Realism Without Idealism is Empty

(To Winnipeg Free Press)

Unlike Bartley Kives (Colourless Election, May 12), the Green Party of Manitoba (GPM) lives in the present reality, we do not live in 2003 and we do not for one moment confuse idealism with being unrealistic. We find truth in the writings of John Avalon who said, "Idealism without realism is impotent, realism without idealism is empty."

He professes to be concerned about the issues yet devotes the few column inches he has prior to May 22 waxing on past Green leader Markus Buchart. Apparently Kives believes that in 2003 Buchart managed a political party, his Wolseley campaign, and media relations all by his lonesome and won 19% of the votes cast. Wow, if that were true then I too might long for the Green Party of 2003. But it isn't true.

I must take exception to describing Manitoba Greens as "unmotivated." Never in my life have I met a more dedicated, energetic, knowledgeable group of people with such a strong commitment to integrity. Idealists? Perhaps, in the sense that we believe as a society we can and should do better.

The reality is that we are 100% volunteer-run; there are no paid positions in the GPM. Unlike federal political parties, we do not receive funds for number of votes won.

We have many more members than the current 15 nominated candidates who would also grandly and ably represent us. However, they are unable to do so because they can't relinquish a month's salary to take time off for campaigning.

We too face the reality of having rent/mortgages to pay, children to feed, parents or spouses who are ill, and exams to write, in addition to meeting the demands of our jobs or careers. And yet, here we stand with a comprehensive plan to address social, economic and ecological ills in a strategic way.

If Kives is as obsessed about water quality, sustainable farming and Lake Winnipeg as he claims, then I invite him to inform himself with our online platform [it's the big green button on our home page]; and then competently report on what the Greens are in fact proposing.

The Green Party of Manitoba has made huge inroads into the provincial arena; otherwise the other parties wouldn't insist on describing themselves as us.

TANJA HUTTER, Communications & Media, Green Party of Manitoba