Whether you listen to a Republican or a Democrat now, they all say the same thing, which is nothing.

We're giving away the store to the wealthy.

Peace, Jobs, and a Culture of Truth that Looks to Our Common Future

Friday, December 09, 2005 - Bangor Daily News

After GOP scandals and weak Democratic leadership, Greens expect 2006 to be a good year for alternative party growth.

Some day the headline "Green Beats Castle" may be true in the political arena. Today, I can definitely say its true on the local running scene:

Imagine my surprise when, after signing up for the Mental Health Association 5K at the Riverfront, doing my several miles warm-up, changing into my racing shoes, doing a few sprints to feel fast and ready, and then lining up for the race, who should appear in the crowd of runners, but Mike Castle. I've seen him jogging near Rockford Park and I knew his wife, Jane, was more serious about her running, but, unlike Tom Carper, I had never seen Castle in a race.

In all fairness, Castle is basically a fitness jogger, not a racing enthusiast. So when the results were in after the race, I had finished ahead of him by 10+ minutes. I was more interested in besting Henry Gunther, the other guy in Castle's age group (65-69), who took off ahead of me, took me two miles to catch and who was only 18 secs. behind me at the finish. Since there were not that many in the race, Castle actually came in second in his age group and won a prize. As he collected it, he turned to Henry and me and said "Don't worry. I'm no threat to you guys."

"No," I was thinking, "but some day soon the Green Party will be a threat to you."

By the way, in case anyone is wondering: No, I did not confront Castle in any way. If I had known he was going to be there, I would have pinned an appropriate note to my shirt, such as "No War" or "U.S. Out of Iraq," which I have done on occasion. But I don't consider racing venues, where everyone is out supporting a charitable cause, the appropriate time to get confrontational about politics. However, I thought it ironic that any of over 100 people could walk up and talk to him about the weather or whatever, but only four people could meet, not with him as anticipated, but a young aide to talk about ending the war in Iraq at his office.

Dave McCorquodale

• John Atkeison, City Council
• J. Roy Cannon, County Council
• Vince Sottile, County Council