In the past few weeks I have often found myself engaged in heartfelt and passionate political discussions with other concerned citizens and likely voters. Many times my support for Dr. Jill Stein and my membership in the Green Party has been chastised or ridiculed. I would like to respond in an open letter to politically concerned people in New Jersey.

One criticism I have dismissed regularly is that a vote for Stein is a vote for Trump. This is an absurd notion as it could easily be argued by Trump supporters that a vote for Stein is a vote for Clinton. To paraphrase Eugene V. Debs, “it's better to vote for whom you want and lose than for whom you don't want and win.” I would never vote for a candidate I don't support.

Secondly, I have had to defend Dr. Stein’s lack of experience. It is important to note that she has been an environmental activist and advocate for democracy, peace, and poor and marginalized people for many years. Dr. Stein is not the only anti-establishment candidate in the race, but she is the best.

Finally, I want to address the unfair stigma attached to green economics. Most people I have encountered have a minimal understanding of the platform of the Green Party. I encourage everyone to read it for themselves online. My favorite part: Green economic policy places value not just on material wealth, but on the things which truly make life worth living — our health, our relationships, our communities, our environment, and building peace and justice throughout our nation and the world.

Al Clayton

Chairperson

Green Party of Ocean County