party candidates have announced runs in local and state races, about a dozen more than at this point in 2005 (like 2009, the first year after a presidential election) and nearly 50 more than at this point in 2007.

more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=243

Greens: Democrats' town meetings on health care reform deserve debate and civil protest, not disruption and mob violence

Serving the health insurance lobby, both Republicans and Democrats have tried to shut down open discussion on single-payer, promote phony reform, and spread disinformation; whether Democrats or Republicans win the health care debate, Americans will lose, say Greens

Greens urge Americans who support real health reform to contact Congress members in support of single-payer (HR 676)

Greens mourn the deaths of two single-payer heroes: Marilyn Clement and Nick Skala

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=241

Green Party Forum on Single-Payer Health Care Funding Friday in Durham, NC

2009-07-20 Washington, DC -- The Green Party will present a public forum on the need for a Single-Payer health care funding system on Friday, July 24 from 3:30-4:30 pm as part of their 2009 Annual National Meeting in Durham, North Carolina.

more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=236

PRESS RELEASE: Green Party of Michigan calls for release of Cynthia McKinney

Green Party of Michigan
www.MIGreens.org

News Release
July 3, 2009


For More Information, Contact

Derek Grigsby, Chair/Detroit Green Party
dereknjck@yahoo.com
313-706-2985

John Anthony La Pietra, Media Cmte/GPMI
jalp@triton.net
269-781-9478

Green Party of Michigan calls for release of Cynthia McKinney
Boat containing humanitarian aid for Gaza boarded and detained by Israeli gunboats


Michigan and Detroit Green Party leaders are calling on the White House and US State Department to intervene and demand the immediate release of 21 human rights activists, including former US Rep. Cynthia McKinney and Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire, who were taken prisoner by the Israeli navy after gunboats surrounded and seized the Free Gaza Movement relief boat 'Spirit of Humanity' on Monday.

"This is an outrageous violation of international law against us. Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip," said Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party's 2008 candidate for President of the United States. "President Obama just told Israel to let in humanitarian and reconstruction supplies, and that's exactly what we tried to do. We're asking the international community to demand our release so we can resume our journey."

Detroit Greens call on former colleagues of Cynthia McKinney in the Black Congressional Caucus, Representatives John Conyers and Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, to join in demanding the immediate release of Rep. McKinney and her fellow activists. "We as Detroiters recognize that we are all fighting together to stop the insanity of war and economic crisis," said Derek Grigsby, chair of the Detroit Green Party. "Too many of us are out of work, out of our homes, and out of food. The Palestinians are our sisters and brothers. The silence of our leaders in the face of the courage of Rep. McKinney and the Spirit of Humanity is complicity in their arrest, just as their lack of action for our needs, is complicity in our oppression."

Read Cynthia McKinney's latest statement here: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=232


Ms. McKinney had earlier sent appeals to President Obama and the State Department for assurances of protection for the relief mission. The Spirit of Humanity was sailing in international waters when it was seized. Greens stressed that the relief boat represents no threat to Israel and must be allowed to continue its voyage to Gaza.

For more information and updates, see the Free Gaza Movement web site (http://www.freegaza.org), including the latest release on the seizure of the relief boat (http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/hope-fleet-news).

For communications and updates from Cynthia McKinney, visit her Green Party page (http://www.gp.org/cynthia/index .php) and blog (http://dignity.ning.com).

The Spirit of Humanity was carrying medical supplies, cement, olive trees, and children's toys to Gaza after the Israeli invasion in December and January damaged or destroyed 50,000 homes, 800 industrial properties, 200 schools, 39 mosques, and two churches. The supplies were confiscated by the Israeli navy.

The Green Party of the United States condemned the invasion and massacre of Palestinians and has endorsed the call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until the Israeli government guarantees full human rights, including political rights and democracy, for all Palestinians and non-Jewish Israelis.


# # #

Press Release in PDF

GPMI Chair Fred Vitale's Opening Remarks at March '09 State Membership Meeting

Good morning everyone and welcome to the 1st quarterly state membership meeting of the Green party of Michigan for 2009.

I am Fred Vitale and I am one of the chairpersons of the Green party of Michigan. I want to acknowledge my honorary co-chair, the Reverend Edward Pinkney, veteran fighter for social justice in Benton Harbor and our candidate for Congress in the 6th District. I also want to thank my fellow officers for their work for the Green Party in the last year. Please stand, state your name and office.

Over the past year we have seen extraordinary events in the world. We have seen an unprecedented presidential campaign. We saw the election of the first African-American president in Barack Obama. We witness the largest and most tumultuous economic crisis of our lives. The world has changed deeply and profoundly over the past year. Before we deal with these events, I want to review a little what has happened with the Green Party.

2008 was a turning point for the Green Party.

Read the rest here.

Green Party of Michigan Response to Governor's State of the State 2009 Part 1

Green Party of Michigan Response to Gonvernor's State of the State 2009 Part 2

Letter to friends and supporters from GPMI Chair

Dear friends and supporters of the Green Party of Michigan,

As our state unemployment level hits 10.6% and the world economy is in tatters, the Green Party is meeting March 28-29 at the Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center in Oakland County (www.uheac.org). We will be discussing and planning what to do in response to this unprecedented crisis.

As our friends and collaborators, we value your input and we need it if we are going to go forward in common and united struggle.

We are asking you to submit in whatever format you like - written, oral, youtube - your thoughts and proposals for what the Green Party should do and say in response to this crisis.

You are also invited to participate in the discussion Saturday afternoon, March 28. More details will be forthcoming.

In solidarity,

Fred Vitale
State Chairperson
Green Party of Michigan

GP VIDEO RELEASE First 100 Days: What a GREEN administration would look like

Green Party celebrates Inauguration Day with a look at what the 'First 100 Days' of a Green presidential administration would look like

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org

For Immediate Release:
Monday, January 19, 2009

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.org
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org

Video clips and short essays from Green Party leaders and candidates: http://www.gp.org/first100


WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party has asked Green leaders from all over the US to tell America what a Green President of the United States would do during the 'First 100 Days' of his or her administration.

Green candidates and members of the Green Party's Speakers Bureau (http://www.gp.org/speakers) submitted video clips and short essays to describe what actions Greens would take do if elected to the White House and what Green steps President Obama should take to resolve the nation's problems.

"This is our Inauguration Day gift to Barack Obama and to America. We celebrate the landmark election of America's first African American president, but we're worried that Barack Obama will retreat from his promises of change, especially given some of his Cabinet appointments. That's why we've collected these recommendations from prominent Green Party members -- to support vital change," said Sanda Everett, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States.

Readers and viewers are encouraged to post their comments in responses to the videos and essays. More 'First 100 Days' videos and essays will be added to the site in the coming weeks.

FIRST 100 DAYS of a Green Presidential Administration
http://www.gp.org/first100/

VIDEO CLIPS

Cynthia McKinney, 2008 Green candidate for President of the United States
Palestine, Israel, and Ms. McKinney's recent trip on a relief boat destined for Gaza
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=93
http://www.vimeo.com/2861110

This clip is also posted on the Green Party's home page, http://www.gp.org
See also 'Cynthia McKinney on Gaza': http://www.gp.org/cynthia/index.shtml

Pete Van, Jr., 2006 Green Party Candidate for the Michigan State House of Representatives/District 88 (Allegan County)
The Economy: The First 100 Days of my administration, will leave many people green with envy
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3-GAYaP8PM

Laura Wells, 2002 and 2006 Green Party candidate for State Controller, California
To understand what is happening in Washington, follow the money
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=batTYrLqsqw

SHORT ESSAYS

Brian Czech, Ph.D. ecologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist; President, Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy
The First Hundred Days: A Precedent for the Next Hundred Years
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=12

Morgen D'Arc, Co-Founder, Co-Spokesperson and Former Co-Chair, National Women's Caucus; Chair, Cumberland (Maine) County Green Party; 2002 Candidate for Cumberland County Register of Deeds
Women: Rights, Issues and Conditions. A Breakthrough Agenda
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=101

Kathy Dopp, M.S. Mathematics, Executive Director, National Election Data Archive, Utah
Establish Public Oversight over Election Integrity
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=17

Ron Forthofer, 2002 Green Party candidate for Governor of Colorado, 2000 candidate for Congress, Colorado
Peace in the Middle East
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=9

Deeana Taylor, Co-Coordinator, Desert Greens Green Party of Utah, 2006 Green Party candidate for Salt Lake County Council
Single Payer Health Care
http://www.gp.org/first100/?p=48


MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193

Tally of Green election victories http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/election-results.html
Green candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.php
Green candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtml
Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml
Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers
Green Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections


~ END ~

GPMI Press Release on Gaza Bombings

Press Release
Green Party of Michigan
December 30, 2008

For more information: contact Fred Vitale, state chairperson, at 313-580-4905 or chair@migreens.org

Green Party leaders condemn Israeli bombings; support call for boycott of Israel

Green Party leaders in Michigan condemned the brutal air strikes and military assaults by Israel on unarmed civilians in Gaza and called for a boycott of Israel.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza, erected in 2006 after the democratic election of Hamas, was an act of war. As a result of the blockade, 80% of Gazans live on less than two dollars a day, unemployment hovers at 50-60%, with only 195 factories, reduced from 3,900 in 2005. Israel has barred the delivery of UN relief to Gazans.

In spite of this near strangulation of their society, the people of Gaza agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. Now, Israel drops dozens of bombs on students and children, killing over 300 people and wounding 1,750. And this pogrom isn't over yet.

Derek Grigsby, chair of the Detroit Green Party and candidate for Michigan House of Representatives, 7th district, said: "We demand that the Bush administration stop using the state of Israel as a terrorist force against the people of the Middle East and use the money being given to them for basic necessities here at home, like healthcare and education."

He continued: "We call on all of our elected leaders to stand up for justice and human rights and roundly condemn the murderous aggression committed by Israel on the Palestinians."

Margaret Guttshall, candidate for Wayne State Board of Governors, said, "When I was a student at Wayne State, we organized and convinced the Student Council to support divestment from Israel. Now it is time to implement divestment as well as academic sanctions against Israel, just as we did against the apartheid regime of South Africa."

"We want all military and economic aid from the U.S. to Israel stopped immediately," said Fred Vitale, state chairperson and candidate for Michigan House of Representatives from the 3rd district. "We support, among other actions, the calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel and for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel -- until it ceases to deny Palestinian history, ends the Occupation, ceases discrimination against Palestinian citizens of Israel, and permits displaced Palestinian refugees to return to their homes," Vitale concluded.

For more information:

www.gpus.org

www.migreens.org

www.electronicintifada.net for information on the call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel

Green Party of Michigan opposes auto bailout -- Not one job saved, not one community protected

Statement of Fred Vitale, Chairperson, Green Party of Michigan

The Green Party of Michigan strenuously opposes the $17.4 billion bailout for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

The agreement by the Bush administration to use a small part of the $700 billion already promised to Wall Street bankers is no victory for working people in Michigan.

The loans support the failed policies of the current corporate leaderships. Not only have they systematically pressured the union to reduce the living standards, but they have undermined the construction of mass transportation, fought laws to reduce pollution, and refused to build ecologically friendly automobiles.

GM, Chrysler and Ford are not democratic institutions. Product choices and policy were and are made by boards of directors and top executives. Why are the workers and communities punished for decisions that weren't theirs?

The struggles of UAW members have won some measure of racial equality in the factories; production workers developed political strength and clout; they fought for and won a high standard of living for production workers which provided the foundations for all workers, including salaried professionals, to have higher wages throughout the North. All these gains are gravely threatened.

The auto bailout now puts the full weight of the central government behind the wealthy owners and bankers, who, as exhibited by the bloodthirsty howls of the southern senators, want to reverse the gains of the UAW, to turn back into profits a large part of the workers' wages and benefits and, in that process, tear apart families, crush hopes, terrorize communities.

There are other, alternative solutions to the crises facing auto workers and their communities.

GM, Chrysler and Ford facilities should be nationalized with their assets controlled locally and democratically by workers and communities. Workers and affected communities need decisive control over what happens to jobs, to work at the factories, and the factory equipment.

Previously granted municipal and state tax abatement agreements to keep factories and jobs, as well as other local agreements, must be vigorously enforced.

Michigan needs a real safety net for its residents. Michigan has been in this recession longer than most states. We need to guarantee all residents a livable income. We need a moratorium on all foreclosures and utility cutoffs; unemployment benefits should be paid as long as there is a recession. Food stamps and food kitchens must be opened and supported in all needy neighborhoods.

We need quality education available without charge for all residents from kindergarten through college. We need to develop training programs for environmentally friendly green jobs and work.

We need a public works program to offer employment to everyone who wants to work at a livable wage with full health care benefits. This is an opportunity to create green spaces, urban farms, large living cooperatives in our cities. It is an opportunity to support and strengthen rural life through locally supported and approved projects.

We need to develop a green economy -- local agriculture, local manufacturing, local work and life environments, extensive recycling and reuse facilities, new sources of energy -- wind, thermal, wave.

None of this will happen without positive action from the majority of people. We need to fight against this bailout and for real alternatives to unemployment, poverty and slashed living conditions.

We need to support each other in all these struggles. People need to think and act independently of the auto executives, the bankers and their spokespersons, the Democratic and Republican Parties. They need to vote Green.

The auto bailout, like the larger bailout scam it is part of, offers no real hope for millions of citizens. Like so many things from our government under Republican and Democratic Party leadership, it is an illusion of help, hiding continued steps down the wrong road.

A brighter future depends on us.

Who Are We?

The Greens, in essence, strive for peace, ecological sustainability, fair access to the necessities of life, and human, civil and equal rights. The Green Party of Michigan (affiliated with the Green Party of the United States) seeks to work with people throughout the state, the country, and the world to make fundamental positive changes in our governments, economic systems, and overall well-being. We recognize that these changes can only happen through the wills and desires of free people.

Our mission is to fight abuses of the political system, build positive alternatives, work for change in the current political structure, and keep a vigorous dialogue going in the community. We work in alliances and coalitions, we train new activists, we support other activist groups, we are involved in electoral politics, we are educating the public and we are building a community for the future. Join us!