Dean Myerson of the Green Institute challenges Peter Camejo to a debate.
[Dean is referring to the article I mention below, where I point to both Peter Camejo’s posting on CounterPunch and Ted Glick’s posting on ZMag. -Thomas]
In his recent long letter posted to many internet lists and after that to
the Counterpunch website, Peter Camejo wrote of a long list of concerns he
has over past decisions the Green Party has made, the structure and process
of the party, and its future direction. In that message, Peter chose to
include an attack on the Green Institute, including allegations that could
have been easily cleared up had he only chosen to call me. Whatever Peter’s
intent in doing this, a new level of vitriol has been reached in email
communications between Greens. Many accusations have been made against
Greens and there is little opportunity to clear it up.
I believe that Greens need a clear opportunity to hear both sides and hear
them respond to each other. Since attacks on my commitment to Green
politics and the Green Institute’s mission have become a part of this, I
have decided to step forward.
I hereby challenge Peter Camejo to a public debate. There will be no
preconditions on issues that can or cannot be discussed.
I propose that this debate occur on the evening of May 19 or 20th in or
near Sylmar, Calif, just before the beginning of the Green Party of
California plenary, and that local Greens be given the authority to set up
the details as they see fit, including the general format. But it should
include the ability of each participant to respond to each other, and at a
decent length, so that the issues are not trivialized.
Apparently the GPCA plenary will address a proposal from Peter Camejo and
the GDI organization. This will be the first time that Greens will get to
vote on a proposal related to the principles of GDI, and I think that
Greens deserve to get a clear perspective on the pros and cons of these
proposals and the efforts to advocate for them. If possible, the debate
should be streamed onto the internet so that all Greens who are interested
can watch.
I await the response of Peter Camejo.
Dean Myerson
