30th September 2008

See Martin Whiteside's letter responding to the call for Greens to campaign only rather than get into politics. 

Mary Brown makes an extraordinary assertion that parties would be greener if Greens only campaigned rather than got into politics (SNJ letters 24/09/08). What nonsense! Already our electoral system fails to allow many views to be debated properly, but at least where Green votes are high you see attempts by the three 'Grey parties' to be more green.

Supporting organisations like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace is important, but not enough. The 'green' policies of the main parties are a sham. We all know it. And years of campaigning have not brought the changes we need. At most, 5% of the Grey party policies are greenish, and those will be totally obliterated by the other 95% based on business as usual.

To change the structure of society - the cause of the present environmental and social crisis - it is essential to also put pressure where it has most impact - within the electoral system. Already many people are too disillusioned to vote as the three main parties offer virtually identical policies. Green politics in contrast offers a long term strategic approach that puts people and planet before profits to guarantee a future for our children.

The Green Party is needed now more than ever - people have the right to vote Green! The forthcoming County Council Elections, Euro Elections and General Election will be an excellent opportunity for people to think of the future and exercise this right.

Councillor Martin Whiteside,

Hillside, Claypits Lane, Lypiatt, Stroud, Glos
Stroud Green Party Parliamentary Candidate