Current News and Events
Green Party of Michigan State Membership Meeting and Nominating Convention
Time: July 31 at 9:00am - August 1 at 4:00pmLocation: Great Wall Chinese Restaurant Meeting Room, 4832 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, Mi 48917 517-327-9500
We will be nominating candidates for local, county, state and federal office to run on the Green Party ticket in the fall election.
We are asking for a $10 registration fee each day, which will include a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch.
Discounted rooms are available at:
Ramada Inn, 7501 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing MI 48917, 517-627-5240
For Sat, July 31, we have a flat rate of $69 plus tax which includes a full breakfast (2 per room), non smoking room either King or Double. This group rate can be extended 2 days prior and 2 days after this date. When calling to reserve your room ask for the group code 'Green'
This offer is guaranteed only until 3 p.m. on Monday, July 26. After that it will be based on availability only.
Questions to Lynn, 734-476-7101 or lynnmeadows@provide.net
Agenda, Fred Vitale, 313-580-4905 or freddetroit@sbcglobal.net
Candidates, John Anthony LaPietra, 269-223-1227 or jalp@triton.net
GPUS condemns the assassination of Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org
Greens urge Obama to press for an investigation, citing obstruction, violence against opposition parties by the Rwanda government
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party of the United States expressed shock and sadness over news of the barbaric killing of Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (http://www.rwandagreendemocrats.org). Mr. Rwisereka's body, discovered July 14 after he was missing for several days, showed evidence of murder.
US Greens have joined Green Parties around the world in extending their sincere condolences to Mr. Rwisereka's family and community and the Rwandan Green Party.
more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=331
Green Party of US Annual National Meeting in Detroit June 24 - 27
Register for the ANM in Detroit
US Greens congratulate Caroline Lucas, the UK's first Green Party member of Parliament, on her election victory
2010-05-08 Washington, DC -- The Green Party of the United States congratulates Caroline Lucas and British Greens on Ms. Lucas' election to the House of Commons on May 6. Ms. Lucas, the first Green member of Parliament, will represent Brighton Pavilion.
"The election of the first Green to the British House of Commons is cause for celebration among Greens in the US and for everyone who wants to see a new direction in politics and an end to the stranglehold of the pro-war pro-corporate old parties," said Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party's 2008 nominee for President of the United States and former member of the US House of Representatives from Georgia. "If Greens can win a seat in the UK, we can win one or more seats in Congress here in America."
While Ms. Lucas is the only Green Member of Parliament, the Scottish Green Party holds two seats in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood and there are two Green members in the London Assembly. 13 Green city councillors serve in Brighton and Hove.
more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=315
Green Party of Michigan State Membership Meeting, Saturday May 15 Lansing
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
4832 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
map: http://j.mp/ddARwA
Sign in, coffee and catch-up at 9 am. Meeting starts at 10 am. All Green Party members, supporters and potential candidates are encouraged to attend.
The Green Party Annual National Meeting will be held in Detroit, June 24-27 at the same time as the U.S. Social Forum, June 22-26 (www,ussf2010.org).
Please register at www.gpus.org and join us at these exciting events!
The Agenda for the State Membership Meeting May 15 includes:
2010 Elections - Many Opportunities for Greens
Crisis Continues in the Economy and Government - Green Solutions
U. S. Social Forum in Detroit and Annual National Meeting
For more information, please contact Lynn Meadows (lynnmeadows@provide.net ) or Fred Vitale at 313-580-4905 or call the GPMI office at 734-633-3555.
Two fossil-fuel dangers threaten America's economic health, public health and natural habitats: coal and offshore drilling for oil, say Greens on Earth Day 2010
Greens demand an end to mountaintop removal mining, poisoning of water, lethal worker safety violations, and industry corruption and control over government policy
Obama's offshore drilling plans threaten Alaska and the Atlantic coast with public health disasters and devastations of natural habitats
On Earth Day 2010, Green Party candidates and leaders said that coal and offshore drilling for oil represented two severe threats to America's public and environmental well-being, and urged President Obama and Congress to reverse course on both.
"There are millions of jobs waiting to be created in conservation, retrofitting, new and clean energy sources, expansion of public transportation, and environmental clean-up," said Martin Zehr, co-chair of the Green Party's EcoAction Committee (http://www.gp.org/committees/ecoaction/index.php). "President Obama promised many such jobs, declaring correctly that they would help jump-start the economy. Instead, we're seeing no cessation of mountaintop removal mining, continued promotion of the 'clean coal' myth, and a new White House plan to open up 167 million acres of ocean along America's pristine Alaskan and Atlantic coasts for offshore oil and gas drilling."
"It's not a matter of only reducing foreign oil imports. The century of global climate change demands that we drastically reduce fossil fuel consumption and replace it with alternative kinds of energy," said Mr. Zehr.
more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=311
Greens: President Obama must press Israel to end East Jerusalem settlements
President Obama must put pressure on Israel immediately to stop the construction of settlements and displacement of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, Green Party leaders and candidates said today.
"President Obama should send Prime Minister Netanyahu a message: enough is enough. If Israel continues to violate Palestinian human rights, the US must cancel the $30 million military aid package pledged to Israel for 2009-2018. The plan to build 1,600 housing units for Israeli Jews in East Jerusalem is the latest outrage. Although a rumored US abstension from a possible UN Security Council resolution against the settlements would be an improvement over its usual veto on Israel's behalf, this would still be an act of moral cowardice," said Sanda Everette, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. (News story on the possible UN resolution: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/8591714.stm)
more at: http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=307
Green gubernatorial campaigns to watch in 2010: candidates in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, Ohio
Several Green candidates have launched campaigns in their states' races for governor in 2010.
The Green Party of California will have a contested primary election for the gubernatorial race, with Laura Wells and Deacon Alexander competing for the nomination, to be decided on June 8.
In recent years, gubernatorial races in some states have given Green Parties high enough percentages to achieve or maintain ballot status and determine the outcome of the election.
In 2006, Rich Whitney and his fellow Greens overcame an attempt by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to keep the Green Party off the Illinois ballot. Gov. Blagojevich spent about $800,000 to block the Green Party. Mr. Whitney drew over 10% of the vote on Election Day 2006 and will be on the ballot in 2010.
more at http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=305
GPMI State Membership Meeting -- February 27-28, 2010
The next Green Party of Michigan State Membership Meeting will be held in Lapeer on Saturday & Sunday February 27,28 2010.
Saturday Feb 27:
10 a.m. - Tour: Willows Environmental Center, 231 Lake Drive (strawbale building with solar panels, etc.)
1 p.m. - Lapeer Ctr: 425 County Center St: Business Meeting, 2010 election planning (BOX LUNCHES available for purchase)
4 p.m. - Eagles Club, 3565 Davison Rd.: Goat Races, Chili & Beer
6 p.m. - Resume Meeting at Lapeer Center, 425 County Center St.
Sunday Feb 28:
Sun 9 a.m. - Best Western, 770 West St: breakfast and meeting, Officer Elections, Campaign Planning, Update on Detroit ANM/USSF
Additional Information:
For "Green Party" discount rooms, call Best Western, 810.667.0006.
Map here
Questions or more info: lynnmeadows@provide.net
Local contact: Candace Collins, phone 810-653-5095.
Michigan Greens Say Granholm's Final State of the State Speech Is Disappointing, Short-Sighted, Business as Usual
GPMI Candidates Will Focus on Prosperity and Peace for People, Environment
Members of the Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) are disappointed, though not surprised, by the contradictions between Governor Granholm's talk of a new direction for Michigan's economy and her obvious support of the same old business as usual . . . and the same old businesses.
"Had Granholm stopped after saying, 'Our world has changed, utterly; the old Michigan economy is gone', I would have been left with the surprising impression that I agreed with her," says Art Myatt, a GPMI vice-chair and the head of the partys Platform Committee. "She did not stop. She went on to outline ways to bring back whole chunks of the old economy. Her vision is simply a revived automotive economy that has less automobile manufacturing in Michigan."
"In her final speech on the state of our state, she mentioned the waters of Michigan just once -- and then only as a 'natural resource' to be exploited. There was no mention of protecting those waters, or protecting Michigan's environment at all," Myatt continues. "Earlier this month, her Department of Environmental Quality, on the day before it was to be dissolved, ruled in favor of permitting sulfide mining in the Upper Peninsula, bypassing the legal process in place to contest this permit.
more at: http://www.detroitgreens.org/node/229
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
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=249The 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?
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!
