Jill SteinAmerican physician, activist and politician
Date of Birth: 14.05.1950
Country: USA |
Content:
- Jill Stein: Trailblazing Physician, Activist, and Politician
- Family and Early Life
- Medical Career
- Environmental Activism
- Political Engagements
- 2012 Presidential Campaign
- 2016 Presidential Campaign
- Legal Issues
- Philanthropy and Music
- Financial Controversies
- Legacy
Jill Stein: Trailblazing Physician, Activist, and Politician
Jill Ellen Stein (born May 14, 1950) is a renowned American physician, activist, and politician known for her resolute advocacy for environmental justice, social equality, and political reform.
Family and Early Life
Stein was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Gladys Wool and Joseph Stein, Russian Jewish immigrants. She grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, where she attended a Reform synagogue but later self-identified as agnostic. She married Richard Rohrer, a physician, and they have two adult sons.
Medical Career
After graduating summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1973, Stein earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1979. She practiced internal medicine for 25 years and taught at Harvard Medical School. Her growing concerns about the environmental impacts on human health led her to become an activist in 1998.
Environmental Activism
Stein protested against the operation of the "Dirty Five" coal power plants in Massachusetts. She testified successfully to ensure increased testing for fish contamination to protect women and children from mercury poisoning. Since 1998, she has served on the board of Physicians for Social Responsibility in Greater Boston.
Political Engagements
In 2002, Stein ran unsuccessfully for governor of Massachusetts as the Green-Rainbow Party candidate. She subsequently joined the Green Party, leaving the Democratic Party in protest of the Democratic-controlled legislature's rejection of campaign finance reform. Stein ran for president of the United States as the Green Party candidate in 2012 and 2016.
2012 Presidential Campaign
Stein officially launched her 2012 presidential campaign in October 2011. She criticized both Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama, arguing that they were essentially identical in their policies. She received 0.4% of the popular vote, finishing ahead of the Libertarian candidate.
2016 Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Stein again ran for president as the Green Party candidate. She condemned the Democratic and Republican parties as "two corporate parties" and warned against the rise of fascism and neoliberalism. She garnered 1% of the popular vote.
Legal Issues
In September 2016, Stein was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct for her participation in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota. She argued that she had "no choice" but to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Philanthropy and Music
In addition to her political activities, Stein has recorded several musical albums in collaboration with Ken Selcer of the folk-rock group Somebody's Sister. She plays congas, jembe, and guitar.
Financial Controversies
Stein's financial disclosures revealed that she had investments in companies she had criticized, including energy, finance, pharmaceutical, tobacco, and defense industries. She denied any wrongdoing, but the revelations sparked allegations of hypocrisy.
Legacy
Jill Stein is a polarizing figure, admired by her supporters for her unwavering activism and commitment to social justice, but criticized by others for her radical views and perceived lack of pragmatism. Her impact on the political landscape is undeniable, as she has helped raise awareness of environmental issues and the shortcomings of the two-party system.