Whenever I find myself feeling really uptight about politics and frustrated over Greens seemingly pitting other Greens against each other, I go for a long walk or bike ride if I can – to clear my head and think a little. Tonight was one such occasion. I went for a long bike ride, first to run an errand and then for a ride along the river.
Lately it has become obvious, and very likely, to me that there are greens outside the party to which I belong pitting greens within the party to which I belong against each other. It’s being done subtly and via discreet communications, but it’s happening. Locally….and nationally. Text and words from blogs and emails and other forms of communication are being twisted and sent to other people with commentary that results in uproars. I just can’t believe that people actually spend their time thinking of ways to put so much negativity into the political atmosphere. It’s really, really sad. And worse yet, it’s not green at all to be engaging in this type of activity.
So I have to remind myself why I’m green from time to time.
Since my March 5th why I’m green post, I have learned that I will be a grandmother. This has strengthened my resolve to push green values in my living and my life’s platform for living. Why I’m green has a greater, renewed statement for me. Suddenly my lineage is going to be extended. Suddenly, I feel stronger about the statements I make. Suddenly I realize that I don’t have to put up with petty BS and don’t have to be hesitant to stand up to it. Suddenly I connect with my own grandmother’s courage and resolve. Suddenly I realize more than ever that what I do now really will make a difference – even if it isn’t noticed for several generations.
I remind myself that the values of Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice, Ecological Wisdom, Non-violence, Decentralization, Community-based, Economics, Feminism, Diversity, Responsibility, Future Focus are what I strive for in my life and in my activism. The earth….and my grandchild…..depend on it.
No one can ever take that away from me – regardless of how hard they try.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 