L.A., L.A., Doo Dah!
L.A. Greens' cure for post-election blues
By Linda Piera-Avila and Lisa Taylor
Green Party of California

Outrageous costumes, irreverent themes, wacky floats, and the Green Party: it all adds up to the Doo Dah Parade! This annual parade is a southern California happening and a parody of the staid, traditional Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade.

In 2005 the Green Party of California marched in the Doo Dah Parade for the third consecutive year. Previous themes were "Give Pizza a Chance" in 2002, and "Fellowship of the Greens" in 2003, a take-off of "Lord of the Rings." Los Angeles Greens delighted most of the more than 50,000 onlookers on Nov. 21 with their entry in the 28th Doo Dah Parade, "Post-Partisan Depression."

This light but pointed theme was chosen to acknowledge the heavy post-election mood and make an emotional connection with the crowd. The Post-Partisan Depression unit started with a woman on a gurney, playing the role of expectant mother, with an attendant nurse in scrubs. Banners ushered in a contingent of strollers and buggies and a huge bassinet float of dolls with administration-masked faces. Many sported much-needed pacifiers, including Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, Kerry and First Lady Laura.

More than 25 Greens and a couple of megaphones rallied the audience to join in a loud "Wail to the Chief." Parade goers gladly jumped up to share the woe! Greens also passed out a few thousand flyers stating that a cure for post-election blues is to join the Greens.

Los Angeles Greens at the "world-infamous" Doo Dah Parade: (left to right) Cathy McKnight, Linda Piera-Avila, Derek Iversen, Johnny Lai, Lisa Taylor. Photo: Los Angeles Greens

Humorous outreach works. The Doo Dah Parade offers great party visibility and an opportunity to reach a new, wide-ranging audience. It attracts national and international press attention. Big annual events give local party members something to look forward to in both planning and event day participation. At the L.A. group's post-parade meal, members were already discussing plans for next year's theme.

Check out more parade photos at the Los Angeles Greens' website: www.losangelesgreens.org.

For more information on the Green Party of California, go to www.cagreens.org.

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