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Why Greens need blue blazers
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| Parent(s) |
Party
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| Contributor | Gerald Farinas |
| Last Edited | Gerald Farinas Apr 13, 2004 03:17pm |
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| Category | Commentary |
| News Date | Tuesday, April 13, 2004 06:00:00 AM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Why Greens need blue blazers
The High Country News
One of my childhood friends, Karl Warkomski, is the first and only elected Green Party member in ultra-right-wing Orange County, Calif. Orange County — home to the mega-hawk and former congressman "B2 Bob" Dornan — is a place where people get misty eyed remembering the Reagan presidency. So how in the world did Karl get elected? He dresses like an investment banker. Clothes, as they say, make the man. "When I give a speech or go to a meeting, I basically emulate Brooks Brothers," says Karl. "I grab the most boring item in my closet, put on khakis and loafers and a collegiate tie. And I never, ever forget my flag pin."
Never forget your flag pin: It’s a lesson the Green Party’s candidates should take to heart. Until they do, they are doomed to the margins of American politics. The Greens, bless their authentic and earnest hearts, are my soul mates. But I invariably cringe when I see a Green candidate, for most seem not to understand that politics is about appearances. Greens may not care about power ties, but the rest of America does. I’m not picking on the Green Party. I want it to grow up to be big and strong so that it can be just like the other bona fide parties: moderate, indistinguishable and hopelessly compromised by pandering to special interest money.
Just kidding! I want the Greens to have a fighting chance in the 2004 elections, and to do this they need a makeover. Today, when Joe Sixpack thinks of Greens he imagines people who look like Ted Kaczynski in Jesus shoes. Ralph Nader wasn’t bearded or Birkenstocked, but that rumpled suit surely cost him a few votes. "When the average voter sees a contingent of Greens they just assume they’re on their way to Woodstock," Karl sighs. He’s getting lonely in office. He’d like some like-minded, well-dressed company. |
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