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Meeting of the National Committee June 19-20, 2010 Leland Hotel Detroit, MI Attending (all of part): Co-Chair: Billy Wharton, Co-Vice Chairs: Jim Sanders and Diana Demers, National Committee Members: Sally Joyner, Kristin Schall, Susan Dorazio, Veronica Nowakowski, Rafael Thurin, Greg Pason, Matthew Andrews, Peter Moody, Zelig Stern and Larry Burks Alternates: Jerry Stastny and Marc Luzietti Observing: Eric Chester, Matt Erard, James Arnoldi, Eric Crouse. Saturday session Meeting called to order at 10:10 am by Greg Pason. Materials were distributed and the NC introduced themselves. Jim Sanders chaired the first session. National Office Report Greg P. gave the National Office report and answered questions. He reported that membership in good standing is still under 1000 since the rules for membership in good standing changed, but the numbers are slightly better from when it first went into effect. Greg also reported that the Party was on budget for revenue, expenses and financial support from the Treasury, but that we’ll need to focus on increase fundraising revenue for the rest of the year. Treasurer’s Report Jerry S. gave the Treasurer’s report and answered questions. He reported that here is approx. 85,000 in the Treasury at this time. The committee agreed to sell a bonds fund to increase liquid assets. Motion (Greg P): The Party will establish a fundraising committee with the specific purpose of fundraising around the August National Organizing Conference. The success or failure of the committee’s ability to raise funds will be used to help guide future fundraising efforts. The committee members will be of Greg P (chair), Veronica N. and Raphael T. Motion passed 6 yes (Veronica N, Peter M, Billy W, Kristin S, Susan D and Greg P.) 4 no (Matt A., Jim S., Larry B and Raphael T.) Motion (Billy W.): Billy W. will put a call out to membership for a Fundraising Coordinator under the same job description as the most recent NC resolution. Motion passed 9 yes (Greg P, Zelig S., Raphael T., Veronica N., Matthew A., Larry B., Bill W., Kristin S and Susan D.) and 2 abstentions (Jim S and Peter M.) Motion (Matthew A.): To create a 2011 budget committee to submit ideas and proposals to create a balanced budget. Proposals may include fundraising, dues revenue increases and cuts to Party expenses. Motion passed 10 yes (Greg P, Zelig S., Raphael T., Veronica N., Matthew A,. Larry B., Bill W., Jim S, Peter M. and Susan D.) and 1 no (Kristin S.) Committee members are Susan D, Matthew A., Jerry S., Billy W. and Marc L. Other Officers Reports Co-Chair Report Billy W. handed out a report and answered questions. The committee broke for lunch from 12:35 to 2:00 pm Publications An Editorial Board report by James Marra and an Editor’s report by Billy Wharton were distributed to the members and discussed. The committee discussed ideas on improving the multi-tendency nature of the paper and meeting convention guidelines as well as helping to increase the number of articles submitted. Motion (Matthew A.): To create an authors discussion list for party member who would like to submit ideas and articles. This list will be an informal place for member to submit ideas and articles and for the EB and Editor to announce upcoming deadlines and magazine topics. Motion passed 8 yes (Kristin S., Veronica N., Billy W., Raphael T., Greg P., Matt A., Peter M., Zelig S) 3 abs (Jim S., Susan D., Larry B) Meeting adjourned for lunch from 1:15 to 2:30 pm Meeting called to order at 2:30 pm by Kristin S. who chaired. Sally J is seated. Editorial Board Changes The committee discussed changes to the Editorial Board. Motion (Zelig S.): To accept the resignation of Steve Sears from the Editorial Board. Motion passed 9 yes (Raphael T, Zelig S., Greg P., Susan D., Kristin S., Larry B., Matt A., Veronica N and Peter M) 1 no (Jim S.) 2 abs (Sally J and Billy W.) Motion (Billy W.): To National Committee thanks Steve Sears for his service on the Editorial Board. Motion passed unanimously. Motion (Zelig S.): To accept the resignation of Marc Luzietti from the Editorial Board. Motion passed 8 yes (Greg P., Raphael T., Kristin S., Billy W., Larry B., Matt A, Veronica N and Zelig S.) 4 no (Susan D., Jim S., Peter M and Sally J). Motion (Billy W.): To appoint Jim Marra as the Editorial Board convener. Motion passed 9 yes (Greg P., Sally J., Kristin S., Billy W., Larry B., Zelig S., Raphel T. Veronica N and Matt A.) 1 no (Jim S.) 2 Abs. (Susan D and Peter M.) Motion (Susan D.): To direct the National Secretary to put out a call for a male and female Editorial Board member. These members are expected to submit a short statement with background, past experience in publication, if any, and the political perspective they bring to the Editorial Board. Applications are due at the National Office by July 15th. Motion passed 11 yes (Greg P, Sally J., Raphael T., Veronica N., Peter M., Jim S. Matt A., Billy W., Kristin S., Susan D. and Greg P.) 2 no (Zelig S and Larry B.) Motion (Billy W.): To add William Shipira to the Editorial Board. Motion (Greg P): To table the nomination and ask William Shipira to submit a statement to by July 15, 2010 to be considered with all other EB member applications. Motion passed 12 Yes (Billy W., Kristin S., Sally J., Susan D., Raphael T., Diana D., Veronica N., Zelig S., Peter M.) 1 No (Larry B) Motion (Jim S.): Be it resolved that the Editor is responsible for providing a paragraph giving reasons for acceptance or rejection attached to the final article by any and all submissions to The Socialist or Webzine by members. Motion passed 8 Yes (Sally J., Zelig S., Raphael T., Veronica N., Peter M., Matt A., Jim S. and Susan D.) 4 No (Greg P, Larry B, Kristin S and Billy W.) Diana D. is seated EB Postcard Motion (Sally J.): To approve the proposal for a subscription postcard for The Socialist as submitted. Motion passed 6 Yes (Zelig S, Sally J, Peter M, Marc L, Billy W, and Kristin S.) 3 No (Susan D., Greg P and Larry B.) 3 Abs (Diana D, Veronica N and Raphael T) Literature Greg reported that the Party needs help with translations. He’s had volunteers take on the work and also paid translator piecemeal but hopes we can develop a better system Veronica suggested setting up a “wiki” and will submit the idea to the NAC. Hammer & Tongs Greg reported the H&T deadline is June 30 and asked if members wanted it moved back for more articles. Motion (Greg P): To move the H&T deadline to July 15th. Motion passed 12 Yes (Larry B, Billy W, Kristin S, Susan D, Greg P, Sally J, Zelig S, Raphael T, Diana D, Veronica N, Peter M, Jim S.) and 1 No Matt A. Agenda was changed to move Sunday morning’s session to Saturday afternoon. Organizational National Anti-War Meeting Motion (Greg P.): To endorsed the July anti-war conference in Albany. 9 Yes (Susan D, Sally J, Zelig S, Raphael T, Peter M, Matt A, Larry B and Billy W.) 2 abstentions (Diana D and Veronica N). National Organizing Conference Greg P reported on the planning of the organizing conference. Motion (Greg P.): To put out a call for workshops at the conference. Workshop proposals are due by July 15th Workshops will be 1 ½ hr. long and proposals should include the topic, speaker/s and a basic summary. The call will also specify that space will be provided for guerilla/ ad-hoc workshops. Motion passed unanimously. Motion (Greg P.): The National Organizing Conference will include a late Saturday plenary. Motion passed unanimously. Motion (Matthew A.): The subject of the plenary will be “International Crisis of Capitalism”. Motion passed 8 Yes (Greg P, Raphael T, Susan D, Kristin S, Billy W, Matt A, Peter M, Diana D) 3 No (Larry B, Sally J and Jim S) 2 Abs (Zelig S and Veronica N) Motion (Kristin S.): To create a National Organizing Conference plenary planning committee of Kristin S, Marc L, Billy W and a female rep from the South Central Wisconsin Socialist Party. Motion passed unanimously. Motion (Greg P.): To create a National Organizing Conference Planning/Logistics Committee of Matt A, Diana D, Greg P. Veronica N., Matty O (SPSCWI) and Sarah M (if she accepts). Motion passed unanimously. Zelig S chaired State/Locals The NC reviewed an application request for a state chapter in Arizona. Greg reported that he spoke to Dale Vaughn in Phoenix and told him that the Party needs to charter at least one local before a state organization is chartered. The Arizona comrades agree to a charter for Southern Arizona based on the five members in that region that signed the charter request. Motion (Greg P.): To charter the Socialist Party of Southern Arizona based on the charter request submitted. Motion passed unanimously. Motion: To adjourn for the day. Motion passed 7 Yes (Raphael T, Diana D, Veronica, Peter M, Jim S, Matt A, Billy W) 6 No (Greg P, Sally J, Susan D, Kristin S, Zelig S, and Larry B) Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm Sunday session Meeting called to order at 10:10 am by Diana D. who chaired General Statements Motion (Jim S.): It’s not the Crimes, It’s Capitalism: The Gulf Oil Spill. By now, nearly everyone on the planet is aware of the creeping disaster that is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Many call the oil spill a crime. People are rightfully outraged and many are calling for criminal prosecution of the British Petroleum Corporation. Many blame the problem on corporations. While it is clear by now that crimes were committed, this is not the issue. The problem isn’t the crimes. The problem is capitalism. Workers and the environment are perpetually exploited by corporations for profit, but the true nature and functions of corporations must be understood. Corporations are no more than tools of capitalism. While it is important to recognize and disable the tools of exploitation, it’s even more important to recognize who wields those tools: the capitalist class. Even without these tools, this would still be happening under capitalism. Before there were corporations as we know them, labor was mercilessly exploited (often under deadly conditions), poisons were dumped into the waters, forests were mowed down, and the skies were blackened with industrial waste. Corporations don’t destroy people and the environment; capitalism does. This is because the capitalist system is a continuous race, because the failure to keep up means destruction by the competition. Capitalists are forced to seek every advantage to make a profit. This, not greed, is the reason why capitalists are forced to crush unions, slash wages, increase hours, cut corners and lower safety. This, not greed, is why the capitalist fights against regulations, and ignores them when he can. British Petroleum is only one of many corporations that evade basic safety measures. Only a few months ago we saw the deaths of dozens of miners at the Upper Big Branch mine for the same reasons. On the Deepwater Horizon, eleven workers were killed, seventeen injured. While this disaster never should have occurred, under capitalism, these disasters are inevitable. The supply of energy in all its forms is held hostage to a system that must put profits above everything. Held hostage by corporations, Congress betrayed the public by capping damages arising from environmental catastrophes. Government regulators are held hostage to by capitalism, betraying the by looking the other way or even aiding the capitalists. The Socialist Party USA calls for the immediate socialization of all energy companies and the creation of a publically owned entity that can meet energy requirements while being operated under community and worker control. These corporations should be transferred to the public sector without compensation. Because of the inherent danger in deep water drilling, the SPUSA calls for the total ban on offshore exploration, drilling, and for immediately phasing out of existing off shore wells. The United States must reverse its dependence on oil and gas. The SPUSA calls for free mass transit and a massive program to greatly expand light rail in urban areas and build a network of inter-city fast rail. Electrical energy needs should be met through the use of renewable resources such as wind and ocean power. The oil spill is indicative of the necessary disregard of human life and our environment that is fundamental to the capitalist market economy. Efforts to tinker with this system, attempting to regulate capitalism, are bound to fail. Only the abolition of the for-profit, market system and its replacement with a democratic, socialist society can prevent more catastrophic ecological disasters. Debate closed 7 yes 6 no Motion passed 9 yes (Greg P., Sally J, Susan D., Raphael T, Diana D, Veronica N, Jim S, Peter M and Zelig S) 3 no (Billy W, Kristin S and Zelig S) Motion (Larry B.): Nicaragua Revolution Revival Concert Series (submitted by Steven Edinger) In honor of the thousands of people who gave their lives for the Nicaraguan Revolution, and in honor of the recent FSLN election victory in Nicaragua, the Socialist Party USA assumes sponsorship of the Nicaraguan Revolution Revival Concert Series. Motion (Zelig S.): To table the resolution “Nicaragua Revolution Revival Concert Series”. Motion passed 7 yes (Kristin S, Greg P, Sally J, Diana D, Veronica N, Jim S and Zelig S) 6 no (Billy W, Susan D, Raphael T, Jerry S, Larry B and Matt A) Motion (Matt A): To pass a new statement on Greece. Motion withdrawn. Activist Campaigns The NC discussed recent actions and campaigns including; March 4th and late April student walk-outs, May Day, immigrant rights (anti-1070), anti-budget cuts coalitions and education/ charter schools. Commissions Labor Zelig S. distributed the Labor Commission report. Motion: To re-charter the Labor Commission. Motion passed unanimously. Women’s Commission NC members reviewed the report of the Women’s Commission. Motion: To re-charter the Women’s Commission. Motion passed unanimously. People of Color Commission Motion: To re-charter the People of Color Commission. Motion passed unanimously. Faith & Socialism Motion: To re-charter the Faith & Socialism Commission with Landon Frim as the chair. Motion passed unanimously. Next NC Meeting Location The NC discussed the date and location of the next NC meeting. San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, New York and Boston were discussed. The NC agreed to vote on the date then the location. Motion: To hold the next NC meeting on the weekend of January 15-16, 2010. Motion passed 10 Yes (Billy W., Larry B, Peter M, Kristin S, Sally J, Susan D, Raphael T, Diana D, Veronica N and Jim S) 1 No (Matt A) 1 Abs (Zelig S) Motion: To choose between NYC and Ft. Lauderdale, FL for the NC location. Ft. Lauderdale (6): Sally J, Susan D, Veronica N, Jim S and Peter M. New York City (7): Kristin, Billy W, Larry B, Matt A, Rafael N, Greg P and Diana D. The next NC will be held on the weekend of January 15-16, 2011 in New York City, NY. Meeting adjourned for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm Meeting called to order at 2:30 pm by Billy Wharton The NC went into Committee of the Whole from 3:00 to 3:15 pm Commission Rules Motion (Greg P): To update the rules on Commission decision making to read as follows: 1) The convener of each commission shall be elected by the national committee, and is charged with the responsibility of making sure that each commission remains within policy guidelines set by the convention and national committee. 2) Commission members must be members in good standing of the Socialist Party USA and be an active participant in the Commission for at least 30 days before she/he can be considered a voting member. 3) The Commission chair/convener may issue statements for the Commission as the representative of the Socialist Party USA. She/he must consult with the Commission’s membership before sending the statements out for distribution on the website and e-mail list. When she/he submits a statement it will be listed as coming from the Chair of the Commission. 4) The Commission membership may, at a meeting convened by the chair, pass a Commission by a 2/3 super-majority. If the chair does not accept the statement it must be sent to the NAC for approval/rejection. When a statement is sent to the NAC, the NAC must vote on the statement within 15 days of receiving it. Amendment (Susan D.): To change 2/3 super majority to a simple majority. Motion passed 6 yes (Susan D, Raphael T, Diana D, Jim S, Peter M, and Zelig S) 4 no (Kristin S, Billy W, Greg P and Larry B) 1 Abs. (Matthew A) Motion failed (as amended): 5 Yes (Kristin S, Billy W, Greg P, Susan D and Larry B) 6 no (Sally J, Raphael T, Jim S, Peter M., Matt A and Zelig S) 1 Abs (Diana D) Motion (Matt A.): Rules on Commission Decision Making 1) The convener of each commission shall be elected by the National Committee, and is charged with the responsibility of making sure that each commission remains within the policy guidelines set by the National Convention and National Committee. The convener shall be tasked with facilitating membership participation in the commission, and shall be empowered to make topical statements to be posted on the Party’s website, and submitted to Party publications, as signed by the convener of that commission. 2) Commissions may issue statements by majority vote, with a quorum of five commission members voting, convened by the convener having been announced to the entire membership of the commission, on issues of concern to that commission. Such statements shall take precedence over statements from the convener to be posted on the Party’s website, and submitted to Party publications, as having been issued by the commission. 3) The convener may choose to appeal a vote that lacks a two-thirds majority by referring all proposed statements to the NAC prior to being issued and the NAC would then decide which statement should be issued, or reject both. In this case, the statement would be posted and printed as a statement from the Socialist Party. The NAC may only amend Commission statements in order to ensure compliance with Party Principles, the Platform, National Convention and National Committee policies, factual correctness, and topicality. 4) Commission members must be members in good standing of the Socialist Party USA and be an active participant in the Commission for at least 15 days before she/he can be considered a voting member. Motion Passed 8 Yes (Greg P, Sally J, Raphael T, Diana D, Jim S, Jerry S, Matt A, Zelig S) 2 No (Kristin S and Billy W) 2 Abs (Susan D and Peter M). Motion (Greg P.): To replace the International Commission with an International Relations Committee of six members and a chair. The Committee’s members shall be elected by the National Committee, with the chair being elected separately and considered an officer. The committee and Chair may be replaced at any time by a majority vote of the National Committee. The National Committee shall make a reasonable effort to elect a committee with geographic diversity, gender balance, expertise in relations with organizations in specific regions of the world and ability to speak more than one language if possible. The Committee will be given the following directives: 1) The International Relations Committee shall serve as the Socialist Party’s main international outreach committee with other democratic socialist political parties and movements. 2) The Committee will be empowered to put forward international statements as long as the statement receives a 2/3 majority of the committee at a meeting called by the Chair and with the approval of the Chair. In cases where such a super majority cannot be reached or the Chair does not endorse the majority opinion, the resolution may be sent to the National Action Committee or National Committee for approval. 3) The International Relations Committee will submit regular reports to National Committee meetings, at conventions or more often if necessary. Motion (Zelig S.): To table the resolution on replacing the International Commission with an International Relations Committee. Motion passed Organizational Phone Conferences Motion (Matt A): To hold monthly party-wide phone conferences based on the rules passed at the post convention NC. Jim Sanders will be responsible for calling and chairing these phone conferences. Motion passed 11 Yes (Greg P, Sally J, Jim S, Susan D, Diana D, Peter M, Jerry S, Matt A, Larry B, Zelig S and Billy W) 1 No (Kristin S). Electoral/SNC Motion (Matt A.): To put out a call for a Campaign Clearinghouse Coordinator in Hammer & Tongs. Motion passed unanimously. Motion: To authorize the Socialist Party of Connecticut endorsement of Chris Hutchinson of Socialist Action based on the Socialist Party of Connecticut clearly stating the Socialist Party’s rejection of democratic-centralism and vanguardism. Motion passed 9 yes (Sally J, Susan D, Raphael T, Diana D, Jim S, Peter M, Matt A, Zelig S and Larry B) 2 no (Greg P and Kristin S) 1 Abs (Billy W) Motion (Susan D): Electoral Commission The National Committee hereby charters an Electoral Commission to be convened by Susan Dorazio and Matt Erard. Motion (Zelig S.): to table the Electoral Commission proposal. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm |
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Socialist Party
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