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Sunday October 23, 2005 Morning Session Meeting called to order at 10:35 am and delegates seated. Mal Herbert and Matthew Andrews chaired. Greg reported that the most delegates seated at one time was 64 so quorum was 33. Greg Pason gave the National Secretary’s report. • Membership just over 1400 • 78% male/ 22% female • N.O. staffed 4 to 5 days a week plus e-mail answered overnight • Communications between the N.O. and affiliates is improving, but we need regular reports. Mal Herbert reported the names of active commission and commission contacts attending the convention. Statement of Principles Report (continued from Saturday) Socialist Feminism Motion: To rename the section “Socialist Feminism and Women’s Liberation” and change the wording to the wording that follows: “Socialist feminism confronts the common root of sexism, racism and classism: the determination of a life of oppression or privilege based on accidents of birth or circumstances. Socialist feminism is an inclusive way of creating social change. We value synthesis and cooperation rather than conflict and competition. We work against the exploitation and oppression of women who live with lower wages, inferior working conditions and subordination in the home, in society, and in politics. Socialists struggle for the full freedom of women and men to control their own bodies and reproductive systems and to determine their own sexual orientation. We stand for the right of women to choose to have a safe and legal abortion, at no cost, regardless of age, race, or circumstance. Women’s independent organizations and caucuses are essential to full liberation, both before and after the transformation to socialism. Women will define their own liberation.” Amendment: To add “We stand for the right of women to choose to have an abortion”. Amendment (to amendment): To add “safe, legal abortion at no cost”. Passed by a clear majority. Amendment (to amendment): To add “regardless of age, race or circumstance”. Passed by a clear majority. Amendment (as amended): We stand for the right of women to choose to have a safe, legal abortion at no cost, regardless of age, race or circumstance.” Amendment passed 35 yes 3 no and 11 abstentions. Main motion (as amended): Passed with 2/3 majority 37 yes 2 no 6 abstention PLATFORM COMMITTEE Susan Dorazio and Jessica Dreistadt gave the Platform Committee report. Motion: The 2006-2007 Platform be referred to the National Committee for final revision according to the following process: 1) A National Committee Platform Sub-committee be formed at the post-convention NC meeting. 2) The final version of the 2006-2007 Socialist Party platform be adopted at the winter National Committee meeting. 3) The 2006-2007 platform be posted on the SP website within 30 days and distributed to the membership within 60 days of its adoption by the National Committee. Motion passed by a clear majority Resolutions Committee Report (continued from Saturday) Broad Left Parties A motion submitted by the Central New York Local was discussed. Amendment: To amend the fourth paragraph so it reads “SP members may join a broad left third party and support its candidates if there is no SP candidate for the office concerned. In the absence of SP candidates, members may also run for office as a candidate of a pre-approved party (as stated in the SP-USA Constitution) provided that they run as open socialists on a program that promotes socialism. Such a candidacy should be reported to the National Office.” Amendment passed 24 yes 12 no Motion: To pass the following resolution: In the furtherance of independent political action through broad left third parties, as a step toward breaking with the Democratic/Republican two-party system: State and Local affiliates of the SP should be alert for meaningful opportunities to participate in support of electoral action by broad left third parties. The opportunity should be used to build such parties, and to advance socialist ideas, in a non-sectarian way. However, support may have to be critical and at arm's length, depending upon circumstances. SP members may join a broad left third party and support its candidates if there is no SP candidate for the office concerned. In the absence of SP candidates, members may also run for office as a candidate of a pre-approved party (as stated in the SP-USA Constitution) provided that they run as open socialists on a program that promotes socialism. Such a candidacy should be reported to the National Office. No prior approval shall be necessary for a candidacy in one of a pre-approved list of parties to be provided, if possible, by this Convention. Failing the completion of this list by the Convention, the National Committee shall complete it, and on occasion add to it, in the spirit of this resolution. The situation within such parties may vary from state to state, but the decision for support shall be left to the State or Local Party organization. The above is not meant to detract from the value of coalitions of socialist organizations and left-wingers, where possible, for independent political action." Motion passed 31 yes 10 no 3 abstentions FINANCIAL Jim Schaefer gave the Treasurer’s Report. He reported a Treasury balance of $86,746.26 as of October 23, 2005 and answered questions about the Party’s investments. The convention thanked Jim Shaefer for the report. OTHER BUSINESS It was announced that International Greetings would be added to the convention minutes. The convention ended at 4:15 pm with the singing of the Internationale Saturday Minutes Sunday Minutes |