[Convention] response to critique and state convention organization...

[m_gainer at riseup.net]

Hello Wanda and fellow Green-Rainbows:

I have to say that I am a bit overwhelmed by what I just read.  This
narrative does not reflect the values and priorities that I feel encompass
the Green-Rainbow Party.  I speak only for myself in saying that this
party is about building a new movement, about inclusion, and about
supporting people in this daunting effort...

It is NOT about name calling or nit-picking, pointing fingers, and
careless criticism...

I have a few ideas of my own about why only 22 folks registered on
time...we're spread thin...we're all spread thin...this effort we are all
apart of is about building the movement, bringing more folks together, to
magnify our voice, to make positive social change, and to bring voices to
those that have been muted by past american politicians/policies.  I for
one am one that has not sent in my registration because i've been up to my
ears in all kinds of work...for this i apologize, but it in no way
reflects my lack of committment to the GRP of Massachusetts only the issue
of not enough hours in a day...

Wanda, I appreciate your kind words regarding my involvement in this
March, but I have to say I was a late comer...and I feel to recognize
MICHAEL GAINER of all people without due recognition of both Lisa Richards
and Grace Ross that have worked tirelessly to make the March the
tremendous success that it was is a terrible injustice and tragedy.

I saw the entire March from beginning to end and I had a different
perspective on the impact it had on communities, people, and the
individual organizers and participants on the March.  This March was
powerful in that it handed the microphone and gave a voice to people that
haven't had that opportunity...it empowered folks to stand up for
themselves and their communities, without shame and to declare an end to
poverty, economic injustice, and racism...I was touched on numerous
occasions by the words of the people and similarly humbled by their
struggle and strength.  With each passing day on the March I felt a
growing sense of hope and committment to building a movement that would
bring justice, pride, and community to every family...  Mind you, the
March was not without its technical difficulties...this I will not
deny...their were challenges...foul weather, communication miscues,
misunderstandings, and wrong turns...but to only consider these
shortcomings without recognition of what we've accomplished is terribly
sad and unfortunate.  I for one am eager to continue this struggle, in my
community as I work to get candidates elected to office that care about
people and communities, and in communities across the state as we build a
network of individuals and organizations that refuse to accept injustice
in the land of plenty...I look forward to continued work with all of you.

A note of clarification...to claim that the GRP extended its network to
"accomodate" the March seenms a little confusing to me...  My
understanding is that when you endorse an organization/event that that's
what you are signing up to do.  The Green Rainbow Party was a key
sponsor/organizer of the event and because of that we chose to use our
network, resources, human energy, time, and money to make it a
success...this is not "accomodation" this is collaboration...  To
insinuate that the March kept candidates from gathering signatures is
simply absurd.  Those that prioritized signature gathering are more than
welcome to do that at the time of their choosing...take  the next 3 weeks
for example...or the several weeks leading up to the March.  We all need
to prioritize where we want to spend our time...I'm confident that GRP
folks in Worcester, Greenfield, Amherst, Pittsfield, Boston, Somerville,
Cambridge and many others...prioritized the March and have no regrets.  To
everyone I extend a tremendous word of gratitude and thanks for the hours
you all committed to organizing, publicity, and outreach.  I can say
confidently that the GRP was openly recognized and appreciated in nearly
every city we travelled to...recognition was also given in numerous news
articles.  The March could not have happened with out the involvement of
so many Green-Rainbows and for this I thank you all...the spirit of
collaboration, support, and passion that I witnessed on the March, is the
spirit that I signed up for when I joined the GRP of Massachusetts.  Let's
start there and keep building...

Onward,
Michael Gainer
617-699-7399
p.s. i have been to numerous events in boston and many have offered child
care for participants to make it more accessible for families...i see no
reason for this to be an expensive venture...nor do i see the need for
them to be "insured" "licensed" etc.  folks with families and children
just need support, i absolutely believe that the folks that do provide the
childcare should like children...and be interested in giving them
undivided attention and care, but we can't constantly live in fear of the
almighty lawsuit...we need to do our best to accomodate folks in order to
build this movement together...