Green Party candidate Teresa Keane is running for U.S. Senate this election. She is taking on incumbent and Democrat Ron Wyden. The following is a brief email Q&A between Salvation Inc. & the truly progressive candidate.
SI: [Referring to the "10 Key Green Values" listed on the the website] I'm curious about your "Feminism and Gender Equity" value listed on the site. How do you propose to have this mindset exist in the state? What could you do to offer such a thing to all Oregonians?
TK: I believe that people who run for office need to be responsive to voters. The Green value of Feminism and Gender equality reflects the belief that all Americans deserve equal rights and protection. In policy, I would work for equal pay for equal work, provisions on child care for working parents, equal benefits for women over 65 who to often become poor and full reproductive rights for women.
SI: Where does the "moral conscience" lie, in your opinion?
TK: A moral conscience means that each individual determines their moral behavior according their own beliefs but no person has the right to harm another.
SI: I love your "Ecological Wisdom" value, but once again, for such a state dependent on logging and the gradual destruction of our forests, how would you propose the ideas into actions?
TK: As a Green I believe in sustainable logging and habitat restoration. This would keep rural people working and provide a healthy planet for future generations.
SI: How would you imagine the Senate if you are elected, as such a progressive candidate, and for a woman (in a rich, white man's world), to be looking to change the entire stale, corrupt system which you would have to deal with?
TK: In the Senate, as a Green, I imagine myself being supported by all the Greens from around the country. The task would be daunting, but I believe many Americans are ready for change.
SI: Will your Stress Reduction history be needed to deal with the sludge of bureaucracy?
TK: My Stress Reduction training is something that helps me everyday and I'm sure will be of great value in the Senate.
SI: What are your expectations if you do not win the Senate seat?
TK: If I do not win, I will resume my work as a nurse practitioner for now.
SI: Have you been in contact with Ron Wyden, or will the upcoming debate [Oct 17th] be your first time?
TK: I have had 2 interactions with Wyden: first when we met face to face at the Labor Day picnic (please see the story on my web site); the second was by speaker phone when we were being interviewed by Willamette Week.
SI: Will you be voting Green for president in this upcoming election, or are you going with the safe state strategy?
TK: I am voting Green for President. I have tremendous respect for David Cobb and he shares my vision of peace and sustainability.
Salvation Inc endorses Teresa Keane's vision and campaign for U.S. Senate.
http://votekeane.org/
Well done S.I.
Teresa has volumes of courage to put herself out there. She has the resolve of a Naderite considering all the hurdle she's had to clear.
Move on Ron!
Posted by: Travis at October 16, 2004 11:33 AM