Rational people ignore the Green Party because the Green Party is verifiably insane. For example, consider their $20 dollar per hour minimum wage. Don't believe me? Read on.
To quote from the Green Party USA platform:
- Universal Social Security: Taxable Basic Income Grants for all, structured into the progressive income tax, that guarantee an adequate income sufficient to maintain a modest standard of living. Start at $500/week ($26,000/year) for a family of four, with $62.50/week ($3,250/year) adjustments for more or fewer household members in 2000 and index to the cost of living.
- Jobs for All: A guaranteed right to job. Full employment through community-based public works and community service jobs programs, federally financed and community controlled.
- Living Wages: A family-supporting minimum wage. Start at $12.50 per hour in 2000 and index to the cost of living.
30-Hour Work Week: A 6-hour day with no cut in pay for the bottom 80% of the pay scale. - Social Dividends: A "second paycheck" for workers enabling them to receive 40 hours pay for 30 hours work. Paid by the government out of progressive taxes so that social productivity gains are shared equitably.
So, a single highschool dropout demands and receives a job. They get $(500.00 - 62.50 * 3) weekly from their "Universal Social Security" check. Then, they get an hourly minimum wage of $(12.50 * 40), even though they're only working 30 hours. That works out to $42,250.00 per year. Minimum.
Do they sit around in a drum circle to write this stuff? "Ooh, $12.50 an hour! Write that down!" "And you shouldn't have to work more than 30 hours a week! Get that in there too." "And, and, they should have to pay you for 40 hours anyway! Yeah, add that in!"
I tend to disagree with the Democratic Party because I do not agree with some of its basic tenets, but I understand how other intelligent people can believe in them. However, I disagree with the Green Party because I own a calculator.
