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NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:30 PM Jun 2016

Green Party's Jill Stein completely flip-flops on Brexit--first supported, now opposes

The original, pro-Brexit statement:

https://web.archive.org/web/20160625005659/http://www.jill2016.com/stein_calls_britain_vote_a_wake_up_call

NEED TO UNITE WORKERS AND IMMIGRANTS

The vote in Britain to exit the European Union (EU) is a victory for those who believe in the right of self-determination and who reject the pro-corporate, austerity policies of the political elites in EU. The vote says no to the EU’s vision of a world run by and for big business. It is also a rejection of the European political elite and their contempt for ordinary people

The Brexit vote is one more sign that voters are in revolt against the rigged economy and the rigged political system that created it. People want change and they will get it one way or the other.

The austerity policies pushed aggressively by the EU bankers in the wake of the 2008 economic collapse has harmed the economies of European nations. It has also led to the kind of divisions between the working class and immigrants that fueled the Brexit. The increase in anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-refugee sentiment expanded because of the EU's economic policies, and was a key driver in support of the UK's departure from the European Union. Counterproductive austerity policies, cuts in government spending and loss of government jobs having created similar hateful, nationalist rhetoric promoted by my Republican opponent Donald Trump.

We must build a culture of inclusiveness and respect, and challenge the anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim pronouncements of demagogues who divide and distract us from the real source of economic distress – the economic elites throwing us all under the bus.

Government spending and job creation has historically led the United States out of recessions. I have proposed a Green New Deal which would fund a green energy transition and create millions of jobs. I also call for cancelling student loan debt – as we did for Wall Street after it crashed the economy in 2008. Liberating the younger generation to lead the way to a new economy is perhaps the most powerful stimulus package imaginable. The divisions promoting hateful xenophobia will not occur if the economy grows from the bottom, the wealth divide shrinks and people see hopeful futures.

The challenge now is to expand the political movement in the United States, Britain and beyond, that opposes austerity and the rule of bankers – including destructive corporate trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership and the TTIP. We must also defend the rights of workers and immigrants, and adopt sustainable economic policies that lift up the quality of life for all while transitioning to 100% clean energy as an urgent priority to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. And we must reject the catastrophic military adventures that have caused so much of the immigration crisis to start with, while simultaneously bankrupting our economies.

We will continue to work with our fellow Greens in the UK who are already leading the way in Britain, and with Green Parties throughout Europe and beyond, to promote these urgently needed changes in all countries.

Britain has spoken for much of humanity as it rejects the failed vision of a world that prioritizes profit for the few amidst hardship for the many. Now we must build on this momentum. Together we can create a world that works for us all, that puts people, planet and peace over profit. #ItsInOurHands


And what's currently on her website, showing her new-found lack of support for Brexit:

http://www.jill2016.com/stein_calls_britain_vote_a_wake_up_call

The Brexit vote is a direct result of the effects of neoliberalism on economically stressed voters harmed by decades of austerity, corporate free trade and globalization that serves the economic elite. The deplorable and dangerous anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, anti-refugee anger that neoliberalism generates can only be effectively ended through the construction of a new, more democratic, ecological, and socially just Europe. In this, I strongly support the work of the Green parties of Scotland and of England and Wales in working with progressive forces for a new European democracy to stand against both neoliberalism and neofascism

In reality, immigrants are themselves refugees from neoliberal militarism and economic domination – and have been forced to flee their homelands in search of safety and economic survival.

The only answer to this crisis is truly progressive policies – fair trade agreements, economic equality and security including the right to a job at living wages, health care and education as human rights, the cancellation of student debt, and respect for the needs and rights of immigrants. We must honor diversity and stop causing the immigration crisis through predatory economic and military policies of neoliberalism.

In order to achieve progressive policies that can address the growing crisis, we must also demand real democracy, both in the EU and the US. Only then can we begin to create an America and a world that works for all of us, that puts people, planet and peace over profit.

Before the Brexit vote I agreed with Jeremy Corbyn, Caroline Lucas and the UK Greens who supported staying in the EU but working to fix it, because the EU has many problems. They also recalled the problems that existed before the EU between European nations. The EU was created to fix those problems.

The Brexit vote should be a wake-up call to the EU -- they need to do more to respect democracy at the national level; serve the interests of the people by controlling transnational corporations, not empowering them; and protect the environment, not allow big business profits to come before the environment. As progressives we need to explain that the neoliberal policies of the EU are weakening workers, creating an expanded wealth divide as well as creating an environment where racism against immigrants can flourish. We also need to make clear it is the militarist policies of the US and NATO that is causing the migrant crisis. I still support Corbyn's, Lucas' and the UK Greens' view and hope the EU hears these concerns because they exist in many nations. If they do not fix the EU, it could fall apart.

Also see statements from European Greens https://europeangreens.eu/news/responses-f-our-member-parties-uk-referendum-results


Tsk tsk, Jill.
44 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Green Party's Jill Stein completely flip-flops on Brexit--first supported, now opposes (Original Post) NuclearDem Jun 2016 OP
there's a real cleavage on the left--the economic nationalists on the left (Corbyn, Sanders etc) geek tragedy Jun 2016 #1
The EU needs to be reformed from within. Ghost Dog Jun 2016 #4
+1! The Left let UK voters down BlueMTexpat Jun 2016 #19
There may have been some cleavage on the left but Corbyn and Sanders opposed Brexit. pampango Jun 2016 #21
Sanders is mildly pro-Brexit in his NY Times op-ed, Corbyn sabotaged Labor's geek tragedy Jun 2016 #24
"Bernie Sanders Says He Hopes Britain Votes To Remain In The European Union" pampango Jun 2016 #31
Sanders's comments on the Brexit from his NYT piece: geek tragedy Jun 2016 #36
It seems that Sanders was explaining the success of the Leave vote while supporting the Remain side. pampango Jun 2016 #38
that seems to be tone-policing rather than substantive disagreement. geek tragedy Jun 2016 #39
Corbyn being a 7/10 for Remain is better than being a 7/10 for Leave. pampango Jun 2016 #40
I guess in Sanders's case I'm left not knowing why he opposes the Brexit. nt geek tragedy Jun 2016 #41
Yeah. It could be a worry that this is just not the right time given the right wing's forceful push pampango Jun 2016 #42
I think it was more like "Brexit seems to be opposed by all of the mainstream, non-racist geek tragedy Jun 2016 #43
That would seem consistent with the "not now because the right is the driving force at the moment" pampango Jun 2016 #44
Thanks for your posts, Geek Tragedy. Hortensis Jun 2016 #33
She has a lot of questionable positions... tallahasseedem Jun 2016 #2
You have to be stupid not to know everything is archived these days. CrowCityDem Jun 2016 #3
At least she finally saw the light. LeftishBrit Jun 2016 #5
Vaccine stances on the Internet don't go away, either. nt msanthrope Jun 2016 #6
I've been interested in a lot of Jill's positions for a while - longer than this election season but seaglass Jun 2016 #7
Dr. Jill "It would be better if Romney won" Stein? ProudToBeBlueInRhody Jun 2016 #8
*Eyeroll* Daemonaquila Jun 2016 #9
It's a problem because she dishonestly scrubbed the original statement NuclearDem Jun 2016 #15
Thanks for posting, Nuclear. It's not which position Hortensis Jun 2016 #35
She changed her mind in the last three days? Since Saturday? DanTex Jun 2016 #17
Reflexive outrage is why I won't vote Green Bad Thoughts Jun 2016 #10
She "changed her mind" on open vs closed primaries too oberliner Jun 2016 #11
She has no clue what she's doing... woolldog Jun 2016 #12
The Green Party will be lucky to pull 0.25% in the generals. madinmaryland Jun 2016 #13
I think you're way off on both the Greens and the Libertarians. Jim Lane Jun 2016 #27
I've found Jill Stein generally to be pretty clueless. DanTex Jun 2016 #14
Stein is a bigger moron than Trump MohRokTah Jun 2016 #16
Hmmm. sangfroid Jun 2016 #18
What does she actually know about anything? Renew Deal Jun 2016 #20
Ooof alcibiades_mystery Jun 2016 #22
She needs to take a seat. nt TNProfessor Jun 2016 #23
I can't imagine wasting my vote in her Beaverhausen Jun 2016 #25
I don't think she could find her way from Lexington, where she lives, to Concord. MADem Jun 2016 #30
If people wonder why there's no nationally viable third parties in the US... herding cats Jun 2016 #26
She's a perfect balanced sample. Nye Bevan Jun 2016 #28
Someone clued her into the whole xenophobia thing. MADem Jun 2016 #29
The Brexiteers (Right and Left) have been lying through their bare teeth (or were stupid) Albertoo Jun 2016 #32
This might cost her 10% of her votes in November Orrex Jun 2016 #34
So the exact opposite flip flop from The Donald's. But it doesn't matter. It's only the Green Party. Bucky Jun 2016 #37
 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
1. there's a real cleavage on the left--the economic nationalists on the left (Corbyn, Sanders etc)
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:33 PM
Jun 2016

range from ambivalent to supportive of the Brexit whereas the globalists tend to be appalled by it.

Stein couldn't figure out which group she wanted to pander to.

 

Ghost Dog

(16,881 posts)
4. The EU needs to be reformed from within.
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:41 PM
Jun 2016

I strongly support the work of the Green parties of Scotland and of England and Wales in working with progressive forces for a new European democracy to stand against both neoliberalism and neofascism

BlueMTexpat

(15,373 posts)
19. +1! The Left let UK voters down
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 08:21 PM
Jun 2016

by not clearly informing them about how Brexit would actually affect them. Their lukewarm support for Remain is partially accountable for the result. Except for Jo Cox perhaps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Cox Jo Cox was worth at least ten or Corbyn.

If for nothing else, Leavers should feel thoroughly ashamed that even Jo's assassination couldn't galvanize them to question why anyone would believe that Brexit was a good idea.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
21. There may have been some cleavage on the left but Corbyn and Sanders opposed Brexit.
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 08:42 PM
Jun 2016

I don't consider them to be globalists, though they were appalled by Brexit.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
24. Sanders is mildly pro-Brexit in his NY Times op-ed, Corbyn sabotaged Labor's
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 08:59 PM
Jun 2016

opposition to it by refusing to make policy arguments against it. His job was to oppose it, and he barely went through the motions, because he's from the Paleo left faction inside labor that thinks the EU is a neoliberal cabal.



pampango

(24,692 posts)
31. "Bernie Sanders Says He Hopes Britain Votes To Remain In The European Union"
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 06:12 AM
Jun 2016

Bernie Sanders has said he wants the United Kingdom to remain a member of the European Union.

His comments come after both President Obama and Hillary Clinton urged the British people to vote in favour of EU membership at the June 23 referendum.

Senator Sanders, who is fighting Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president, told NBC’s Meet The Press on Sunday he wanted to “let the British people make their own decisions”.

“I think the European Union obviously is a very, very important institution,” he said. “I would hope that they stay in, but that’s their decision.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/bernie-sanders-says-he-hopes-britain-votes-to-remain-in-the-european-union_uk_571d4aaae4b077f671e7fc61

I have not seen the NYT op-ed you referenced. Perhaps he walked this statement back as they say in politics.

Corbyn sabotaged Labor's opposition to it by refusing to make policy arguments against it.

Advising us to ignore what Corbyn says because you know what is in his heart is not very convincing.

If Corbyn's opposition to Brexit was 'just going through the motions' in your view, the support for Brexit from Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Donald Trump and a majority of conservative voters was quite unequivocal. If Johnson becomes the next Conservative prime minister, Brits may well see the UK become a "neoliberal fantasy island" (Johnson's words).

Regardless of what is in Corbyn's heart, the majority of Labour, young, minority and liberal voters voted to Remain in the EU. They sound like Bernie voters in the US.
 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
36. Sanders's comments on the Brexit from his NYT piece:
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 08:05 AM
Jun 2016
Surprise, surprise. Workers in Britain, many of whom have seen a decline in their standard of living while the very rich in their country have become much richer, have turned their backs on the European Union and a globalized economy that is failing them and their children.

...

Could this rejection of the current form of the global economy happen in the United States? You bet it could.

...

During my campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, I’ve visited 46 states. What I saw and heard on too many occasions were painful realities that the political and media establishment fail even to recognize.

In the last 15 years, nearly 60,000 factories in this country have closed, and more than 4.8 million well-paid manufacturing jobs have disappeared. Much of this is related to disastrous trade agreements that encourage corporations to move to low-wage countries.

Despite major increases in productivity, the median male worker in America today is making $726 dollars less than he did in 1973, while the median female worker is making $1,154 less than she did in 2007, after adjusting for inflation.

...

Let’s be clear. The global economy is not working for the majority of people in our country and the world. This is an economic model developed by the economic elite to benefit the economic elite. We need real change.

But we do not need change based on the demagogy, bigotry and anti-immigrant sentiment that punctuated so much of the Leave campaign’s rhetoric — and is central to Donald J. Trump’s message.

We need a president who will vigorously support international cooperation that brings the people of the world closer together, reduces hypernationalism and decreases the possibility of war. We also need a president who respects the democratic rights of the people, and who will fight for an economy that protects the interests of working people, not just Wall Street, the drug companies and other powerful special interests.

We need to fundamentally reject our “free trade” policies and move to fair trade. Americans should not have to compete against workers in low-wage countries who earn pennies an hour. We must defeat the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We must help poor countries develop sustainable economic models.

His only critique of Trump and the Leave campaign is of tone, he actually agrees with their substance. His solution is to start a trade war with the developing world (including India, China,presumably Mexico) while helping them 'develop sustainable economic models"--whatever that means.

As far as Corbyn is concerned, he refused to appear with Cameron to promote the remain campaign and generally was conflicted about the whole thing. He and Sanders are part of the "underdevelopment" school of leftwing thought that believes the best thing the US/UK can do for everyone else is to refuse to trade with them.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
38. It seems that Sanders was explaining the success of the Leave vote while supporting the Remain side.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 09:35 AM
Jun 2016
But we do not need change based on the demagogy, bigotry and anti-immigrant sentiment that punctuated so much of the Leave campaign’s rhetoric — and is central to Donald J. Trump’s message.

I agree with Sanders on his analysis and position on this. He did not write anything in that OpEd that contradicted what he had said back in the article from May.

With respect to Corbyn, you may be right. I would like to hear him state his position rather than try to 'read the tea leaves' to figure out what he really believes.

I see that Thomas Piketty resigned as a Corbyn advisor in frustration with the latter's ineffective performance as a Remain advocate. Piketty did not speculate on whether Corbyn's ineffectiveness was due to him being conflicted on the issue or that he is just not a good campaigner.
 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
39. that seems to be tone-policing rather than substantive disagreement.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 10:18 AM
Jun 2016

Indeed--the central substantive point of Sanders's piece--"close the ports" economic nationalism--is almost perfectly aligned with Trumpism and Team Leave.

If he sees a problem with the Brexit in terms of policy as opposed to the rhetoric used by some of its supporters, he's hiding it.

I read the article not knowing his position on the Brexit, and came away thinking he was for it.

Corbyn is an old-school anti-NATO, anti-US, anti-EU hard leftist. He opposed the UK's entry to the European Union in the 1970s and has on multiple occasions said he'd be open to a Brexit under certain circumstances.

He even said that his enthusiasm for staying in the EU was around a 7/10.







pampango

(24,692 posts)
40. Corbyn being a 7/10 for Remain is better than being a 7/10 for Leave.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 10:29 AM
Jun 2016


Bernie explicitly stated he was for Remain. From his later explanation in the OpEd he is probably something like a 7/10 for Remain also.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
42. Yeah. It could be a worry that this is just not the right time given the right wing's forceful push
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 11:16 AM
Jun 2016

for Brexit at this time might be going from the frying pan into the fire with an invigorated Right emerging from Brexit's success. He may have preferred for a later, 'liberal Brexit' to come when liberal forces were the driving force which might result in a more liberal post-Brexit UK than what looks likely to emerge now.

That would be the "Brexit - sure, but not in the current political environment" scenario.

Or he may believe that EU membership for the UK is really preferable. That would be the "The EU is flawed but being in is better than being out" scenario.

At least from what I have read from him, he has kind of left us guessing.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
43. I think it was more like "Brexit seems to be opposed by all of the mainstream, non-racist
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 11:20 AM
Jun 2016

figures, so I should probably oppose it."

pampango

(24,692 posts)
44. That would seem consistent with the "not now because the right is the driving force at the moment"
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 11:26 AM
Jun 2016

scenario. Agreed.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
33. Thanks for your posts, Geek Tragedy.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 07:21 AM
Jun 2016

Where farther-left leaders are on these things is not something I've paid attention to.

 

CrowCityDem

(2,348 posts)
3. You have to be stupid not to know everything is archived these days.
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:40 PM
Jun 2016

If you change your mind, say you changed your mind. It looks a whole lot better than getting called out for being a manipulative liar like this.

seaglass

(8,173 posts)
7. I've been interested in a lot of Jill's positions for a while - longer than this election season but
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:51 PM
Jun 2016

I have to say I didn't realize what a dope she is until recently.

 

Daemonaquila

(1,712 posts)
9. *Eyeroll*
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:00 PM
Jun 2016

This is a problem WHY? People get to change their minds. Of course, those on DU who are planning to vote for her are both (a) not likely to respond to you as discussing non-Dem voting is a violation, and (b) couldn't care less.

 

NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
15. It's a problem because she dishonestly scrubbed the original statement
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:23 PM
Jun 2016

with absolutely no acknowledgement that she did so.

It's fine to change one's mind on an issue, but to pretend you held your current position all along is just plain dishonest.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
35. Thanks for posting, Nuclear. It's not which position
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 07:55 AM
Jun 2016

that matters so much to me, anyone can change his or her mind. Politicians who expect and exploit ignorance instead of educating, though, are a big part of "the problem." Hope this cost her credibility with more thoughtful Greens.

DanTex

(20,709 posts)
17. She changed her mind in the last three days? Since Saturday?
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:25 PM
Jun 2016

Changing one's mind is fine, but replacing a pro-Brexit article with an anti-Brexit one on her website within three days of each other, and both written after the Brexit vote, is veering into Trump territory.

Bad Thoughts

(2,531 posts)
10. Reflexive outrage is why I won't vote Green
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:03 PM
Jun 2016

Too many hang onto whatever boogie man is being put out there until it is explained to them. Yes, Jill, David Cameron introduced austerity, not the EU.

 

oberliner

(58,724 posts)
11. She "changed her mind" on open vs closed primaries too
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:05 PM
Jun 2016

At first, she was adamantly in support of closed primaries (which all Green party primaries are). Then she joined up with the whole "all primaries should be open primaries" schtick promoted by Bernie Sanders.

 

woolldog

(8,791 posts)
12. She has no clue what she's doing...
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:12 PM
Jun 2016

and is utterly unqualified to be President. What a joke. Maybe try running and winning and doing well with a lower office before trying for President. What hubris.

madinmaryland

(64,933 posts)
13. The Green Party will be lucky to pull 0.25% in the generals.
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 06:13 PM
Jun 2016

No way will they have any impact. Just to say the libertarians will probably get the same amount. Libertarians are teabaggers who support tRump.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
27. I think you're way off on both the Greens and the Libertarians.
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 10:50 PM
Jun 2016

We seem to be heading toward a general election between two major-party candidates who have record unfavorables. Furthermore, in each party there are substantial numbers of formerly dependable voters who'll have reason to look elsewhere. Most Sanders supporters will vote for Clinton, however grudgingly, but enough will vote for Stein to give the Greens their best non-Nader showing ever (certainly better than the 0.36% they got in 2012). On the GOP side, Republicans who are disgusted by Trump but who can't bring themselves to vote for Clinton will see, on the Libertarian ticket, two former GOP governors. Eccentricities of the platform aside, both Johnson and Weld are, in the eyes of many Republicans, better qualified for high office than is Trump. I predict that the Libertarian Party will have its best showing ever.

I'm assuming that Stein and Johnson get the nominations but these minor parties rate to do well even with other candidates.

Renew Deal

(81,871 posts)
20. What does she actually know about anything?
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 08:42 PM
Jun 2016

The people that support her don't know anything about her. They just think she is the most Lovett wing candidate. Guaranteed loser is a waste of time and a vote

Beaverhausen

(24,472 posts)
25. I can't imagine wasting my vote in her
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 09:40 PM
Jun 2016

Maybe if she ran for a lower office like congress or state rep. She needs to get some experience.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
30. I don't think she could find her way from Lexington, where she lives, to Concord.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 01:10 AM
Jun 2016

Dumb as a post, she is.

herding cats

(19,567 posts)
26. If people wonder why there's no nationally viable third parties in the US...
Tue Jun 28, 2016, 09:58 PM
Jun 2016

Just show them this, and many other similar examples.

They're not serious, and they don't have a bloody clue, and even less of an actual concern as to what's really taking place. They don't need a wind to blow from one direction to the other, a gentle breeze will send them shifting in their stances.

I agree, Jill apparently pretending this was her original stance, is rather pathetic. In appears she thought since hardly any people would know her original stance on Brexit, so it wouldn't be noticed. Which is just sad.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
29. Someone clued her into the whole xenophobia thing.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 01:06 AM
Jun 2016

You'd think they'd talk about that stuff over in Lexington...!


This is typical, though.

 

Albertoo

(2,016 posts)
32. The Brexiteers (Right and Left) have been lying through their bare teeth (or were stupid)
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 06:36 AM
Jun 2016

Farage and Boris Johnson too have now openly flip-flopped.

The very definition of demagoguery. The whole thing is a ghastly mess.

Bucky

(54,065 posts)
37. So the exact opposite flip flop from The Donald's. But it doesn't matter. It's only the Green Party.
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 08:27 AM
Jun 2016

They'll do better this year but their ceiling is still about 2%

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