Buddhism and the Green Party




The Jay Forrest Show show

Summary: In this episode I examine the Ten Values of the Green Party and compare them with the values of the Dharma. The Green Party platform is too long to share on this podcast. So we will look at the Ten Values and see how they fit with the Buddhist perspective of non-violence, interdependence, and compassion. It should be noted that no political party is perfect and the Green Party is not a Buddhist party. What we are looking at is a comparison between the values of the Green Party and the values of Buddhism. We need a third option. It is time that we end the two party system. Both the Democrats and the Republican continue to give us the same old government. Both parties are so much alike that it is hard to tell them apart. Both are under the control of big business and special interest groups. We need a third option. It really will not matter much whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney gets elected, nothing will really change. And what we really need is change. So what is the Green Party? You are familiar with the Republican Party and the Democratic party, well I would like to introduce you to the Green Party of the United States. It is an American political party that was founded in 1991. The Green Party of the United States was inspired by the success of European Green parties, notably that of the German Green party. And so the Green Party is a recognized partner of the European Federation of Green Parties. The most well known Green Party candidate for president was Ralph Nader. an American political activist who ran in the 2000 presidential election. The Ten Values of the Green Party are Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice and Equal Opportunity, Ecological Wisdom, Non-Violence, Decentralization, Community Based Economics, Feminism and Gender Equity, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Future Focus And Sustainability. There is nothing in the Ten Values that are contrary to Buddhist principles, in fact they express them very well. Being engaged in society means voting and voting means choosing a Party and a candidate that matches your values, the Green Party seems to be that Party. At least in my opinion. Your feedback on this issue is appreciated. Research Links http://gp.org http://www.jillstein.org/ http://www.globalgreens.org/ http://www.lp.org/ http://www.rockthevote.org/ http://registertovote.org/index.html http://neweconomicsinstitute.org/buddhist-economics/ Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits Politicians by Loudog Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.