Money Out of Politics

At Green Night Out on September 8, Alex Sheppard, led a discussion concerning "Money Out of Politics." Sheppard is an organizer for Rootstrikers, www.rootstrikers.org, which also meets as the Money Out of Politics Working Group for Occupy Philadelphia. They work to engage and educate people of all political beliefs about the corrupting influence of money over America's politics and government and to mobilize citizens in actions to stop it. 

Sheppard was part of a Money Out of Politics Coalition that got Philadelphia's City Council to pass a resolution calling for getting money out of politics and overturning Citizens United. His message was favorably received by members of the Green Party of Philadelphia, www.gpop.org, which never accepts contributions from corporations or their political action committees.

While consuming mountains of delicious food, the diners at Green Night Out discussed ways to help people understand that Americans are facing many problems today, but getting money out of politics is the FIRST problem that needs confronting. There are many organizations fighting to overcome these problems and to create positive change in our communities. Breaking Washington and Harrisburg's addiction to money will help make that change a reality, because the power of government will be placed back into the hands of the people, alone.

Sheppard said. "If you believe our government should be dependent upon the people and not the funders of elections; if you are tired of the apathy that prevents citizens from taking a stand; and if you're ready to show others how corruption cripples our democracy and weakens public trust, then you are a Rootstriker."

Green Night Out takes place monthly at Singapore Kosher Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant, www.singaporevegetarian.com . Green Night Out is sponsored by the Green Party of Philadelphia, www.gpop.org .