News
In search of a Green New Deal
From the Marin Independent Journal
Elections come and go, but the need for a Green New Deal remains.
Dire trends are undermining our economy and ecology. Misplaced priorities have led to high unemployment, rampant home foreclosures and widening income inequality.
Meanwhile, despite important progress in certain areas, the natural environment continues to take a beating.
We can find solutions — but only if we invigorate civic involvement.
That's been the hope behind a grassroots initiative launched two years ago — the Green New Deal for the North Bay — directly involving hundreds of people in public forums, discussions and meetings.
Solomon prepares to seek Woolsey’s seat in Congress
The Press Democrat
Norman Solomon, a Marin County political activist and author, said Wednesday he will run for the Sonoma—Marin congressional seat in 2012 if Rep. Lynn Woolsey retires.
Solomon, an Inverness resident and self-described progressive Democrat, said he would “extend the Woolsey legacy” by opposing war in Afghanistan and backing green jobs, clean energy, civil liberties, gender equality, health care, education and balanced spending priorities.
“True leadership means standing up for the well-being of the vast majority of Americans, even when — especially when — the powerful push back,” Solomon said.
Grassroots Response as Norman Moves Toward Run for Congress
Enthusiastic support has continued to surge across the North Bay since Norman Solomon's announcement in late January that he will run for the seat currently held by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey if she decides not to seek re-election. Many see the potential for a grassroots campaign to counter the power of corporate money in politics.
Solomon has gained wide recognition for his expertise and advocacy on such issues as ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, foreign policy, human rights, healthcare, workers’ rights and sustainability.
“Norman Solomon is already out demonstrating expertise on national issues. Solomon and Woolsey are 100 percent in agreement on those policies,” Marin IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood wrote recently.
Solomon said that he would extend the Woolsey legacy -- strongly opposing war in Afghanistan while championing progressive policies for good green jobs, economic fairness, clean energy, civil liberties, gender equality, healthcare, education and balanced spending priorities.
Why I may run for Congress
San Francisco Bay Guardian
Across the country, alarm is rising as corporate power escalates at the intersection of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
One of the most inspiring political leaders in recent decades, Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.), famously declared: "I represent the democratic wing of the Democratic Party." Today we need progressives in Congress who will represent the progressive wing of the Progressive Caucus.
That's the largest caucus on Capitol Hill — but having 80 members on the roster won't do much good if many cave under pressure.
Marin Democrats and Republicans differ over Obama’s address
Marin Independent Journal
Marin Democrats and Republicans heard things they both liked and disliked in President Obama's State of the Union speech Tuesday night but what was music to one ear was the sound of a dentist drilling to the other.
Take for example Obama's suggestion that the children of undocumented immigrants should be allowed to remain in the United States.
"I thought his treatment of immigration was great," said West Marin author and progressive political activist Norman Solomon.
