From: Al and Masha Sten-Clanton 
Subject: Re: Why the NFB
On Wed, 15 Apr 1998 sojacobson@mmm.com wrote:
> 
> Since many people read this list who are not members and may not read our
> constitution, the restrictions added to how resolutions are brought to the
> floor were these.  Anyone could and still can bring resolutions to the
> resolutions committee for action, but I think some lead time is requested
> now.  If the committee does not recommend that a resolution pass, any
> member could, in the past, ask that their resolution be considered on the
> floor.  Now, a resolution not recommended not to pass by the committee can
> only be brought to the floor with, I believe,signatures of five state
> presidents of affilliates.  Since voting takes place by states which for
> these purposes also includes the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico,
> five of fifty-two voting affilliates must sign.  Of course, they need not
> be in favor of the resolution to be willing to sign to have it heard.  
> Correct me if I don't have this quite right. 
> 
I think I'm correct in adding two things.  First, the lead time is two
weeks, as far as I know.  Second, I nderstand that the Resolutions
Committee no longer may work with the author to amend a resolutions:  the
only changes are supposed to be technical or grammatical.
If the two-week lead time is to allow copying of a resolution for the
committee members (and, better yet, the general membership in attendance),
then it's probably a good idea:  it's always best to have time to read a
thing before voting on it.  If that's not the purpose, then I can't think
of a reason to have it.  I haven't been to a convention for a while, so
I'd be glad for correct information on the point.
I've never been happy with the practice of not allowing amendment of
resolutions on the floor:  it deprives members of an important tool for
shaping policy without having always to bring their own resolutions and
bathe us in paper.  I think it's even worse not to allow for amendment in
committee, which often in the past turned good ideas into good
resolutions.  I realize that time is scarce and committee members work
hard, for I was among them.  We got the work done in the old days, and
usually came up with something worth voting for.
I know that some fear paralysis by debate.  That's always a risk in a
democracy, but I regard the risk as necessary as we work to develop and
then act on a general consensus.  I also came to think some years ago that
much of what we do could take the form of a simple motion, requiring far
fewer words and therefore shrinking the potential verbal battleground.
Well, I'm looking forward to my first convention since 1990, and I can see
again first-hand how we operate there.  Take care!
Al
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