New Podcast - Why Unions Are Important

Aron Reina from the Rochester and Genesee Valley Labor Federation joins us on this week's GreenLine, just in time for the upcoming Labor Day Parade.  We discuss some labor history as well as organized labor's relevance today.  We also plug the upcoming Labor Day Parade, Saturday, September 6th.  The parade starts at 11am in downtown Rochester, but if you'd like to join the Greens in the parade, there's more information here.

And here is the link to help the Mott's Workers in Williamson.  http://www.mottsworkers.org.

 You can download the podcast here or go to www.greenlinepodcast.com.

March with the Greens in the Labor Day Parade!

Show your support for both the Green Party and our community's workers by marching in the Labor Day Parade with the GPoMC. Bring your friends and family to show Rochester that the community's true progressive political party supports the right for workers to collectively bargain. We do this every year and it's always a blast! You can call Dave (that's me) if you have any questions. MARCHERS GET FREE BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM.

We meet on Arnold Street, which is a block north of S. Goodman Street and perpendicular to East Ave & Park Ave. Be there at 10am with your walking shoes, skates, roller blades, heck, even your bike! Wear something green and get your royal wave ready! If you have any questions, call Dave at 315-7687. Here's a taste of parades past:

Australian Greens win in a 'greenslide' in Australia's parliamentary elections

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

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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


US Greens congratulate Australian Greens on election victories in Parliament

• Australia's 'greenslide' is a result of Proportional Representation -- a reform promoted by Greens for fair elections in the US

• "Hung Parliament" will give Australian Greens unprecedented power

• Green Party Speakers Bureau: Greens available to speak on international issues, electoral reform, related topics: http://www.gp.org/speakers/subjects.php


WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party of the United States congratulates Australian Greens (http://greens.org.au) on their 'greenslide' in Australia's parliamentary elections on Saturday, August 21. Preliminary results show the Greens will take ten seats in the Australian House of Representatives and Senate.

"The Australian Greens' impressive totals follow on the election of Caroline Lucas, the first Green to Parliament in the UK, in May," said Julia Willebrand, candidate for New York State Comptroller (http://www.juliaforcomptroller.com) and member of the Green Party's International Committee (http://www.gp.org/committees/intl). "It's only a matter of time before the first Green is elected to the US Congress. We need a shock to the two-party status quo in America, the kind of shock we're seeing now in Australia."

"When we get some Greens in Congress in the US, we'll see an enormous change in the direction of America -- a change for the better, since Democrats and Republicans will no longer take their exclusive control over US politics and government for granted. Like Australia and the UK, Americans will have legislators from a party dedicated to human needs, human rights, and the health of our planet," Ms. Willebrand added.

US Greens noted that the Green wins in Australia were a result of Proportional Representation (PR), a democratic reform "whose major goal is to ensure that parties and political groups are allocated seats in legislative bodies in proportion to their share of the vote. For example, a party receiving 30% of the national vote should receive approximately 30% of the seats in the national legislature." (http://www.fairvote.org)

Green Parties in the US, Australia, and other countries support PR and contrast such reforms with the winner-take-all/plurality voting system prevalent in the US, in which a party with a plurality or a 51% majority can sweep an election with a disproportionate number of wins and shut out other parties and the voters who vote for them.

Greens in the US have argued that America is too diverse to be represented by only two parties -- especially two parties with many similar positions and a mutual addiction to corporate contributions and influence. Green leaders also noted that Australians take elections so seriously that voting is compulsory for state and federal elections.

Margaret Blakers, director of The Green Institute in Australia (http://greeninstitute.org.au), provided a preliminary analysis of the election:

"Here's what it looks like at the moment. Overall vote: in the House of Reps 11.4% and in the Senate 12.96%. These will go up a bit as the postal and absentee votes come in where we generally do better which means we're on 12--13% overall. This is the best result ever for a minor party in Australia.

House of Representatives (lower house): the Greens have won their first ever seat in the House of Reps in a general election. Adam Bandt in the seat of Melbourne got 36% of the primary vote; the Liberals (conservatives) got 20% and Labor 39%. With preferences, Adam wins the seat by 56% to 44%.

Senate (upper house): we will definitely have 8 Senators and probably nine. That will be two each in Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia and one in Victoria, Queensland, and probably NSW [New South Wales]. There are still a couple of outside chances for additional seats but we won't know for up to two weeks. During that time postal and absentee votes come in and we won't get the final result until they are all counted."

Ms. Blakers, who is also member of the Global Greens Coordination (the body that connects Green Parties on the global level: http://www.globalgreens.org), said that the election will result in a "hung" Parliament "where neither of the major parties has a majority meaning that they will have to negotiate with independents and the Greens to determine who will form the government... It's going to be fascinating to see how it plays out and whether the old parties can bring themselves to share power."

"What's clear is this is a huge win for the Greens. Climate change was a key issue but it was much more than that," added Ms. Blakers.

MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
• Green candidate database and 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
• Green Party Livestream Channel http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus

"There's a new light on the hill, and it's bright Green"
The Sydney Morning Herald, August 23, 2010
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/theres-a-new-light-on-the-hill-and-its-bright-green-20100822-13axg.html

"Make History Melbourne. The Greens."
Video clip featuring Adam Bandt, elected to the Australian House of Representatives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Us6LZ75z0A

"Australian result shows advantage of MMP [Proportional Representation]"
Metiria Turei, Member of Parliament, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, August 23, 2010
http://www.greens.org.nz/press-releases/australian-result-shows-advantage-mmp

Video clips from the Green Party's 2010 Annual National Meeting, Detroit, Michigan, June 24-27 http://www.gp.org http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus

Green Pages: The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United States http://gp.org/greenpages-blog


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GPNYS Petition Coordinator Thanks Everyone Who Participated

My Greens,

As you know, last week we turned in 27,500 signatures in one of the strongest Green petition applications in recent memory. That's because you stepped up and stepped out --into the hot sun, onto village squares and crowded train platforms-- and convinced thousands upon thousands of NY State registered voters to sign for a real choice on election day.

I am immensely proud of all who contributed to the drive, and you should be proud of yourselves and your Party. I am also overwhelmed by gratitude, knowing you gathered signatures while navigating commitments to jobs, family, health issues, and just trying to be a human being during a New York summer!

I am especially grateful to Greens who took on leadership roles in their communities -- distributing materials, holding trainings, planning petition events and motivating Greens to get out there, and collecting and cleaning sheets. This drive relied on your dedication, flexibility, and energy. You delivered and exceeded high expectations.

As Howie already wrote to you, earlier this week, there are many more duties to be filled so we can turn this initial victory into success on election day. A few examples:

-- Distribute literature at events, markets, rallies and in your neighborhood. Recruit volunteers!
-- Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper
-- Organize a house party or local event to raise funds for our statewide campaign

...and keep posting on Facebook and your websites to support all of the above activities! Plus, we need you to donate when you can to HowieHawkins.com and GPNYS.org to keep vital campaign infrastructure running.

Getting on the ballot is just the beginning. We need you to maintain your energy and support through the next ten weeks. Communities across this state are counting on the Green Party to move the debate and build this movement for real answers to today's crises.

With our fantastic candidates, we can show NY State that we're just getting started!

Sincerely,
Michael ONeil
2010 GPNYS Petition Coordinator

New Podcast - The State of the Green Party Today

This week's show focuses on the state of the local Green Party and how state election laws effects what we're doing and how we may strategize in the future. Your host, Dave Atias, explains how unconstituted parties, like the Greens, get on the ballot in New York State and what it takes for them to become a constituted party.

[Transcript will be posted soon at www.greenlinepodcast.com]

You can download the podcast here or go to www.greenlinepodcast.com.

CDR Update: Maggie Lied

We're posting this Media Release from the Center for Disability Rights as this topic was covered on our first podcast, GreenLine. It also has consequences to any grup that does business with the County of Monroe who dares to speak truth to power. Please visit GreenLinePodcast.com to listen to the original story or read the transcript.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2010
Bruce Darling, Chief Executive Officer, 585-546-7510, bdarling@cdrnys.org

Documents Show Brooks Administration Misrepresented Medicaid Fraud Cases
to Make Argument for Terminating CDR’s Contract

(Rochester, NY): Today, CDR released letters from the Monroe County Office of Probation and Community Corrections that clearly state that a Medicaid Fraud investigation has been completed, that the attendants involved were prosecuted and CDR was identified as “a victim” in the case. Additionally, CDR released several emails showing that CDR was cooperating with Monroe County in this case.

In an effort to bolster the argument for terminating their contract with the Center for Disability Rights, Monroe County officials stated that CDR was under investigation for Medicaid fraud. CDR denied this claim, but the organization – like law enforcement officials – could not share any specific information on open criminal cases. With the recent conviction, these cases are now officially closed and CDR is pleased to have the opportunity to set the record straight.

Both the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) and the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud unit have been involved, and CDR has worked diligently with law enforcement to bring these cases to conviction. Furthermore, as shown in emails between CDR and the county, Monroe County was completely aware that CDR cooperated in this investigation. “Although it was painful to have governmental officials making such erroneous allegations, we wouldn’t say anything that might interfere with criminal proceedings. This is just another example of Monroe County officials lying about our organization in an effort to destroy our reputation, and I am happy that the truth of these cases is coming out,” said Bruce Darling, President/CEO of the Center for Disability Rights.

Facts about these cases:

§ These cases were brought against two attendants who submitted timesheets for periods of time when the consumer was hospitalized, thus fraudulently billing Medicaid.

§ When the fraud was verified, the employment of the attendants was immediately terminated.

§ The consumer was in Strong Memorial Hospital at the time these falsified timesheets were submitted and therefore was not subject to any neglect from the fraud.

§ The timesheets were signed by the supervisor and no notification of the hospital stays were made to CDR, so CDR staff did not have any cause to question the validity of the timesheets.

§ CDR was aware of at least one period of hospitalization and did not bill Medicaid for that time.

§ The court convicted the two attendants of Petit Larceny for Medicaid fraud and CDR was deemed a “victim” in the case.

The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) is a non-profit service and advocacy organization devoted to the full integration, independence and civil rights of people of all ages with all types of disabilities. With services in 13 counties in New York State and offices in Rochester, Corning, Geneva, Albany, and New York City, CDR represents the concerns of thousands of people with disabilities.


- 30 -

Green Party Qualifies Five Candidates for Statewide Office

The Green Party qualified its statewide candidates today, headed by Howie Hawkins for Governor, by filing 27,500 signatures, with more than 100 signatures coming from 26 out of the 29 Congressional Districts.

Also qualifying were four women for statewide office: Gloria Mattera for Lt. Governor, Julia Willebrand for State Comptroller, Colia Clark for US Senate(full term); and Cecile Lawrence for US Senate (Special term).

Key issues for the Greens this fall include support for a state and national New Green Deal to provide for living wage jobs for all New Yorkers, starting with massive investments in renewable energy; bringing America troops home from war and slashing the military budget; a single payer Medicare for All universal health program at the state and national level; and a ban on the proposed hydrofracking for natural gas.

The Greens also called for the end to the corruption that dominates all levels of the American government; full funding for education, including college; strong action to reduce climate change; an end to the war on drugs and the prison industrial complex; and, support for immigrant rights and same sex marriage.

“A Green New Deal will provide greater financial security for Americans, limit the power of corporations, reduce military spending, reform America’s corrupted election system, and address the growing climate-change crisis. The cuts in military spending combined with huge public investments in renewable energy, public transportation, and conservation will ensure a peaceful future for the US, with greater economic stability and the means to curb the catastrophic advance of global warming,” said Hawkins. Hawkins is the only union member running for Governor. He unloads trailers at UPS in Syracuse, where he is a member of Teamsters Local 317 and active in Teamsters for a Democratic Union, US Labor Against the War, and the Labor Campaign for Single Payer Healthcare.

“The Greens are picking up the New Deal torch from Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt that the current Democratic leadership has dropped,” Hawkins remarked.

“The Green New Deal is full of ideas that most Republican and Democratic candidates won’t touch. Despite some differences, the two Titanic parties promise the same things: more military aggression around the world, endless compromises and capitulations designed to benefit the powerful corporations that line the pockets of Democratic and Republican politicians,” said Mattera, a public health worker with children in the NYC hospital system. “These bipartisan policies led to the current financial meltdown and a decade of war-without-end. Voters who want more of the same should keep voting the same. Voters who want a new direction for our country should support the Green New Deal and vote to get Greens elected to public office,” she added.

“We already have the technology needed to install solar panels, small scale wind, energy conservation, and other renewable energy needs to meet all our energy needs; what we need is to immediately scale up to make it occur. Sustainable, renewable energy can be and is beautiful. Done right, individuals, families and businesses may never have to pay another heat, cooling or electricity bill to an outside entity often owned by a foreign corporation. We don’t need to continue digging for toxic materials such as oil, methane gas, uranium, and coal that’s making all of us sick. We need to adopt a ‘no harm’ standard now for all forms of extractive and other industries. With the Green Party leading the way, we can move quickly towards economic, health, as well as climate change solutions. This is why I’m in this campaign to win,” said Cecile Lawrence.

Cecile Lawrence, a resident of Apalachin in Tioga County, a Jamaica-born activist in the movement against hydrofracking for natural gas due to concerns over water and other environmental issues, is running for the Senate seat to fill out the term of Hillary Clinton (Gillibrand was appointed). Ms. Lawrence is active in the movements for health care reform, organic agriculture and renewable energy.

“New Yorkers have the right to hear all of the candidates debate the issue, instead of being subjected to the coronation of Cuomo the II while the Republicans campaign as the party of no and inflaming bigotry through their attacks on Muslims. We are in the midst of the greatest worldwide recession in seventy years, with unemployment at staggering levels, and the Democrat candidate’s platform is to protect the rich, attack public employee unions, and propose a property tax cap. I have yet to uncover a more conservative Democratic candidate for Governor in New York’s long history,” noted Hawkins.

Colia Clark, a great grandmother who campaigned for civil rights and peace alongside the late Medgar W. Evers and Martin L. King Jr., said, “America’s greatest national treasure is her youth. Due to the high cost of a college education that treasure is endangered. I am campaigning for the US Senate fighting for critical legislation designed to protect the nation’s most valuable resource from harm of not getting a college education needed to survive in the 21st century. I will fight in the hallways, back rooms, in the US Senate chamber and all over Washington, DC for democratic education. A democratic education will guarantee all young folk living in the United States a full education without expense and loans. Education is also a human right. An educated nation is the best national security possible. The time to protect America’s national security is now. True change is putting people first,” said Ms. Clark.

Colia Clark, a former lecturer on Africana and Women’s studies, is a long time social justice activist from Harlem who is presently working on self-determination for the Haitian people

Julia Willebrand is a retired professor and former UFT delegate from Manhattan. A long time environmental leader and peace activist, she is running for State Comptroller, a position she received 117,908 votes for 4 years ago. The Green Party needs 50,000 votes for Governor to regain its status as an official ballot access qualified party.

“The Comptroller alone decides how to invest the $130 billion in Common Retirement pension funds. Wise investments targeted to create jobs and support infrastructure repair should be the most important use of that power. And ramping up the Comptroller’s audit power could slow a rising tide of public corruption in NY state,” she added.

All of the Green called for an end to war without end, to bring the troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan and more than a hundred other countries, and to cut the military budget by 50 to 75% to strengthen America through reinvestment in a strong economy and to cooperate with, not bully, the other countries of the planet.

“As we watched in horror as thousands of innocent victims lay dead in the smoldering ruins on 9/11, the Green Party was the first to release a statement calling on America to reject the all too predictable effort by the major parties to turn this criminal act into a call for war, to curtail civil liberties here in America while they invaded foreign lands in their unquenchable thirst for oil. All of the dangers that we warned of on that horrible day have come true. The world has not become a safer place, yet the major parties have fed the greed of the military contractors and Wall Street speculators, devastating the economic and national security of the rest of us. The path that the Democrats and Republicans, the media and corporate America, chose for us that day, the path that they continue to promote, was wrong. Another world is possible, one built on peace and justice, where improving the quality of life for all is far more important than increasing the wealth of the privileged and powerful. Vote Green Party for a change,” added Hawkins.

GreenLine - GPoMC's New Weekly Podcast

A weekly podcast is something we have been wanting to do for a long time. Things have finally fallen into place to allow that to happen. Welcome to GreenLine - the weekly podcast of the Green Party of Monroe County. Each week or so, you'll be able to listen to a new show about the progressive take on local current events and politics. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about GreenLine, please let us know. In the meantime, the current show is in a player to your right at the top of the page and the transcript of each show is at GreenLinePodcast.com. Enjoy!

GPoMC Weekly Update - August 5, 2010

Just a quick note to let you know that we'll be getting signatures from today through Fri, Aug 13th, but this weekend will be our last HUGE push. If you have time, or were planning on attending any of these events, think about helping to get signatures for an hour. You'll get at least 30 or so in that time. Here's what's happening:

Sat, Aug 7th:
7am - 11am, Public Market
12pm - 3pm, Park Ave Fest
3:30 - 6pm, African-American Fest (highland bowl)

Sun, Aug 8th:
9am - 11am, Brighton Farmer's Market (Brighton HS)
11am - 3pm, Park Ave Fest

Of Course you can always get signatures on your own - even if it's just one page (5 signatures). Reply to this message or call Dave (585-315-7687)

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You know this whole hullaballoo over Mayoral Control of the Rochester City School Board. Well, the folks who are trying to take away our right to vote want you to think that it's a grassroots effort. Well, not exactly.

Check out http://gpomc.blogspot.com/2010/07/rochester-kids-first-coalition-follow.html

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SAVE THE DATE:

Monday, September 6th is Labor Day and once again the Green Party will be in the local Labor Day Parade. Just don't watch from the sidelines or see 10 seconds of footage on the news. March with us! What a great way to get your kids down the road to activism. Details are coming soon, but I'll leave you with this teaser - all marchers get free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Stay tuned!

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Don’t forget about our social networking outlets!

Our Website: http://www.gpomc.org
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/greenpartyofmonroe
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gpomc
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Party-of-Monroe-County/129634820388655
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/green partyofMC

Please forward this to anyone you think would be interested.

Remember:

*We get petition signatures to get our state-wide candidates on the ballot.
*We get our candidates on the ballot to get 50,000 votes for Governor.
*We get 50,000 votes for governor to get ballot status back in NYS.
*We get ballot status back so we can run for office locally more easily.
*We run for office locally to get Greens elected.
*We get Greens elected to change our community that serves the people’s interests.