GREEN PARTY

Environment, social issues main concerns of Greens

JASON SAVARESE
DM Staff Writer

For students who feel like Republicans and Democrats do not accurately represent their political, economic or moral views, there is an alternative. The Green Party, commonly referred to as the Greens, are gaining momentum all over the world and have been active on the Ole Miss campus since January.

University Greens representative Keith Wright said that the group was established on campus to further such issues as the environment and several social issues that the Green Party stands for.

"There was a lack of progressiveness on campus, and a great need for it," Wright said.

The University Greens promote the issues of social justice, nonviolence, democracy, ending the war on drugs, giving control of public airwaves back to the public and environmental awareness.

The Greens are highly active in nonpolitical action year round, and even more so during campaign season. Although not an officially recognized state party in Mississippi, they have groups in Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Starkville and in Oxford.

Mississippi Greens recently succeeded in getting Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader on the Mississippi ballot. Over 2,000 Mississippians signed petitions in support of Nader.

"It (getting Nader on the ballot) was not incredibly difficult, but it took work," Wright said. "Democrats and Republicans have managed to make laws to prevent small parties from getting power."

The University Greens support Ralph Nader for President and try to get his message of campaign finance reform, an increase in minimum wage to a "living wage" standard and tuition free college out to the people.

They are proud to tell voters that Nader is a different kind of candidate, free of the excessive political rhetoric which comprises today's campaign trail. At recent rallies, they point out, voters have paid a nominal fee just for the privilege of hearing Nader speak.

The Greens say they represent all people but especially those who "fall through the cracks," such as the poor, uneducated and those who lack political savvy.

Wright said that the No. 1 issue in the elections should be democracy.

"Over half of Americans are not voting. Political pundits say that Americans are lazy which, isn't true," Wright said. "Americans care, just not about things that are registering on the radars of big parties."

Wright encourages students to join the University Greens, emphasizing that the group is open to "anyone who feels major problems are not being addressed because power is in self-serving hands," Wright said. "If college kids don't turn onto politics, politics is going to turn on them"

Currently the University Greens have 30 members. There are no fees to join. They meet regularly to discuss issues and to update members on Green Party campaign progress. To check out the Green Party platform, go to www.watervalley.net/users/ fridge/greens_home.html. They encourage all who are interested to contact Keith Wright at kmwright@watervalley.net.