For the first time in our history, Uprise RI is endorsing a political candidate for President and without question that endorsement goes to Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party. This decision was not only unprecedented for us but also remarkably easy to make.

Dr. Stein’s policy proposals stand out as the most progressive and people-focused among all candidates in the 2024 election, and it’s not even close. Her vision addresses the root causes of the challenges we face, rather than merely treating the symptoms. From environmental justice to healthcare, education, and economic inequality, her platform is both forward-thinking and comprehensive.

What sets Dr. Stein apart is the depth and inclusivity of her policies, particularly for minority communities. It is evident that her proposals were thoughtfully crafted to serve all Americans, not hastily assembled from focus-group feedback or corporate consultants.

While no candidate’s policies are perfect, Dr. Stein’s are lightyears ahead of those put forth by her opponents, both in scope and in addressing the root cause of these underlying issues. Even when compared to the platforms of progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020, Dr. Stein’s agenda offers a bold and necessary vision for our nation’s future.

In contrast, both candidates from the major parties offer little inspiration or hope for meaningful change. Kamala Harris’s policy proposals, which only appeared on her website recently, fail to address the critical issues facing our country in any substantive way. Her track record and current positions pale in comparison to Dr. Stein’s comprehensive approach.

Worse, a Harris administration is expected to be so conservative, many will find it hard to differentiate it from a third George W. Bush term. Don’t take our word for it, she has already attracted endorsements from key figures traditionally associated with deep-rooted Republicanism, including renowned war criminal, Dick Cheney. Those that argue “But Trump…” surely have noticed the sheer number of Trump policies that carried over seamlessly into the Biden/Harris administration and continue to this day. Nearly all of Trump’s most impactful policies have carried over into the Biden/Harris administration, including the treatment of asylum seekers, trade agreements, tariffs, oil drilling, violations of the 1st amendment, policing, unlimited defense spending, Palestinian suffering, and so many others. Voters must realize that people like Dick Cheney are not endorsing Harris because they share her supposed values, but because she shares theirs.

Lastly, and most importantly, Kamala Harris serves as the second in command in an administration that has committed a holocaust on a scale not seen since World War II, with an estimated 500k+ Palestinians mass murdered under the direction and backing of the Biden/Harris administration. Nearly all Palestinian casualties have been innocent civilians, and their deaths horrific in scope with tens of thousands burned alive, starved to death, and tortured to death. The facts are indisputable: Kamala Harris is a party to unspeakable war crimes and crimes against humanity. We consider this absolutely disqualifying and should remove the Vice President from vote consideration by default.

Put this another way, imagine you knew someone who was fun to be around, liked all the same things you did, was well known in the community and was considered an all-around great person. This person decided to run for office. Then you learned that they molested children, or perhaps they were a serial killer. Would you still support them? Of course not. None of that feel-good stuff matters when they’ve committed acts reserved for the worst criminals. It is not hypothetical: Kamala Harris is that person. A vote for Harris is an endorsement of genocide and the horrific actions perpetrated by the Biden/Harris administration.

On the other side of the aisle, Trump’s reign in the GOP has increasingly focused on eroding personal freedoms and imposing restrictions on individual rights. It has been clear for many years that Trump’s Republican Party has little interest in governing. Running for President requires a commitment to serve all people and address the nation’s challenges earnestly—qualities that are absent in Trump’s candidacy. It does not even seem, at times, that he wants to be President. His campaign lacks the energy and commitment seen in his previous runs. His rallies feel lackluster, and his policy agenda seems entirely centered on harassing minorities, privatizing government functions, and setting policy based on the whims of donors. His 2024 run has proven to be so uninspiring that he is in a virtual tie with a candidate who is actively committing genocide.

Voting for Dr. Stein is not just a choice; it’s a powerful statement. The mantra of “vote blue no matter who” has allowed the Democratic Party to drift rightward, taking progressive votes for granted. The only way to shift the party to the left is to withhold automatic support and demand that they earn our votes through meaningful policies and actions. You surely will not bend the party to your will after you have already given them your vote.

The Republicans seem poised to continue nominating candidates similar to Trump for the foreseeable future. Accepting this dynamic means surrendering our agency as voters. Democracy thrives on genuine choices, and if we feel compelled to select the lesser of two unsatisfactory options every election cycle, then true democracy is compromised.

Jill Stein represents that necessary choice—a candidate who aligns with progressive values and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Our endorsement reflects our confidence in her vision and our desire for real change. We didn’t hesitate to make this decision, and we encourage voters to consider the profound impact their choice can make in shaping the future of our country.