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Sign the letter
November 14, 2008
Dear Cynthia McKinney, Rosa Clemente, Lucy Grider-Bradley, John Judge and the 2008 Power to the People Campaign...
We are delegates and alternates of the Green National Committee of the Green Party of the United States as well as other Greens from around the country who want to convey our most heartfelt and deepest appreciation to you for running for president on behalf of the Green Party.
We know it was not easy for you and that you sacrificed on many levels. We admire your courage and the light you generated throughout your campaign in spite of it.
Through it all, we got to know you, Rosa, Lucy and John better and the communities you represent - Black, Latina/o-Hispanic, Hip Hop, Women, Reconstruction Party. While we may not have broken through to the White House, achieved 5% of the vote, or won state ballot access for 2012, we have broken through other barriers that are very important to Green Party success. Together, we have brought people who typically are separate closer together.
We fervently hope all of you will work within the Green Party to achieve greater inclusion and to spread it throughout the Party. There are many many opportunities for everyone. We don't promise that it will be easy, but you will find many supporters. You will also find a party that has built structures upon which much can be done to achieve these goals and many others necessary to someday become the viable party this country and world so badly needs. The Green Party is unique among parties in that it is a global party existing in almost 90 countries, all sharing the same values and working together to bring about change.
We extend our deepest appreciation for your historic Green Party campaign, your choice of Rosa Clemente as a running mate, for John Judge who handled an enormous amount of media, the incredible Lucy Grider-Bradley in charge of finances and the FEC and to everyone on your campaign team. Most of all. we appreciated the experience of our forces being joined and bonded. We have been deeply touched, our awareness expanded and our hopes strengthened.
As the country acclaims the historical event of the first African American elected President of the United States, we hail history with you, your campaign, the people it brought together and the choice it gave on the ballot. How proud we were to mark you and Rosa on our ballots.
Let us go to the future together. Let us make that future together.
Morgen D'Arc – Maine
GNC Delegate
It was wonderful to meet and work with you, Rosa, John and Lucy. One day when I was watching Sum of all Parts' campaign video, Historical Moment, and thinking of the significance of your campaign, I had my own historical moment of personal change that will be with me forever.
Steve Welzer – New Jersey
GNC Delegate
Cynthia You were a stalwart throughout the campaign. The most memorable moment for me was seeing how the room lit up when you started to play the castanets at our fundraiser last spring. Rosa: You turned on a whole new constituency to the Green Party and for that we're very grateful. Both: The movement for Green politics in this country has been advanced through your efforts. Thanks, and let's keep going!
Gini Lester – Illinois
GNC Delegate
Linda Cree – Michigan
GNC Alternate Delegate
It was an honor to have you leading our ticket. I hope you will continue to give the Green Party the benefit of your personal wisdom, courage, and political expertise.
Monte Letourneau – Wisconsin
GNC Delegate
Cynthia, I am particularly proud to be associated with your deep honesty, your affinity and empathy for your fellow humans and your fearlessness when it comes to saying things that others are afraid to speak about. All the WIGP rank and file I know were very happy to support your run.
Paul Krumm – Kansas.
GNC Delegate
Thank you for bringing new blood and new energy to the Green Party.
Julia Aires – Florida
GNC Delegate
Big revolutionary hugs to all of you. For me, this campaign was a dream come true. And I also want to include thanks to Hugh Esco!
Rebecca Rotzler – New York
GNC Delegate
Deanna Taylor – Utah
GNC Delegate
You both have inspired and encouraged many through the hard work put forth in your campaigns, your courage and strength to speak the truth, and your passion for life on our planet. Your leadership in this movement has resulted in renewed energy and enthusiasm for continuing the work towards a more just world.
Tom King – Utah
GNC Delegate
Thank you for leading the Green Party to a new vision for its future, and the the future of the citizens of this country.
Jeff Sutter – Indiana
GNC Alternate Delegate
David McCorquodale – Delaware
GNC Delegate
I thank Cynthia McKinney for her courage to become the face of the Green Party in this campaign. She spoke about the issues that other candidates ignored. Both Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente understand who the Green Party needs to reach in order to grow. This campaign was just the beginning of making that happen.
Hugh Esco – Georgia
GNC Delegate
Thank you Cynthia, Rosa, Lucy, John, Adrienne, Joanne, Leola, Billy, Coy and to all of your family and friends who tolerated (or not) this campaign over the past two years. Know please that not all of the results of our last year's work is immediately visible in the certified numbers. Your contribution to building a meaningful opposition party in this country was profound and will be revealed to us over time. The work begun this year will be carried forth into the future as the Green Party and the broader Reconstruction Movement continue to struggle with the challenges made real to it by this campaign and those who were attracted by your efforts, to this project to turn our nation right-side up again. It has been a honor to be a part of this effort.
Elie Yarden – Massachusetts
GNC Delegate
While we did not have the opportunity to meet during the campaign, you gave us reason to be grateful for what you, and your team, were able to accomplish with the most meager of resources. Thanks to your efforts, the party has been strengthened in its ability to face the future.
Ronald Kane Hardy – Wisconsin
GNC Delegate
Les Evenchick – Louisiana
GNC Delegate
Thanks for your support for Katrina victims.
Jan Hillegas – Mississippi
GNC Delegate
Fred Vitale – Michigan
GNC Delegate
I want to thank our candidates for their courage, their principled stands, their fortitude and their energy. Former Michigan Coordinator McKinney/Clemente Campaign.
Greg Gerritt – Rhode Island
GNC Delegate
Jenefer Ellingston – Washington D.C
GNC Alternate Delegate
Jody Grage – Washington
Treasurer, Green Party of the United States
Linda Piera-Avila – California
GNC Delegate
You have the courage of a mother bear, the brilliance of a genius and the compassion of a saint. You merged these leadership qualities in your historic and inspirational campaign as our presidential candidate. We in the Green Party are forever grateful for your dedication and sacrifice to advance Green values in this endeavor for truth.
Sanda Everett – California
Co-Chair, Green Party of the United States
It was a long challenging road from when a few of us known as the Run, Cynthia, Run Committee organized and invited you to CA to check out our support and commitment to your campaign.? We did it on that weekend in October 2007 and was gratified when you declared your candidacy. I went on to work with a little larger group of CA Greens to organize the first large GP Presidential debate. I am honored and touched to know you. You are the most courageous, brilliant, and eloquent woman I have ever known.
David Bosserman – Washington D.C
GNC Delegate
The DC Statehood Green Party thanks you for your campaign and hopes to work with you in the future.
Holly Hart – Iowa
GNC Alternate Delegate, National Women's Caucus and Secretary, Green Party of the United States
Thank you for having the courage to speak the truth and for braving the ice to get to Iowa last winter.
Midge Potts – Missouri
GNC Delegate
Thank you for relentlessly campaigning on issues such as not-for-profit health care and an end to US imperialism. Thank you for your honest courage!
Charles Ostdiek – Nebraska
GNC Delegate
David Strand – Minnesota
GNC Lavender Green Delegate
Rob Brown – Maine
GNC Delegate
Thank you for helping our party evolve and for all the hard work you have put in for us this year.
Jay Parks – Indiana
GNC Delegate
Thanks for giving Power to the People.
Lou Novak – Michigan
GNC Delegate
Jack Lindblad – California
GNC Delegate
Dana Silvernale – California
GNC Delegate
Many thanks to you on behalf of the Humboldt Green Party. We send you our heartfelt appreciation for all you have given the Green Party, not only for your campaign for the presidency and the status you have imparted to our party, but also for the insight you gave us into the struggles of people of color and the social justice issues you brought to the forefront. We have grown as a party and as human beings thanks to your sincerity, passion, deep analysis, courage and truth telling. We hope you will continue to be an active member of the Green Party and to shine your light on public policy and the conscience of humanity. We also send muchisimas gracias to Rosa for all the energy and determination she gave to the campaign.
David Cobb – California
GNC Delegate, 2004 Green Party Presidential Candidate
Jon Olsen – Maine
GNC Alternate Delegate
This breakthrough by the Green Party with regard to race and having our ticket headed by two bold, courageous, highly intelligent women is exactly what we needed in order to grow. I am proud to have been a part of it.
Paul Stephens – Montana
GNC Delegate
Thank you Cynthia and Rosa for all you have done. You ran a very inspired, thoughtful campaign, always holding to the high moral ground, and being a real credit to our party and movement. I can only wish and hope that more former Democrats see the light and follow your excellent example.
Paul Loney – Oregon
GNC Delegate
Bill Holloway – Texas
GNC Delegate
Richard Walton – Rhode Island
GNC Alternate Delegate
Thank you for running. It was not an easy decision for you to make, to run against an African-American. But you ran and you ran hard... and I hope you decide that your goals for the nation can best be met by staying with the Green Party.
Josh Krekeler – Ohio
GNC Delegate
Great Green Party candidates have the compassion to seek to help those who need it the most, the intelligence to understand how public policy can be used to deliver that help, and the courage to proclaim these solutions as social priorities even when few others will. ?These qualities shone forth clearly throughout the McKinney-Clemente campaign and made us all proud. Thank you!
Nelson B. Cone – Washington
GNC Delegate
Cynthia, you were a great candidate and you are a great person. You have my respect and admiration for all you have done for the Green Party. I look forward to meeting you again.
Kai Schwandes – North Carolina
GNC Delegate
Kate Tanaka – California
GNC Delegate
Marnie Glickman – California
GNC Delegate Former Co-Chair Green Party of the United States
Gary Ruskin – California
GNC Delegate
Al Herman – Georgia
GNC Delegate
Thanks for continuing to speak truth to power and putting your personal comfort aside while confronting corruption and ignorance in our nation as the Green Party's candidate for President. For doing this, you will always be a (s)hero of mine. Good Luck with whatever challenges you choose to take on.
Denice Traina – Georgia
GNC Delegate
Thank you so much for bringing the campaign 'back home' to Georgia. You are a fierce and compassionate competitor that demonstrated how a sincere candidate operates in response to the needs of the underserved and the often misunderstood. I wish you the best in your continued fight for fairness for All.
Pat O'Brien – Massachusetts
GNC Delegate
It was thrilling to have you represent the Green Party in the Presidential Campaign. I am fairly new to the Green Party, having been dismayed at the Democratic party over the past number of years, so you and your team brought a breath of excitement and fresh air to the campaign for me. It is so wonderful to have 2 women running and I can only hope you will continue to stay in the political arena because we need to hear your voice so strong and clear to inspire more voices if we are ever to achieve justice in this country.
Mike Rosenberg – Virginia
GNC Delegate
Peggy Koteen – California
GNC Delegate
Many many thanks to Cynthia. I'm so pleased that you proudly stated that you left the party that did not represent your political views/values to join the Green Party that speaks to so many issues in a manner than represents the people.
John Rensenbrink – Maine
GNC Delegate
Cynthia and Rosa: I loved your two slogans: Paint the White House Green and Power to the People. I wrote an essay about these slogans in the current issue of Green Horizon. I love it that you saw your campaign as part of a series of steps that can lead to ultimate victory for the Green Party and what it stands for--and not just one be-all campaign that ends on one election day. And I loved it that your understanding of power to the people includes the importance of building at the community level to decentralize power and to undercut the bloated and incompetent government in Washington.
Genevieve Marcus – California
GNC Alternate Delegate
I am gratified that the GPUS had such an intelligent AND experienced candidate in Cynthia McKinney. If only the nation's ears were more open. Maybe next time. It has long been my wish that we had a sort of shadow president that would offer Green reflections on issues of the day. Barak Obama seems to be surrounding himself with conservatives. Hearing from Cynthia on a regular basis might be helpful to him, the nation, and to the Green Party.
Craig Brozefsky – Illinois
GNC Delegate
Jill Bussiere – Wisconsin
Co-Chair GPUS, GNC Delegate
It was delightful to vote for you and Rosa - on election day, and by eating Raspberry Rhapsody ice cream at the ice cream shop after you had left town. Thank you for coming to our state. It was a great visit, and you made us proud.
Janet Arnold – California
GNC Alternate Delegate
Julie Sawtelle – Maine
GNC Delegate
Thank you both for having the courage to take American politics another step closer to true democracy.
Eileen McCabe – Utah
GNC Alternate Delegate
Thank you for caring enough about ballot access in Utah to appear personally. There was a great deal of enthusiasm for your campaign, and we look forward to expanding your message in Utah in the future.
Julia Willebrand – New York
GNC Delegate National Women's Caucus
The Green Party is the electoral means to a revolution. Your passion, ability to connect and articulate presentation of Green core values are steps to changing the world. Last week at the Federation to Green Parties of the Americas meeting in Quebec I was proud to give the Green representatives from 14 countries McKinney/Clemente buttons as souvenirs of the campaign. And Greens from 5 continents were thrilled to receive them.
Nicholas Schmader – Rhode Island
GNC Delegate
The courage that characterized Cynthia McKinney's years as a Congresswoman was again evident in her campaign for President as the Green Party nominee. Unlike the Democratic and Republican nominees, Cynthia did not compromise on the principled positions that she articulated and which this country so desperately needs to hear. Her efforts will help to build not only the Green Party, but a broader, more powerful progressive movement.
Jacqui Deveneau – Maine
GNC Delegate
Cynthia and Rosa, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with such amazingly strong Women for the Fight for Right and the Power To The People. I look forward to continuing the work we have been doing with the State Volunteer Coordinators in the future.
Eugene Hernandez – California
GNC Delegate
Cynthia McKinney achieved a historical first - A progressive Black Woman progressive for President. She provided an alternative to the Corporate politics as usual. She has been a very brave representative in Congress and chose a good Vice Presidential Latina candidate.
Jane Meisenbach – Maine
GNC Delegate
Nylene Schoellhorn – Nevada
GNC Delegate
On Behalf of Greens of the State of Nevada, Thank You.
Bryce Ruddock – Wisconsin
GNC Delegate
I want to express, along with so many others, my heartfelt appreciation for the efforts that Cynthia and Rosa gave on behalf of the Green Party as our top spot candidates. This was a very difficult election cycle for third parties but I feel that they gave a great effort and were able to up the ante on the issues.
Patsy Allen – Maryland
GNC Delegate
Sincere thanks for your tremendous efforts in running for us, for sharing your courage and enthusiasm, and for representing the Green Party and our values to so many new constituencies.
Perrine Kelly – California
GNC Delegate
Aimee Smith – Michigan
GNC Delegate
Thank you to Cynthia, Rosa and the whole team for your courage and inspiration, both in this campaign and year in and year out.
Cliff Thornton, Jr. – Connecticut
Co-Chair, Green Party of the United States, GNC Delegate
Howard Switzer – Tennessee
GNC Delegate
We have never felt more perfectly aligned politically, culturally and spiritually with a candidacy than with the Cynthia/Rosa ticket. Katey Culver and I will forever cherish the time we spent with you on your visit to Tennessee, Cynthia, and while we didn't get to meet Rosa we felt her inspiration of American youth all the way out here in the boonies.
Steve Herrick – Wisconsin
GNC Delegate
Cynthia, thanks for your courage. Please continue to work with us over the coming years, and together we'll continue empowering the people.
Mike Feinstein – California
GNC Delegate
Your courage and perseverance amidst the challenging circumstances of this campaign will always be treasured and never be forgotten.
Tim McKee – Connecticut
GNC Delegate
Sarah Dillon – Indiana
GNC Delegate
Tim Casebolt – California
GNC Alternate Delegate, Secretary National Lavender Green Caucus
Michael Canney – Florida
GNC Delegate
Thank you for carrying our party's banner in the 2008 election. Considering the extremely limited resources available for a national campaign, it took a huge leap of faith and a truckload of courage to agree to be the Green Party candidate. I hope we can all continue the campaign in 2009 by planting the seeds for an independent, grassroots Power to the People Coalition.
Steve Geiger – Oregon
GNC Delegate
I wanted to offer a sincere thanks to Cynthia for her multiple visits to Oregon and for her refusal to give in to internal pressures regarding her appearance at the Recreate 68 rally at the DNC. Your consistent willingness to speak truth to power despite the political consequences is very inspiring to many long time Greens!
Teresa Keane – Oregon
GNC Delegate
Charlie Green – Colorado
GNC Alternate Delegate
Thanks for being the 2008 Green standard-bearer.
Philip Santos – California
GNC Alternate Delegate
Rachel Treichler – New York
Former GNC Delegate
Many thanks for being such inspiring and articulate candidates! You truly personified our Green Party ideals.
Aimee Cree Dunn – Michigan
Michigan Green Party State Central Committee
Chi-miigwech (great thanks) for your campaign! Yours and Rosa's dynamism, Green values, courage, intelligence, spirit and drive for social justice are what we need right now. Miigwech for running!!
Carol Wolman – California
Former GNC Delegate and 2008 Green Party Candidate for Congress
Jim Coplen – Indiana
Former GPUS Co-Chair, Co-Coordinator Indiana Green Party
At a time when it is so much safer to take the easy road, it's important to have those who will stand and be counted for believing in what is right. We met when I was a Co-Chair of the GPUS, both at Reading and in Chicago. I was then, and remain, your friend and admirer. Let us all fight the good fight.
Katey Culver – Tennessee
Former Co-Chair Green Party of the United States
Nancy Allen – Maine
Media Committee, Green Party of the United States
Richard Scott – Arizona
former GPUS Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator
I was never so proud as the moment I could mark my ballot for you. I look forward to our continued efforts together to make a difference.
Nan Garrett – Georgia
Co-Chair GPUS National Women's Caucus, former GNC Delegate
I am very grateful for your taking the time and resources to run. You inspired us, and you continue to inspire us. I am also grateful for Rosa, Lucy and John. We may still have a long way to go, but you made this part of the journey worthwhile.
Ruth Weill – Wisconsin
Wisconsin and Illinois Green Parties
It is a huge sacrifice to run for the highest office of the land and I especially thank Cynthia and Rosa for their hard work and dedication as the campaign has assisted in creating a Green foundation for the future. I want thank all who were involved and may our efforts bring about a peaceful and just world.
James O'Keefe – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Green-Rainbow Party, Candidate 2002 & 2006 for state treasurer
Jay Sweeney – Pennsylvania
Former GNC Alternate, Treasurer Green Party of PA, State Rep candidate 04, 06 and 08
Cindy Stimmler – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Co-Chair
It was fabulous to have you here twice and especially to eat Raspberry Rhapsody ice cream together in Madison. We are so lucky to have had you represent the Greens!
Pete Karas – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Coordinating Council
Jeffrey Schiffman – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Corresponding Secretary
Claude VanderVeen – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Recording Secretary
Tommy King – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Coordinating Council
Larry Dooley – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Coordinating Council
Kathy Sommers – Wisconsin
Greater Milwaukee Green Party Women's Caucus, Chair
Dean Katahira – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Coordinating Council
Michael Slattery – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Green Party Coordinating Council
Ann Link – New York
GPUS Media Committee
Thank you for putting your reputations on the line with the Green Party and having the courage to stand up for your beliefs against tremendous pressure.
Skip Mendler – Pennsylvania
Former GNC Delegate
Nick Mellis – New Jersey
State Chair Green Party of New Jersey
Dee Berry – Missouri
All the Greens in Kansas City who thank you for a campaign well done.
Gloria Mattera – New York
Co-Chair, Green Party of New York State
It was an honor to have two dynamic, intelligent women as our candidates. We loved the times you came to New York and appreciate the excitement you generated in our party.
John Morton – California
Former GNC Delegate
Cynthia, thank you for your efforts in promoting Green values. It was an honor to work with you.
Anita Wessling – Arkansas
GNC Delegate
Donna Werley – Arkansas
GNC Delegate
Joan Wessling – Arkansas
GNC Delegate
Libris Ron Kinum Fidelis – Iowa
Lynn Meadows – Michigan
Candidate, US Congress District 7
I greatly appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears you both put into this campaign. We have a lot more work to do, of course, but even a couple of my mainstream friends admitted that they voted for you. They are out there! We just need a media revolution. I look forward to working with you in the future, with bigger results!! I don't know how many times the Dem/Reps have to tear this country apart of make that happen, but it WILL. I was proud of your campaign and to call myself a Green with you! Many thanks and best wishes!
Ruth Gabey – Maine
GPUS Finance Committee
Many thanks for running for President on the Green Party ticket. You have made all Greens so very proud from sea to shining sea.
Scott McLarty – District of Columbia
GPUS Media Coordinator
David Doonan – New York
Village Mayor, Greenwich, NY
On behalf of 113 Delegates and Alternate Delegates of
The Green National Committee of the
Green Party of the United States
And Other Greens From Around the Country:
Sign the letter
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