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Why I arrived


The first meeting of the now revitalized Greens Party of Fairfax County was held yesterday at the Oakton Public Library. I am glad to be working with Green veterans Jim Lowenstern and Paul Hughes. Jim has run for House of Delegates in the past. Paul started the meeting with a presentation on corporate personhood, which has again become a hot topic in light of the Supreme Court's disastrous decision stating that money equaled free speech and that corporations are entitled to the same First Amendment rights that we as human citizens of the U.S. enjoy.

We had a larger turnout than expected at this meeting. A couple Greens moving to the area from other states, and three folks who are new to the Green Party but expressed an interest in becoming involved. I truly believe we can make a difference on the local level, and I hope more progressives will become actively involved in their own communities.

Our next meeting in March will continue where we left off in deciding which local issues we wished to focus on, and which are some of the county and municipal seats we many consider running for. There's a lot to work on locally, and I am looking forward to doing my part in turning Fairfax County in a more progressive direction. Here is the group's Web site: NoVa Greens.

Looking back at my previous posting, and realizing that I do want to help Cindy Sheehan and Robby and Polly with Peace of the Action (particularly Camp Out Now) in March, I now admit that at times my words were too harsh. I admire those still incredibly dedicated to the peace and justice movement. I am sorry that my words may have pushed some friends away. However, I feel I was entitled to express my own thoughts and feelings. Like I said, perhaps the words chosen were not the best. Although I no longer really see this struggle as "my struggle," I respect and admire so many involved in it.

I am just glad to be working with the local greens and living my life with Matthew. Money is tight, but we are pulling through.
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