Matt Reichel, Green Party Candidate in the special election in Illinois's 5th District
The vacancy created by the departure of Rahm Emanuel from Illinois's 5th District has presented an excellent opportunity to implant progressive rhetoric into the debate surrounding the election process.
The Primary Election season was highlighted by the first contested Green primary for a non-presidential race in Illinois history, as I ran against Deb Gordils, Mark Frederickson and Simon Ribeiro for the privilege of being the Green Party nominee in this high profile election. All four Green candidates were invited to the vast majority of the forums and debates, and we made the most of it: in general, we received the most raucous applause and the most visible expression of interest from attendees.
I won the primary based largely on my populist Green message: I believe that now is the time to communicate to Americans that we must organize and wage political war on the banks, who have been at war against the working and middle classes for decades. From ATM fees and overdraft fees to predatory mortgages, the major corporate banks in the United States have continually preyed on the most vulnerable members of our society.
Let's fight back: First and foremost by ending the bankster bailouts and by fighting to reverse already approved bailout appropriations.
Let us also draw a clear, thick line between us progressives and Democrat Mike Quigley, the "reformer." With our country in crisis, we don't have time for reforming the machine of Chicago politics. We must organize to defeat the Machine.
We can't afford to compromise on the most pressing issues: the ongoing wars of Empire in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the overspending on bailouts of this nation's criminal Wall Street class, and the lack of comprehensive universal single payer health care.
The Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune, who together essentially coronated Quigley as our next congressman with their endorsements, are busily painting Quigley as an "outsider." However, Quigley began his political career working for machine alderman Bernie Hansen, and he has always worked squarely within the machinery of the Democratic Party. Furthermore, he lacks the courage and passion to press on the aforementioned issues: the most important ones facing this nation in a time of economic peril.
Let us get our message out there! You can help today by visiting our website, www.mattreichel.us and donating and/or signing up to volunteer. We are also running group canvasses each weekend day, every Saturday and Sunday, at 2pm. Meet at the office at 1726 W. Carmen.
For more information about my stance on the issues, please visit the issues page of our website, http://www.mattreichel.us/theissues.php, or contact the office directly at 773-961-8257.
I thank you for your work as activists in our community, and I look forward to continuing to work with you for the greater cause of peace and social justice.
Sincerely,
Matt Reichel
www.mattreichel.us
773-961-8257
Also, make sure to heck out the most recent youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8BOSx2N7jc&feature=channel_page
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3 comments:
Thanks for posting this on your blog site. We are in great need of the Green Party's message at a National level. We need someone that has the courage and leadership it requires to carry out humanity's message, someone who will fight for the people not slip under the rule of corporate "machine" interest!
It is VERY disappointing that you've chosen to take your message to the blogosphere instead of the Illinois 5th Congressional District. Yes, the media have agreed, and as a member of the media I'll agree this is true, that the election is over: Mike Quigley has won. That's because your effort isn't making a difference.
The reasons for his victory are a complete lack of message by YOU, it is not the fault of media. In this one post you have spent more time on message than a voter could could find on-line in weeks. (Check out the number of posts and the quality of posts on the capitalfaxblog.com, chitowndailynews.org or Jesse Greenburg's sites. For all practical purposes, you don't exist).
The same is true, to a lesser extent, for Rosanna Pulido, the GOP candidate for the Congressional seat. At least she has the right-wing bloggers such as Tom Mannis writing about her.
Not to lecture, Matt, but you and the Green Party in general, need to take a page from someone else. Here are a few examples near home: Dr. Victor Forys, who was in the Democratic Primary on March 3rd was able to threaten the party regulars through a GOTV campaign in the Polish immigrant neighborhoods. Democrat John Fritchey was able to make waves with on-line events and a continuing campaign of being a reform activist. And, labor activist and Democrat Charles Whelan, who did successfully appeal to bloggers outside the district, got free media with his YouTube advertising.
As a person who regularly votes Green Party and as a person who lives in the district and as a person who will be voting next month, you will not get my vote. That's the first time that has happened in this district in a long time (Emanuel, Blagojevich and Rostenkowski to name a few reasons).
The current reason: I have no idea what you stand for. Don't blame me for not understanding your message. Don't blame me for not finding out what you stand for. Don't blame the media either. That's part of YOUR job. You are responsible for educating voters as a candidate. If you can't deal with it you'll be a poor Congressman.
The nature of this campaign has been a process of getting us outside of the box. A strong presence on the web is a good start as we begin to carry the message "out" to the voters. I believe Matt is doing everything in his power to get the message out to the 5th district voters and even the media is showing great interest in helping get out the message which is very good news! T
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