Greens to join mid-October protests against US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq

Green Party leaders, activists, and members across the US plan to participate in mass rallies, marches, coordinated local and regional demonstrations, and other forms of protest to take place on and around Saturday, October 17 calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Here in Charleston, we will hold a silent candlelight vigil in remembrance of those killed in these ongoing senseless wars while demanding full withdrawal, not further escalation.  Join us on Saturday, October 17, 7pm at the fountain in Marion Square (corner of King and Calhoun Streets).  Bring yourself, several friends, candles in jars or flashlights (it will be windy!), and signs.

Eugene Platt announces 2010 candidacy for State House district 115

Eugene Platt, Charleston Green Party member and the only Green serving in an elected position in the state of South Carolina, has formally announced his candidacy for State House Seat 115 in 2010. Currently, Platt serves on the James Island Public Service District Commission. He has held that position since 1993 and most recently was reelected in 2008 as the top vote-getter among eight candidates.

Platt pledges, if elected, to be one of the strongest voices in the State Legislature for working families. To that end, he would not even wait until the Legislature convened in 2011 to introduce legislation to end South Carolina’s status as a so-called “Right to Work” state—he would pre-file such a bill. Platt notes that “Right to Work” states have not fared nearly as well economically as those states which honor workers with fewer restrictions on their rights to form and use unions to ensure fair pay, good working conditions, and health care.

Platt, a product of the public schools of this state—from elementary school through the University of South Carolina—would be a strong supporter of those schools. To that end, he is unequivocally opposed to the use vouchers that use public funds for private school education. He also says State college tuition increases should not exceed the general rate of inflation.

Naturally, as a Green, environmental and social justice issues are among Platt’s chief concerns. On numerous occasions he has spoken out against unbridled development. Irresponsible developers do not consider him their friend.

Platt says the criminal justice system must be completely revamped, focusing on the safety of law-abiding citizens. To that end, the State Highway Patrol should be increased by at least 100 new troopers to insure the safety of our highways. At the same time, recognizing that capital punishment compromises our corporate morality and has no place in a civilized society, he would work to end it in South Carolina—and the nation. (The United States is one of the very few democracies that still impose capital punishment, putting it out of step with most of the civilized world.)

State House District includes most of James Island and Folly Beach. Platt, a progressive Green, expects to face both a conservative Republican and a centrist Democrat in the November 2010 election. He says he is encouraged by growing disenchantment about both major parties being expressed by voters not only in House District 115, but all across America. Voters want true altenatives—and they are truly ready to “Live Green, Vote Green.” This is reflected in the fact that the Green Party is the fastest growing political party in the United States!

Eugene Platt
Green Candidate for State House Seat 115

For additional information about the candidate and the Green Party, visit these websites:
http://www.voteplatt.com
http://www.gp.org

Thanks to Eugene for passing this along.  If you are planning on attending, here is some additional info:

>> A few things you should know before you arrive.
>>
>> 1) All meetings and workshops will take place in the Miller-Morgan
>> building. If you are staying in a dorm room on campus, that will be in
>> the Benjamin Ruffin Residence Hall. You can locate both buildings on
>> the NCCU campus map at: http://www.nccu.edu/map/. For those staying in
>> the dorms, you will have pillow, towels, and linens provided.
>>
>> 2) If you plan to drive to NCCU, there is parking available near
>> the residence hall and the Miller-Morgan building.
>>
>> 3) If you are flying into Raleigh-Durham, be sure to plan your way
>> to campus. Details about public transit are on the NCGP website. For
>> those who can afford it, a cheaper taxi alternative is also listed on
>> their website, but reservations are required for this service.
>> (http://www.ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.html)
>>
>> 4) If you purchased meals, tickets will be handed to you upon
>> registration. All meals will be buffet-style with vegan, vegetarian and
>> meat options. All meals will be served in the Pearson Dining Hall.
>>
>> 5) We believe there will be wireless internet access throughout the
>> campus. We think it is $2 per person per day and will put out a
>> donation jar to cover costs.
>>
>>
>> Some programming notes:
>>
>> We are really excited to announce that *Cynthia McKinney will be at the
>> Annual National Meeting*. A big thanks to the Black Caucus for
>> extending the invitation and finalizing the details. Cynthia will be
>> speaking on Saturday afternoon.
>>
>> We just got word last Thursday that Jesse Johnson will be bringing a new
>> film on the coal industry and mountain top removal. The film has not
>> yet been released to the general public and has only be shown in limited
>> venues. We are trying to find a venue and time to show this on campus
>> Friday and will have details when you get there if we are able to work
>> it in.
>>
>> Second, we will be holding a panel discussion on single-payer health
>> care Friday afternoon. This panel will be open to the public; Greens
>> have been publicizing the event locally so we can use this opportunity
>> to showcase Green values to a wider audience.
>>
>> Saturday night we have a really special event lined up featuring music
>> and light refreshments. “An evening with the North Carolina Green
>> Party” will be held at the Marvel Event Center in Durham. Tickets are
>> $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Details are at:
>> http://www.ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM%20GREEN%20EVENING.html
>>
>> Finally, if you haven’t registered yet, we still want you to come!
>> Although there are no more dorm rooms available, you can find reasonable
>> rates at local hotels. You can also register on site for the meeting
>> itself for $160.
>>
>> We are really excited for the meeting and we hope to see you soon!
>>
>> Hillary Kane and Matthew Abel
>>
>> ANMC Co-Chairs

The Charleston Green Party is proud to have adopted 5th Avenue and adjoining streets in Maryville/Ashleyville as part of the Adopt a Highway project.  Unlike most Adopt a Highway routes, these streets are residential.  This means we will have the opportunity to chat with residents who may be in their yards or on their porches as we work on their street. I think this will make our work even more rewarding.

Our first trash pickup is this Saturday, May 30 at 11:00am.  Meet us in front of the Emanuel AME Church, which is on the corner of 5th Avenue and St Andrews Blvd in West Ashley.  We will have the orange vests and orange trash bags – bring water and sunscreen!  Please let us know if you will be joining us – you can leave a comment here, email us at charlestongreens@gmail.com, or give us a call at 843-926-1750.

Maryville, SC historical marker

This historical marker sits on the corner of 5th Avenue and St Andrews Blvd on the grounds of the historic Emanuel AME Church.  Chartered in 1886, Maryville was a prosperous black community – in true South Carolina fashion, the state legislature punished responded to their success by revoking their town charter in 1936.