First of all, I don't believe it is a waste to send money to the Green Party to help them build an organization. When I said I sent money to her campaign, I meant I sent it to my state's Green Party, earmarked for the presidential campaign. That money will go to help build the party by getting her on the ticket, and hopefully pull in enough votes to get matching funds, ballot access, all kinds of stuff small parties with small purses have to do just to run.

I sent money to Nader via his website.

I haven't sent a check yet this calendar year, but I will likely also donate to Wis Senator Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriot Fund, to bankroll candidates I know very little about--and some whom we don't even know who they are yet.

It is what one does to keep the field open for progressives, and help their voices be heard within the system.