The Green Party Leaves Democrats Livid

Re “Dissenting Greens See Chance to Grow,” April 1: The Greens must credit Democrats with really short memories. If they don’t think those of us opposed to this war don’t consider them partly responsible for it, they’re deluding themselves. Every time I read a headline about affirmative action rollbacks, the disappearing line between church and state, eroding abortion rights or drilling in some pristine wilderness, I remember Ralph Nader’s simplistic accusation that there is no practical difference between Democrats and Republicans.

Every time I remember that we were so close to having the deficit paid off, I remember the Greens’ naive stubbornness and wonder how long it will take to undo this damage. I’m not an elephant, but I don’t forget!

Susan McTigue

Manhattan Beach

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I am appalled that anyone would believe the Green Party is “a solution to the problem” of the war in Iraq. This is the same party that made a mantra of the phrase “there is no difference between Bush and Gore,” a notion that has been proven completely absurd by the Bush administration’s fervent advocacy for conservative judicial appointments, oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, snowmobiles in Yellowstone and a host of civil liberties crackdowns.

If Al Gore had been elected president, then U.S. troops would not be invading Iraq today. The Green Party’s willful naivete is likely to doom the entire left to another generation of political irrelevancy.

Ted Weinstein

San Francisco

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Good for the Green Party of California for registering new voters. These activists are doing the essential work that a healthy democracy requires. Consider the following statistics from the secretary of state regarding the California November 2000 presidential election: 21 million Californians were qualified to register; 15 million Californians registered to vote; 11 million actually cast ballots.

Sadly, this turnout represents only 51% of all potential voters. If the Democrats want to stop losing progressive voters to the Green Party I suggest the following: Quit acting like Republicans. Develop a progressive platform that Californians can get excited about. Get out and register the half of the state that does not currently vote. It’s time to emulate the grass-roots efforts of the scrappy but committed Green Party.

Brian Smith

San Francisco