I would like to point out 3 things:
#1. Annie Young was a very vocal and visible Nader supporter. In fact, she
was the M.C. at the Target Center super rally & is seeking the Green Party
endorsement as well as DFL. As a member of the Green Party of MN
Coordinating Committee myself I can say that Annie Young is much more active
in the Green Party (at every meeting) than Gary Schiff, who doesn't even
attent Green Party functions anymore.
#2. Rick Stafford's arguement against greens is hypocrosy because dfler's
are lining up in droves to attempt to get the green party endorsement this
spring.
#3. Dean Zimmerman has been a local activist within the DFL for decades and
deserves the right to attend DFL functions and work to gain support from
individuals within the DFL who share his GREEN values.
Chris Allison
Whittier
In a message dated 3/1/2001 10:17:51 AM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< My comments regarding the discussion about Annie Young, Nader.
Annie Young - Ms. Young is a long-time personal friend of mine. I was
her campaign treasurer for her first campaign. When Ms. Young runs for
the Park and Recreation Board again this year, I will be supporting Ms.
Young. Ms. Young has the right to come to DFL Party meetings and ask
for their support. And, yes, it will be up to the delegates to decide
whether they will endorse her or not. Just like this Saturday in the
9th Ward concerning Gary Schiff. Unlike Annie, I will not be voting for
Mr. Schiff for a variety of reasons in addition to his very vocal and
open support of Ralph Nader and THE GREEN PARTY. I would like to remind
DFLers that four years ago because of a stupid rule buried in the rules
of
the city DFL convention, Annie Young was not endorsed by the DFL Party.
In fact, she could not even be endorsed after the primary because of
that
rule, even though she was the top vote-getter in the primary; and, I
believe she became the top vote-getter in the general election.
Regarding the general issue of Nader/Green Party, my objections have
been and will continue to be is that if you are a DFL Party officer or
elected official elected under a DFL label you should support the
party's endorsed candidate or remain silent. While some like to point
to the fact that
many people within the DFL supported Mike Cirersi or Mark Dayton last
fall, they are correct. The distinct difference here is that these
individuals were running in the DFL Party Primary. Ralph Nader and
other Green candidates were running in opposition to the Party's
candidate in the general election. Also, many of those supporting Ralph
Nader were not just supporting Nader, but supporting and working for the
"Green Party" to obtain major party status. I mention persons
like Dean Zimmerman, Klaus Zimmerman, Arthur LaRue and others that I
would put in that category. Those individuals plus others that worked
for
both Nader and the Green Party, should have the integrity to stay and
work within their "new" party and not take part and use the DFL Party.
It
says alot to me about individuals who sit on the State or Congressional
District Coordinating Boards of the Green Party and then come to DFL
Party Conventions asking for endorsement or to vote on DFL Party
candidates and issues. I believe Ms. Young is not a member of any
Congressional District or State Green Party Coordinating Board. The
question I ask the Greens who are coming to the DFL Party conventions
and meetings, is it okay for me to start organizing DFLers in large
numbers that agree with the issues of the Green Party and getting them
to attend Green
Party meetings and endorsing conventions? I think we saw what happened
in that scenario with the Reform Party last year and Pat Buchanan's
candidacy. To my Green Party friends and to those I don't know, YOU DO
YOUR THING AND WE IN THE DFL WILL DO OURS!!!!
Rick Stafford, Ward 9, Powderhorn Park
Former State DFL Party Chair
2000 Minnesota State Campaign Chair for Gore
_________________________________________ >>
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