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1. Menconi2. WortheyCan't cast a vote for the third, despite the nice words I've seen the side of Bell that doesn't reflect positive leadership qualities. Menconi has many years of experience that would help grow our party, and has shown undeniable tenacity and willingness to lead!
This proposal looks as though it will fail, but either way the GPCO has already lost. Letting this vote continue simply proves that we didn't stumble, and instead are striding squarely into foolishness. The newest members of this council suffer the most. Allowing the group to eat one of their own sets a bad precedent, and I didn't lend my talents to this party to be served up for dinner. This isn't how Greens behave toward one another, and someone has to start proving that point. Some of our veteran members have given me hope that this party can recover quickly from this mob rule and lend their ample wisdom in restoring order to this great ship called the GPCO. To those that fought for me to remain, thank you for your support during this storm. We may be able to recover from this conflict, but there are more to come. Remember that leadership doesn't begin or end with a title, and a movement doesn't begin or end in a political party. Though I will no longer serve as co-chair, I remain dedicated to the issues and communities that need representation. This council is losing it's ability to guide itself by the spirit of the 10KVs. When it has found it's way back to that spirit, I'll consider rejoining state leadership. Let my walking away be a rallying cry to this council and our Colorado Greens that want to remain focused on issues and candidates rather than murmurs and accusations.
Disagree, obviously.This proposal contains an outright lie, two misleading statements, and two items that are definitely worthy of discussion.. when people are willing have mature discussions. My work with disenfranchised communities began before I took the chair, and will continue regardless of the positions I hold in this or any other organization. Just in the last year, three major community leaders have joined the Green Party as a result of the work I've done in the field. All of them hold close roots to communities of color. What remains to be seen is whether this party's members are mature enough to support the communities we claim to represent. If this party wishes to grow into a robust organization, our members must be willing to engage in constructive dialog with people we don't agree with. Even, and perhaps especially, when we count the contentious amongst our ranks. Facebook comments are not a discussion. Email criticism is not discussion. Even this forum is not true discussion. When I came into the chair, we had weathered a storm that crushed this party, and it was caused by accusations based in rumor and fear, and a lack of true communication. Everyone relied on the listserv to "discuss" issues, but they let arguments fester outside of that medium. A split was created and we lost momentum and leadership in the party. We truly have not recovered from that rupture. To see this pattern repeated is worrying to those of us that have weathered this storm once in the past. What we must understand now, as a team of sailors working the deck of this fine ship we call the Green Party of Colorado, is that we must be prepared to weather endless storms. They will come from within, they will come from without, and they will challenge us to the core of our beings. That is why we must always band together against the Spirit of Division until it all avenues of redress have been explored. Have a blessed day, everyone.
I'll do the drafting of the proposal on this. Does anyone want to supply some pro's and con's? Alternatives to our opposition to the amendment?
The conference call audio is available to everyone invited to tonight's call. Here's the link:https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzteq2tfIdXvSnV4NmVSOGI3LVE
The conference call audio is available to everyone invited to tonight's call. Here's the link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzteq2tfIdXvSnV4NmVSOGI3LVE
Before this meeting, the one thing I will say is that some people that have responded to this proposal have had opportunities to discuss any issues they may have with me on any number of topics. My history in this party has always been one of inclusiveness, positivism, and sometimes off-color humor. The idea that a group of people could look me in the eyes, smile with me, hug me at events, and never open a dialogue on something that was apparently deeply troubling to them.. I'm not clear how that lines up with many of our Key Values, or even just simple human values.
As a chair, I've done my duty by doing my homework, as has Arn, and the Boulder Greens. I can't say this is the case for all of our leadership. Some people in this party think its OK to hold to their own fears instead of rising to the challenge of getting their questions answered and perhaps admitting they had made a mistake in their assumptions on the legislation. Treating A69 like it is only a minor thing is doing more harm to our campaign than discussing it like adults.
Susan, I appreciate that sentiment you brought forth about coverage for all people! I would say that the Boulder Greens have the most experience with this issue, as you did go out in the street and petition for the amendment. I imagine working alongside their group lent you a particular insight into the amendment and its pros and cons. And I sensed no ulterior motive in your words. It is true that the main opposition to this bill comes from places where the Greens would not normally find company. I think this is why its important to put the facts on the table and leave the rest at the door.This bill has been supported by our Senate and Presidential candidates. It is "a good step forward". If officers have questions, they must be addressed so they can educate their chapters.
Leadership should take note that MANY Greens “on the ground” are supportive of ColoradoCare. The caveats that make it unattractive have been made clear and brushed aside.. by our own presidential candidate. A doctor! Dr. Aguilar and Dr. Stein met and Jill concluded that this is a good step forward for health care in Colorado and the US. We should be very cautious about where we allow our doubts to come from and where we let them take root. The "drawbacks" of this bill have been touted by the opposition and retorts have been made that convinced even Jill Stein to support this measure. As we conclude this Agreement Seeking process, I encourage each of you to consider the millions of uninsured and under-insured voters in Colorado and what it would mean to them to have platinum health insurance coverage.. even the panhandlers on 16th street mall who aren't allowed to cover themselves with a blanket this winter. If you have reservations about this bill, I encourage you to weigh them against the outcome for those less fortunate than most of us who are casting our votes.
Agree.We have some new chapters, and I have contacted Brittany to double check my details. In the meantime, I'd like to get the process of Agreement Seeking underway.
As many of you know, the Greens have many supporters among the many grassroots homeless advocacy groups, Occupy Denver, and more that are not affiliated but are in situations of poverty. This did languish but I will be reinstating this measure to reject the urban camping ban and I'm open to any input from the members before I send it to the floor for approval. Thank you all!
AGREE!! 😀 I love the proposed plank. The only minor issue I have is some of the clunkiness in the wording, but I don't think I'd hold up the process for my preference on how to use the English language. The last sentence might read more clearly in this way: "Democratic ownership of the means of production is the antidote for centralization of workplace power, a major key to decentralizing broader economic power."Michael, as to your issue with the wording.. I think the absence of the term "small business" is in harmony with a vision of a Green society. It's an old term, and if we discussed what "small business" means to people, their perceptions would be safe in the platform as its being suggested. This is a brave new view on how Greens want to approach Economics in a way that balances protecting the environment with the need for individuals and local communities to have a fair claim in the profits of their labor.
