Activism in & vs politics..

 

Activism takes place in many arenas - this political one though is amongst the most challenging. Our system of government is not dealing with the urgent issues we all face in the here and now and is stuck in a past that had different demands and ways of living - it's creaking like a rusted antique, no longer fit enough, functioning fully or willing to give at all... to address its own inadequacies and failings. 

There is no time to wait this government out - we face an environmental and climate emergency that aren't going away and it's going to take many of us applying pressure in all sorts of ways to force this government to act for the greater good - not bow to lobbyists and economics alone.

It is brilliant that all manifestos from all parties now carry their 'green credentials' but unless there had been a Green Party pushing the issue for the past 4 decades - it would have taken even longer. Politics isn't just about winning elections - it's about being willing as a Party to push unpopular issues into the light, even if they are ugly and not 'vote winning' - but simply because they are true and they matter and we need to be informed so we can act effectively.

So now we know.. we KNOW that #Green isn't just a hippy thing but an existence thing and that so many species have already become extinct that each day of inaction - is another loss. Yet despite those manifesto updates to make them seem green - it's the urgency that's missing in parliament and the lack of focus on solutions rather than the cost of them or the work-rounds that might cut some corners etc.

I didn't join the Green Party expecting to see electoral wins (though there should be), I joined because I wanted to work on the issues that matter above all else - because without a survivable climate, breathable air and drinkable water... jobs, economies, borders, identity, nationality etc - just won't matter anyway.

I choose to engage in politics because it's the thing that causes so much harm and could be used for so much good and I choose to be with Green Party of England and Wales because I trust the ethics at the heart of the party to keep being the wise, honest and persistent voice of reason when all about are failing.

Thanks to Blackpool & Fylde Green Party for this opportunity to share with my sister Julie Daniels.

*The Green New Deal - UK is something we'll be looking to get more involved with as a local party and nationally.