However . . . In general, people don't feel themselves to be primarily political animals, in the sense of being involved with and trying to understand and manipulate politics. This observation applies equally to Greens. Many Greens feel that entering the political arena is at best a waste of time, and at worst a diversion of resources and difusion of priciples. Myself, I think the short-term gains from establishing a Green Party are obvious, but for the long term I am not so sure. Time will tell.
Greens engaging in politics does catch the attention of the public.
However, the public image of Greens thus created is filtered and distorted by the corporate media biases and woefully ignorant reportage. And this particular aspect will likely be with us for a long time. In these endeavors, I see the MGP as a tool, but by no means my primary tool. I very much respect those who distain using the political tool at all. Most folks simply focus their lives elsewhere, and would in any political scenario.