|
-
-
Socialist Party USA: 2011 National
Convention
|
2011
SPUSA National Convention
Holiday Inn LAX- Los
Angeles, CA
Seated for all or
part of the convention: (Baltimore) Steve Sears, (Brattleboro)
Peter Diamondsoton and Doris Lake (Indianapolis) John Strinka (Memphis)
Melanie Clarke and Cole Weintraub, (Southern Arizona) Francisco
Sanchez, Vivian Nelson-Melle and Stephanie Adames (California) Stewart
Alexander, Michelle Borok, Stephen Clarke, Edward Laing, Lynn Lomibao,
Maggie Phair, Justin Simons, Mimi Soltysik and Rich Fuller (Florida)
Lauren Bury, Marc Luzietti and Nicole Rivera (Massachusetts) Matthew
Andrews, Sarah Forbes and David Keil (Michigan) Matt Erard and Veronica
Nowakowski (New Jersey) Stephanie Gussin, Pat Noble, Brian Valverde,
Andrea Pason, Greg Pason, Albert Westpy and Peter Moody (New York)
Lawrence Rockwood, David McReynolds, Kim Ortiz, Kristin Schall, Billy
Wharton, Alice Kelsey and Nick Pehlman (Texas) Alex Mendoza, John
Parsons and Angela Sarlay (Wisconsin) Diane Drufenbrock (At-Large) Josh
Belka, Larry Burks, Candice Hare, Eric Chester, Stephanie Cholensky and
Alfred Murray.
Friday October 14,
2011
The convention was called to order at 2:18 pm by Billy Wharton and
Veronica Nowakowski who co-chaired.
Mimi Soltysik gave a welcoming statement for the Los Angeles Local.
Billy Wharton and Veronica Nowakowski gave opening statements.
Michelle Borok was chosen as the recording secretary
Credentials
Committee Report
The Credentials Committee (Kristin Schall, Peter Diamondstone and
Stephanie Gussin) reported that all delegations would be seated by the
gender balance rule with the following waivers:
1) A reporting requirement was given to the Florida and Massachusetts
delegations, both of which were submitted after the deadline.
2) A six month membership requirement was to be waived for Nicole
Rivera of the Florida delegation and Angela Sarlay of the Texas
delegation.
3) A waiver for two new delegates to be added to delegations:
a) Matthew Andrews added as an alternate to the Massachusetts delegation
b) Nicole Rivera added as a delegate to the Florida delegation
4) To add the following as at-large delegates to the “Central” region:
1) Candice Hare
2) Larry Burks II
5) A waiver for gender balance of up to two male delegates (i.e 6 male
and three females) for the California delegation on Saturday October 6,
2011.
Minority Report:
Peter Diamonstone gave the minority report calling not to give the
California delegation the gender-balance waiver.
While waivers were discussed, gender balanced delegations were seated:
32 seated
The convention discussed the California waiver. Two speakers for and
two against.
Motion: To
approve the Credentials Committee waiver to allow 2 additional male
delegates (up to a 6 male/ 3 female voting delegation) for the
California delegation. Motion passed 20 yes 6 no
Motion: To
approve the waiver for members who do not meet the 6 month membership
requirement.
Angela Sarlay (Texas) approved unanimously
Nicole Rivera (Florida) approved unanimously
Motion: To
approve the additions of Matthew Andrews to the Massachusetts
delegation and Nicole Rivera to the Florida delegation. Motion passed
Convention Rules
Kristin Schall reported changes to the Convention Rules passed by the
National Committee.
Motion (Matt
A.): To change Rule #18 to hold National Committee elections by “Single
Transferable Vote” using OpenSTV software. Motion failed 6 yes and 23 no
Motion (Larry
R). To add “No resolution or platform change in the
Resolutions/Platform Committee or constitutional amendment or statement
of principles change in the Constitution/ Platform Committee from a
member who already submitted one will be considered until one from all
other members is reviewed. Motion passed
Motion: To
approve the Rules as amended by the National Committee. Motion passed
by clear majority
Convention officers
Session Chairs
Saturday AM: Steve Sears (second chair will be selected Saturday)
Saturday PM: Stephanie Gussin and Larry Rockwood
Sunday – no chairs selected
Recording Secretaries
Saturday AM: Matthew Andrews
Saturday PM: Candice Hare
Sunday: Kristin Schall
Tellers
(Saturday)
Candice Hare and Kimbery Ortiz
Time-keeper
Candice Hare
Agenda
Greg P. reported the agenda as printed in the Pre-Convention Discussion
Bulletin, as amended by the National Committee.
Motion: To
pass the convention agenda as amended by the National Committee. Motion
passed unanimously.
Greg P. gave a report on convention logistics and answered questions.
Convention
Committees
The chairs called for volunteers to chair the committees.
Steve Sears- volunteered to chair the resolutions and platform committee
Kristin Schall – volunteered to chair the constitution and principles
committee
The convention accepted the chair, and then broke into two committees.
Committees met from 4:15 to 7:15 pm when the meeting adjourned.
Saturday October 15,
2011
Morning
Session
Meeting called to order at 11:00 am by Steve Sears and Kristin Schall
who chaired
Recording Secretary Matthew Andrews
New Officers for Saturday
Peacekeeper – Stephanie Cholensky
Parliamentarian – Peter Moody
Explanation of Robert’s Rules 11:15 – 11:30
Platform
Steve Sears gave the Platform Committee Report.
Motion (moved
by Larry R/ seconded by Billy Wharton): To accept Platform Committee
report.
Motion passed without opposition
Motion (Greg
P.): To add the following to the Economics section of the Platform “We
oppose the court-created precedent of “corporate personhood” that
illegitimately gives corporations rights that were intended for human
beings”.
Substitute motion
(Eric C.): We believe that corporations need to be brought immediately
under the control entire society without financial compensation, so
that the means of production can be brought under worker and community
control. Substitute failed 2 yes 28 no and 5 abstentions
Original motion passed 33 yes and 2 no
Motion (by
Greg P.- moved by Veronica N.) To add the following to the Agriculture
section of the Platform “We call for the end of the decades-long
exclusion of farm workers from receiving overtime pay after eight hours
a day or 40 hours a week”
Amendments accepted
as friendly: 1) include “domestic workers” after “farm workers”
2) move to labor section.
3) cutting language after “...overtime pay”
Amended resolution:
To add the following to the Labor section of the Platform “We call for
the end of the decades-long exclusion of farm workers and domestic
workers from receiving overtime pay”. Motion passed 32 yes 1 no and 2
abstentions.
Motion (by
David G./ moved by Marc L.): To eliminate unemployment permanently by
periodic acts of Congress to adjust the length of the workday to assure
a balance between the number of jobs in the economy and the number of
workers needing and desiring employment.
Amendment
(Maggie P.): To add “including early retirement paid through Social
Security”.
Amendment passed 20 yes 11 no and 8 abstentions
Amendment
(friendly) add “adjust the length of the work day” while preserving the
net compensation of the workers” Motion fails 8 yes 26 no and 1
abstention
Meeting adjourned for lunch
Afternoon
session
Meeting called to order at 1:30 pm by Larry Rockwood and Stephanie
Gussin who chaired.
Presidential
Nomination
The chairs asked for any pre-presidential nomination resolutions.
Motion (Ed
L.): The Socialist Party will not run presidential campaign in 2011.
The constitution requires a roll call vote:
3 Yes (not to run a campaign) Melanie C., Cole W., Vivian N-M
30 No Stewart A, Steve C, Lynn L, Maggie P, Justin S, Mimi S, Rich F,
Lauren B, Marc L, Nicole R, Matthew A, Sarah F, David K, Matt E,
Veronica N, Stephanie G, Pat N, Andrea P, Greg P, Brian V, Albert W,
Alice K, Lawrence R, David M, Kim O, Nick P, Kristin S, Billy W, Alex
M., John P., Angela S, Diane D, Stephanie C, Alfred M., Larry B,
Candice H., Eric C, Josh B, Peter D, John S, Frank S, Stephanie A,
Motion failed
Billy Wharton nominated Stewart Alexander. Stewart Alexander accepted.
Peter Moody nominated Jerry Levy. Jerry Levy accepted.
Chair asked Stewart Alexander to speak first.
Eric C. objected to the speaking order.
A coin was tossed and Jerry Levy spoke first.
Both candidates spoke then held a question and answer period.
Elections Results:
Stewart Alexander – 26 votes
Jerry Levy – 15 votes
Stewart Alexander nominated as the presidential candidate of the
Socialist Party USA for the 2012 election.
Vice-Presidential
nominations and Elections
The chairs asked for any pre-presidential nomination resolutions.
Motion (Greg
P.): All candidates for Vice-President must have signed the Statement
of Principles and be a member of the Socialist Party USA.
Greg asked a chair ruling on whether this was to be considered a
pre-nomination resolution or rule change.
The chairs ruled it was a pre-nomination resolution and ruled in order.
Motion (Eric
C.): To appeal the ruling of the chairs that the resolution is in
order. Motion to overrule chair failed 8 yes 23 no and 5 abstentions.
Original Motion (Greg
P.): All candidates for Vice-President must have signed the Statement
of Principles and be a member of the Socialist Party USA. Motion passed
26 yes 14 no and 3 abstentions.
Motion (Peter
D.): That the resolution taken today is not to take effect until the
next convention. Motion failed 14 yes and 23 no.
Motion
(Matthew A.): That the nomination for vice-president is to be moved
until Sunday. Motion failed 17 yes and 23 no.
Point of information: Steve S. asks the parliamentarian to rule on
whether resolutions must go into effect after the convention.
Motion (Matthew
A.):To move to the Co-Chair and Vice Chair election then return to the
Vice-Presidential nomination after those elections and after the
Parliamentarian rules. Motion passed without objection.
Chair
Nominations
Nominations for
Female Co-Chair
Stephanie Cholensky was nominated by Andrea P. and accepted
Sally Joyner was nominated by Cole W. and accepted.
Stephanie and Melanie (as a representative) spoke and answered questions
Election Results:
Stephanie Cholensky: 34 votes
Sally Joyner: 6 votes
Stephanie Cholensky elected Female Co-Chair
Nominations for Male
Co-Chair
Billy Wharton nominated and accepted.
Matthew Andrews was nominated and accepted.
Both candidates spoke and answered questions.
Elections Results:
Billy Wharton: 26 votes
Matthew Andrews: 14 votes
Billy Wharton elected Male Co-Chair
Vice-Chair
Nominations and Elections
Nominations for
Female Vice-Chair
Stephanie Gusin was nominated by Greg Pason and accepted
Vivian Nelson-Melle was nominated by Candice Hare and accepted
Both candidates spoke and answered questions
Election results:
Stephanie Gussin: 13 votes
Vivian Nelson-Melle: 23 votes
Vivian Nelson-Melle elected Female Vice-Chair
Nominations for Male
Vice-Chair
Peter Moody nominated and accepted the nomination
Mimi Soltysik was nominated and accepted the nomination
Matthew Andrews was nominated and accepted the nomination
All candidates spoke and answered questions
Election results:
Peter Moody: 9 votes
Mimi Soltysik: 23 votes
Matthew Andrews: 11 vote
Mimi Soltysik received more than 50% of the vote so was elected in the
first round.
The convention returned to Vice-Presidential Nominations
Peter M.(Parliamentarian) reported that there are no rules against
resolutions taking effect during the convention.
Vice
Presidential nominations continued
The chairs called for Vice-Presidential nominations
Alex Mendoza was nominated and accepted
Neal Gammil was nominated and accepted via phone communications.
Alex and Melanie (as a representative) spoke and answered questions.
Election results:
Alex Mendoza 33 votes
Neal Gammil 6 votes
Alex Mendoza nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the
Socialist Party USA for the 2012 election.
National Committee Election
The chairs asked for any pre-NC nomination resolutions.
Motion (Kristin
S.): To elect 6 male and 6 female national committee members and
an equal number of alternates.
Motion passed unanimously.
Female and Male NC candidates were nominated with nominees giving short
statements.
Motion (Greg
P.): To grant waivers for NC candidates who do not meet the 6 month
membership requirement. Motion passed unanimously.
Election results
Female (in order of election and votes)
* elected as a NC member
** elected as an alternate
1) Kim Ortiz – 33 votes *
2) Kristin Schall – 31 votes *
3) Lynn Lomibao – 30 votes *
4) Veronica Nowakowski – 23 votes *
5) Stephanie Adames – 23 votes *
6) Stephanie Gussin – 22 votes *
7) Candice Hare – 19 votes **
Tie - Melanie Clarke – 19 votes**
9) Doris Lake - 17 votes **
10) Brandy Baker – 13 votes **
11) Angela Sarlay – 11 votes **
12) Alice Kelsey – 9 votes **
Male (in order of election and votes)
* elected as a NC member
** elected as an alternate
1) Greg Pason – 29 votes *
2) Justin Simons – 22 votes *
3) Matthew Andrews – 20 votes *
4) Larry Rockwood – 19 votes *
5) Steve Sears – 18 votes *
6) Larry Burks - 16 votes *
7) Peter Moody – 14 votes **
8) Neal Gammill – 13 votes **
9) Nick Pehlman – 12 votes **
Tie – Brian Valverde – 12 votes **
11) Albert Westpy – 11 **
12) Cole Weintraub -10 votes
Tie – Matt Erard – 10 votes
Tie- Brandon Collins – 10 votes
15) Rustin Knutson – 8 votes
16) Pat Noble – 7 votes
17) Josh Belka – 6 votes
18) John Parsons – 5 votes
19) David Keil – 5 votes
20) Peter Diamondstone – 3 votes
Meeting adjourned
Sunday October 16,
2011
Meeting called to order at 11:00 am by Kristin Schall and Steve Sears
who chaired.
Recording Secretary Billy Wharton
Agenda change
Motion (Marc L.): To move to committee of the whole during the
appointed lunch hour and for the chairs set a 20 minute time limit for
the NC votes on run-offs and one hour for Constitutional amendments, 1
hour for break, 2 hours for Resolutions. Motion passed unanimously
Motion (Larry
R.): To limit debate to two female - two males speakers. Motion passed
unanimously
National Committee Elections (continued from Saturday)
The Chairs reported out the results of the NC elections and began
run-off elections for alternate ties (for ranking purposes)
Sixth Male Alternate
Cole W. withdraw his candidacy
Motion (Larry
R.) Run-off elections are to be conducted based on a standing vote of
the body. Motion passed unanimously
Run-off results:
Brandon Collins - 18 votes
Matt Erard - 16 votes
Brandon Collins was elected as the 6th alternate and final alternate
Vote on the order of NC Male alternates 3rd or 4th
Run-off results:
Nick Pehlman - 17 votes
Brian Valverde - 9 votes
Nick Pehlman elected 3rd male alternate and Brian Valverde elected 4th
male alternate
Vote on the order of Female alternates
Run-off results:
Melanie Clarke - 22 votes
Candice Hare - 11 votes
Melanie Clarke was elected as the 1st female alternate and Candice Hare
was elected as the 2nd female alternate
Constitution
Committee
Matt A. delivered the report from the Constitution Committee.
Motion (Larry R.): To accept the Constitution Committee Report
Objection
(Matt E.): The Michigan’s resolutions were excluded primarily because
it was formatted incorrectly in the Discussion Bulletin, so could not
be understood
Motion (Peter
D.) moved to amend the report of the Constitution Committee to include
the mentioned resolution by the Socialist Party of Michigan as the 5th
proposal on the priority list and to accept the report as amended.
Motion passed unanimously
Amendment #1
Motion (Greg
P.): To change “upon the request of any member of any request of
any member of the National Committee” in Article X Section 2 with the
following section of “upon the request of three National Committee
members.”
Amendment (Matthew
A.): To amend “three National Committee members” with “five National
Committee members.” Amendment passed 25 yes 2 no and 2 abstentions.
Motion (as
amended): To change “upon the request of any member of any request of
any member of the National Committee” in Article X Section 2 with the
following section of “upon the request of five National Committee
members.” Motion passed 21 yes and 3 no (2/3 vote requirement met).
Amendment #2
Motion (Marc
L.- amended on the floor as friendly): To add "and abide by its
constitution and by-laws" after the word "principles." to Article III,
Section 3. Motion failed 3 yes 25 no and 4 abstention.
Amendment #3
Motion (Greg
P.): To amend Article II Section 2 “Membership”, removing “Persons may
indicate their membership in a Party state affiliate in such a manner
as provided by law for individuals to indicate membership in a
political party” from the beginning and “except by permitted by law”
from the end. Motion passed 32 yes 1 no (2/3 vote requirement met).
Amendment #4
Motion (Greg
P.): To add a “section four” to Article IV “Organization” “Section 4:
State or Local organizations chartered by the National Committee or
National Action Committee must submit regular reports to the National
Committee as requested. a) Organizations which do not report will be
subject to automatic charter revocation. b) The National Committee is
empowered to draft rules on reporting.
Amendment
(John S.- accepted as friendly): To add “but no more frequently than
every six months” after “must submit regular reports”.
Amendment (Kim
O.): To remove “but no more frequently than every six months”
after “must submit regular reports”. Amendment passed 22 yes 4 no 1
abstention
Original Motion
(Greg P.): To add a “section four” to Article IV “Organization”
“Section 4: State or Local organizations chartered by the National
Committee or National Action Committee must submit regular reports to
the National Committee as requested. a) Organizations which do not
report will be subject to automatic charter revocation. b) The National
Committee is empowered to draft rules on reporting. Motion passed 26
yes 1 no and 1 abstention (2/3 vote requirement met).
Amendment #5
Motion (Matt
E.): To change Article III: Membership Section 3 to read “Every
applicant for enrollment as a member in good standing of the party,
shall sign the following membership application pledge: "I, the
undersigned, recognizing the necessity of the working class organizing
itself into a political party, independent of and in opposition to the
twin capitalist parties and the system they defend, and creating a
radically democratic new social system from below, based on collective
ownership and democratic control of the means of production,
distribution, and commerce through political mobilization and mass
action, hereby apply for membership in the Socialist Party of the
United States of America and affirm agreement with its Statement of
Principles."
Motion to table (David Keil) passed 16 yes 7 no and 2 abstentions.
The convention adjourned for lunch then resumed at 1:00 pm
Resolutions
Steve S. delivered the report from the Resolutions Committee. Eleven
resolutions were moved to the convention from committee.
Motion (Larry
R.): To accept the Resolutions Committee Report as reported. Motion
passed unanimously.
Resolution #1
Motion
(Kristin S.): Resolution on the Occupy Movement
The Socialist Party decides:
1. To participate enthusiastically in the Occupy movement, learning
from it and offering it our best efforts.
2. To organize coordination of SP locals and members active in this
movement
3. To encourage members of the SP locals to participate in
decision-making bodies of their local Occupy groups.
4. To support continued growth and empowerment of horizontal democratic
structures in the Occupy movement.
5. To encourage SP members and locals to consider facilitating,
encouraging, and participating in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience
and direct action.
6. To support currently developing communication among Occupy sites.
7. To support SP participation in ongoing development of local Occupy
statements of purpose.
8. To provide teach-ins supporting the ideas inherent in our statement
of principles and platform”
Motion passed unanimously (26 yes)
Resolution #2
Motion (Greg
P.) To create a committee of two representatives from each chartered
state organization or one rep from locals in unorganized states (not to
surpass 2 reps in one state) to draft “Plan of Action and Priorities”
for the 2013 national convention. The committee will rotate the chair
for each meeting and submit quarterly reports to the National Committee
on progress. The committee will submit a final proposal 6 month
before the 2013 national convention and well as any minority positions
of at least 25 % of the members. Committee Quorum for meetings/voting
will be 75% of states/ locals in unorganized states and states. Motion
passed 25 yes 0 no 1 abstention
Resolution #3 Billy made a motion to support matt seconded
Motion (Billy W.) SPUSA Anti-War Resolution
Amendment (Matthew A.). To add “independence from the twin parties of
capitalism” Amendment passed
12 yes 11 no 2 abs.
Amendment (Matt E.) To change “independence from the twin parties of
capitalism” resolution to “opposition to the twin parties of
capitalism” Amendment failed 7 yes 18 no 1 abstention
Motion (as
amended) Representatives of the SP-USA to the UNAC and other antiwar
coalitions shall regularly consult with the International Commission,
Anti-Imperialism Committee, and the National Committee for an anti-war
strategy and approach inside of the coalitions.
The National Committee with consultation from the International
Commission and the Anti-Imperialism Committee shall form a committee to
lay out clear strategy and policy guidelines, and to recruit
representatives to the UNAC and other antiwar coalitions based on the
following criteria:
• gender balanced representation (one male, one
female, and one alternate)
• ability to participate in on the ground organizing
and travel for the coalitions
• ability to engage these coalitions in internal
discussion
The Socialist Party is guided nationally and locally by the principles
of “Out Now” (immediate withdrawal); mass action; open democratic
decision making; and independence of antiwar coalitions from the twin
parties of capital.
Veronica call the question. Motion passed 23 yes 2 no 1 abs
Resolution #4
Motion (Veronica
N.): Replacement of the Ban on Democratic Centralism
1. The Socialist Party USA hereby repeals its ban on dual membership
with democratic centralist groups.
2. The Socialist Party USA bans dual membership with any group which:
a) requires members to limit their speech outside of the group to speak
only in favor of its official stances, or
b) is structurally capable of directing members' specific actions
within the Socialist Party USA, or
c) is reasonably believed to possibly attempt hostile entryism into the
Socialist Party USA.
Motion failed 7 yes 18 no 2 abstentions
Resolution #5
Motion (Greg
P.): To create a statement of agreement that highlights key sections
and the main positions of the Statement of Principles. This “Statement
of Agreement” will be composed of “points” which highlight at least six
but no more than twelve key sections of the Party’s principles. The
statement of agreement can be created or amended by the National
Committee or a subcommittee thereof. Motion passed unanimously (23 yes)
Resolution #6
Motion (Steve
S.): Be it resolved that all membership forms, cards or pitches will
include a solicitation for donation to a Convention Travel Fund. The
solicitation will include the suggested amounts of $5, $10, $25, and
other. This amount will be added to their dues payment.
This fund will be managed by the National Secretary who will report its
balance at all NC meetings, and in each copy of Hammer & Tongs.
Convention Travel Grants will be made by a committee chosen by the NC
with at least 50% of the members being delegates elected to attend the
convention or National Organizing Conference that the grants are being
made for. The committee will decide the requirements for the grants,
distribution, and ensure that the fund is used to help the most
comrades as possible.
Amendment (Cole
W.): To replace “all membership forms, card or pitches” with mailings
which include fundraising. Amendment passed 18 yes 3 opposed 3
abstentions
Amendment
(Larry R.) To add “for new members as defined by 5 years membership.”
Amendment failed
7 yes 13 no and 2 abstentions
Motion (as
amended): Be it resolved that all mailings which include fundraising
will include a solicitation for donation to a Convention Travel Fund.
The solicitation will include the suggested amounts of $5, $10, $25,
and other. This amount will be added to their dues payment.
This fund will be managed by the National Secretary who will report its
balance at all NC meetings, and in each copy of Hammer & Tongs.
Convention Travel Grants will be made by a committee chosen by the NC
with at least 50% of the members being delegates elected to attend the
convention or National Organizing Conference that the grants are being
made for. The committee will decide the requirements for the grants,
distribution, and ensure that the fund is used to help the most
comrades as possible. Motion passed 23 yes 1 no and 1 abstention
Resolution #7
Motion (by
Brandy Baker – moved by Steve S.) The SP-USA supports the BDS (Boycott,
Divestment and Sanctions) on Israel. The global movement for a campaign
of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it
complies with international law and Palestinian rights was initiated by
Palestinian civil society in 2005, and is coordinated by the
Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), established in 2007. BDS is a
strategy that allows people of conscience to play an effective role in
the Palestinian struggle for justice.
For decades, Israel has denied Palestinians their fundamental rights of
freedom, equality, and self-determination through ethnic cleansing,
colonization, racial discrimination, and military occupation. Despite
abundant condemnation of Israeli policies by the UN, other
international bodies, and preeminent human rights organisations, the
world community has failed to hold Israel accountable and enforce
compliance with basic principles of law. Israel’s crimes have continued
with impunity.
In view of this continued failure, Palestinian civil society called for
a global citizens’ response. On July 9 2005, a year after the
International Court of Justice’s historic advisory opinion on the
illegality of Israel’s Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
(OPT), a clear majority of Palestinian civil society called upon their
counterparts and people of conscience all over the world to launch
broad boycotts, implement divestment initiatives, and to demand
sanctions against Israel, until Palestinian rights are recognized in
full compliance with international law.
The campaign for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) is shaped by
a rights-based approach and highlights the three broad sections of the
Palestinian people: the refugees, those under military occupation in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and Palestinians in Israel. The call
urges various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its
obligations under international law by:
Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands occupied in
June 1967 and dismantling the Wall; Recognizing the fundamental rights
of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees
to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution
194. The BDS call was endorsed by over 170 Palestinian political
parties, organizations, trade unions and movements. The signatories
represent the refugees, Palestinians in the OPT, and Palestinian
citizens of Israel.
Motion (Matthew
A.): To table to National Committee. Motion failed by clear majority
Resolution passed 18 yes 2 no and 3 abstentions
Resolution #8
Motion (Steve
S.) Be it resolved that the National Secretary will compile a report
that will include, but not be limited to a breakdown on how much money
has been spent on the various campaigns being run or supported by the
party, organizing activities around the country, convention and other
meetings, education and promotion activities, The Socialist and other
newsletters and additional activities as directed by the National
Committee. This report will cover the previous year, January –
December. This report will be reviewed, and approved by the National
Committee and will be mailed to all members no later than May 1st of
each year starting in 2012. The report may be mailed with other items
such as The Socialist, The Organizer, Hammer & Tongs or other
mailings including fund raising request. Motion passed 24 yes 1 no
Resolution #9
Motion (by Mark L. moved by Stephanie C.): The National Secretary shall
be paid for regular forty hours of work, and such overtime as is
necessary for the normal functions of the position. Volunteer work and
political work as a member of the SPUSA, or other offices held within
the Party, shall not be paid by the SPUSA.
Move to table failed 10 yes 15 no and 3 abstentions
Motion passed 13 yes 7 no and 5 abstentions
Resolution #10
Motion (by Nelson T. moved by Steve Sears) Be it resolved the SPUSA and
it's members will seek to rebuild it's youth affiliate, the Young
People's Socialist League. To accomplish this, the NC shall:
1) With the National Secretary, create a mailing soliciting SPUSA
members 30 and younger to join the SPUSA at their 2012 national
conference to reform YPSL;
2) Include advertisements for YPSL in The Socialist and the Webzine, as
well as solicit articles on youth organizing for publication;
3) Create and mail a fund raising letter (can be included with other
mailings) to help fund a “re-founding” convention at the SPUSA 2012
national conference
4) With the help of the technology committee, create and host a website
and provide other technical support as needed;
5) Provide other support as needed.
Having a youth affiliation will help the SPUSA tap into the
radicalization of youth around the country. Locals around the country
are already involved in several campus issues from rising tuition, loan
debt, jobs, and many other issues.
The SPUSA and YPSL combination will help revitalize the party, and tap
into an abundant source of Socialist energy and spirit.
It is understood that the SPUSA cannot, and will not form YPSL on it's
own. It will be up those YPSL members themselves to do so. The SPUSA
will only help support the re-founding with funds, organizing, and
other skills as are available
Amendment (Matt E.): To change “30 and younger” to “18 and under”.
Amendment failed 2 yes 20 no 2 abs.
Motion to extend debate by 5 minutes passed 14 yes 10 no
Motion passed 20 yes 2 no 2 abstentions
Chair called for motion to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.
Minutes transcribed by Greg Pason
|
|
