This Platform of the Green Party of New Jersey presents an eco-social analysis and vision for our state.
In contrast to the major political parties that create their platforms through back-room deals by insiders
and power brokers, we have created a grassroots process that invites submissions from every local
Green Party and every Green individual. Through democratic processes, we arrive at a final draft to
present for approval. The GPNJ Platform is an evolving document, a living work-in-progress that
expresses our commitment to creating wise and enduring change in specific policies and in the political
process itself. The Green Party is committed to values-based politics, as expressed in our Ten Key
Values. These values guide us in countering and changing a system that extols exploitation,
unsustainable consumption, and destructive competition.
The government in Trenton has proved incapable of governing or working with vested interests to
address current and long-term problems in a time of multiple crises, be they local, regional or national. As
with many other states, New Jersey is locked in a vicious circle, in which it has become increasingly clear
that the ‘bipartisan’ political duopoly will drift further rightward at an increasing pace without a true
opposition party as a counterweight, as both corporate parties seek to better serve their 1% masters.
In this century, it is imperative that we find ways to make systemic changes. It is our responsibility to
rebuild the political culture of New Jersey in order to stop shortsighted ecological destruction, erosion of
our rights, and policies that perpetuate social and economic injustice. In other words, we must
fundamentally change our society’s broken political system.
Throughout American history, independent parties outside the two-party power establishment have been
responsible for introducing urgently-needed changes, whether the parties themselves won electoral
success (like the anti-slavery Republican Party in the mid-1800s) or not. The long list of reforms
introduced by these parties includes abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the eight-hour workday,
workers’ rights and protections, and civil rights for all African-Americans. Who will give voice on the
electoral stage to the important ideas of the 21st century?
Established in 1997, the GPNJ has laid a foundation for candidates to run for public office at all levels,
from local to national. Greens have succeeded at the onerous task of achieving ballot access in many
states, and have steadily overcome obstacles put in place by Democratic and Republican party officials to
hinder citizens from exercising their right to run for office. In contrast to Democrats and Republicans, all
Green candidates pledge not to accept corporate money for their campaigns.
At the heart of the voters’ rebellion is our right as voters to choose whichever candidates best represents
our own views and desires, without being told, year after year, that we have no choice aside from bad and
worse.
Now is the time to build a bridge from the world we have to the better world we know is possible.
Now is the time to grow a sustainable political force to work for grassroots democracy, nonviolence, social
justice, and ecological wisdom.
Now is the time to discard the failed ideologies and political structures, and join together with the
flourishing global grassroots Green movement to tackle real problems with real solutions.
If not us, who? If not now, when? We are the ones we have been waiting for. Join us!
View our platform here:
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