Ralph Nader knows the story.

Sure, the "republicrats" have set the rules to keep themselves in control. Granted, the presidency stands for a flawed system. That's what makes the Green campaigns so important: they organize for direct representation.

This matters as a way to support the organizers that converge at the DNC. The Greens see the presidential race as a way to both spotlight injustice and promote direct action. Volunteers focus these goals in the federal debates and the local offices.

Nader's campaign demands that the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) would accept independent candidates. David Espinoza, volunteer coordinator for the Santa Cruz chapter, spoke of this demand as one way to change who designs democracy. "The CPD did 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." Republican and Democrat representatives took over the debates after that incident, and limited the forums to candidates that could d collect a 15% support in private polls. Meanwhile, the CPD collects funds from Budweiser and big tobacco, giving the Greens a chance to challenge the exclusions.

"Nader has filed a lawsuit saying that [the sponsorship] violates earler 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 run a postcard drive to support HR 373, which would lower the debate entrance requirement to 5%. That goal marks the percentage that also provides the Greens with federal funds.

The current campaign demonstrates one way that the Green party provides support for local organizers. With the federal funds, the Greens can continue to promote protections for whistleblowers. What matters to me is that i see the Green campaign as one example of people empowering themselves by organizing for the benefit of others. With the federal funds, the Greens can continue to provide important support for activists, such as court protections for whistleblowers.

As for the critical moment of the DNC convergence, the Greens will definitely have a presence: "Just look for the green flags."