Awhile back I created a page specifically on The Green Party of Utah(left side bar), including links to information on the 2004 split.
Nationally and locally there are folks who are boycotting one of the split groups or another….or both. Nationally and locally there are folks who continue to attack one side or the other…..or both. Nationally and locally there are folks who continue to analyze that situation (the split). I understand the need to do this, to complete and analysis to provide information and to eventually come to possible personal closure on this issue.
I also feel, for myself, that the issue, while still effecting some aspects of the Green Party in Utah, is in the past, both groups have moved on and enough is enough.
Here is an analogy I created. It may not be the “best” analogy in the world, nonetheless it’s one I can relate to.I am sure there are those who will argue with this analogy.I am sure there are those who will attempt to analyze my analogy with those that will analyze the analsis of the analogy……creating another endless analytical cycle. (Hey, wait….I’m analyzing – AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!).
Analogy
I boycotted Taco Bell, along with activists across the country, when the Immokilee Workers went on strike because they were not getting a fair wage for harvesting tomatoes for the corporate fast food chain.
When TB and the IW reached an agreement and the workers got their raise, the boycott was ended. While I still avoid patronizing TB and other large corporate chains, I am no longer “battling” that issue.
While I avoid the “other” (split) group I am not in “battle” with them, although members of that group will go out of their way to attempt to create a scene when we are found in public in the same arena together. If folks question me about the situation my response is simple: There are two groups, on affiliated and one not affiliated (with the Green Party of the United States).
It’s no longer a “battle” I’m in which I am going to continue expending my energies. The reality is that there are two groups, each doing their own thing. There will be two parties on the ballot and people will have to choose, just like in any other situation. It’s not ideal, it’s sad, it’s unfortunate, but it’s reality. There are things about the split I still do not understand and thinking about it stirs up great emotion inside of me. There are things I am no longer in power to help change. So….again…..enough is enough.
My intent is not to diminish in any way the need for people to put things into perspective for themselves and others. If that’s what they need to do, so be it. I am speaking for myself personally. In fact, if I see any more-than-passing references to the Utah split in the form of criticisms, attacks, or analyses, I won’t read them. It’s too painful. “I’m done”.
Focusing on the present and the future, I am happy to be working with Greens from around the country on issues that affect our planet. It is rewarding, refreshing, and educational. I am learning and participating in taking action against the injustices that are degrading life on earth with other Greens who are devoted to such issues.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 