is this encoded, or goobledygook? (i really am that clueless)

peace, chance

Greens Rally for the DNC

by Nathanael Jordan 12:00am Tue Nov 30 '99

phone: (831)426-0904 njordan5@hotmail.com



interview with Volunteer Coordinator

Santa Cruz Greens campaign for new election formats

alternative institutions in the making

Rally for the DNC 27 July Ralph Nader knows the story. Sure, the

“republicrats” have set the rules to keep themselves in control.

Granted, the presidency legitimates a flawed system based on racialized

exploitation. That’s what makes the Green campaign so important: they

organize for direct representation. The Greens see the presidential race

as a way to both spotlight injustice and promote direct action.

Volunteers focus these purposes in two main areas: First, Greens mean to

change who designs the debates. Second, the Nader campaign promises to

support independent initiatives across the country. With these

intentions, the organizers demonstrate one way to challenge corporate

authority. David Espinoza, volunteer coordinator for the Santa Cruz

chapter, spoke on these goals at a recent prep meeting for the DNC. For

the first, the Greens challenge the Commission on Presidential Debates

(CPD) as a means to reveal who limits national politics. “A little bit

of background on this – The Commission on Presidential Debates dis not

exist prior to 1987. Before that, the debates were run by the

non-partisan League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters made a

‘mistake’: they let an independent into the debates (I believe it was in

1984). That, of course, ruffled the feathers of the Republican/Democrat

party…These two parties are in the business of staying in power. So,

they established the CPD, and set a 15% polling rate for any third party

to qualify to get into the debates…It’s funded by things like Budweiser

and big tobacco… …Nader has filed a lawsuit saying that violates earlier

laws that political campaigns could not be funded by corporations.

That’s one aspect.” The other, of course, is the grassroots pressure.

Espinoza and the tabling volunteers coordinate a postcard drive to

convince the CDP that people know what’s going on. What is more, the

campaigners contact elected representatives to cosponsor Rep. Jackson’s

bill to lower the entrance level to 5% (HR 373). That percentage of

voters parallels the number that will bring the greens federal support.

Its what they do with that support that makes the difference. According

to Espinoza, the long term goal of the Nader campaign is to provide

backing for local elections. To do that includes getting the public

support to show more than 5% of voters. With that number, the Greens

“qualify for federal matching funds,” says Espinoza. Nader’s campaign

promises to provide such money to city and state candidates. At that

legislative level, Nader promotes the Concord Principles for all

officials. He would enact protections for “whistleblowers” who organize

against corporate abuses. In such ways, the Greens offer legal support

for direct action movements. The DNC stands as a chance to coordinate

strategies and plan actions. Nader’s campaign offers vital resources for

challenging corporate-led politics. David Espinoza calls for your

support during the Los Angeles convergence: “Just look for the green

flags.