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The Green Party of New Jersey
Updated May 08, 2008
Greens Condemn The Violent Attacks On
New York, The Pentagon, And Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Green Party of the United States condemns the violent attacks and mass murder at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Greens offer their sympathy to people affected by the attacks, especially those injured, and to the loved ones of people killed or injured.  Greens in New Jersey are organizing to donate desperately needed blood.  They are also planning a series of vigils mourning the dead and injured and to call for care and justice in responding to this horrific series of events.

"For the Green Party of New Jersey this hits very close to home.  I would encourage all Greens to support rescue and relief activities as appropriate, to provide personal support for affected families and to donate blood," stated Jerry Coleman, Green Party candidate for governor of New Jersey.  "We must also guard against generalizing the appropriate condemnation of evil individuals--as yet unidentified--into prejudices against blameless individuals who may share their religious or ethnic backgrounds."

"The Green Party opposes the use of violence for political ends, whether by government forces, by independent organizations, or by individuals, and we call all such tactics counterproductive," said Anita Rios, Co-Chair of the Green Party and a member of the Ohio Greens.

"Whoever and whatever group is behind today's attacks have earned the revulsion and condemnation of the world, and have set back whatever cause they hoped to advance.  We stand with all Americans, and with all the peaceful people of the world and grieve."

Greens appeal for a careful response, after investigation, from the White House, and insist that rash and violent retaliation will only increase the loss of life, especially of the innocent.

"Those responsible for these murders are attempting to terrorize Americans out of our faith in democracy," said Ben Manski, Green Party Co-Chair and member of the Wisconsin Green Party.  "They have crucified thousands of civilians in an attempt to intimidate the government into clamping down on American freedoms."

"We ask our leaders to be swift and just," added Anita Rios.  "We ask that this horror not be compounded by the victimization or stigmatization of the innocent."

Joe Fortunato, Chair of the Green Party of NJ, commented, "Terrorism can never be a positive strategy for bringing about a better world.  In the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, we must rededicate ourselves to social transformation of the world through nonviolent means.  This voice must be heard now, more than ever.  We caution our political leaders that a measured response, one that will not further inflame the forces of intolerance and hatred, is required."

"This underlines the importance of a commitment to world peace and ending the use of violence as means of resolving conflicts," echoed Jerry Coleman.

MORE INFORMATION:
Green Party of New Jersey
http://gpnj.org