We have the potential of an Edward R Murrow moment coming up if Jill Stein is called before a public hearing in the House or Senate.

I was a supporter of Jill Stein for president in 2016 as I was also a Green Party congressional candidate in Maryland. I campaigned for her, spoke at same platforms, and even planned a fundraising house party for her that was derailed by internal egos at work. I voted for her but that was the first and only time. In 2012 I voted for Stephen Durham of the Freedom Socialist Party, also being one of his 10 electors for him in this state.

I no longer support Jill. For one, as a Green she had a major flaw, a common ailment among many Greens, unfortunately many in leadership positions. She wanted the Democrats to win. She endorsed Sanders in the California primary election. Some would say that was strategically smart because it could have endeared her to his supporters, if he were to lose. But what if he won?

A dominant issue at the Green Party 2017 Annual National Meeting was inclusion of and leadership by oppressed communities. The Green Party began as a party of primarily white environmentalists, but that has been changing over the past decade. In the current corporate kleptocracy, there is a dire need for a party of and by marginalized communities that builds effective political power for transformational change in our society. The Green Party might be that vehicle, but undergoing that change will result in conflict and growing pains as we struggle to practice our values.

Following the election of the new Steering Committee at the Annual National Meeting, outrage was expressed that the three African American candidates lost. The Black Caucus and other caucuses protested, and steps are now being taken to write a proposal to address their legitimate concerns. That will be presented to the Steering Committee and National Committee for debate and consideration.