[statecom] Re: [Green-Rainbow] FW: Straw Poll

[GracCRoss at aol.com]

I have not yet read Gil's piece but will as soon as I get a chance.  I 
verymuch want to back Dan M's comments in a key way- let's not rush this.  
The straw poll is advisory and we are in a time crunch presently - not the 
time to handle something that if done well could be used for important 
communication about what is a very important transition.  And I think the 
straw poll could be very much a blessing if it means Green Party members hear 
from us first about the joining process, get important information about the 
Rainbow (including explicitly addressing concerns raised at the Convention) 
and get to her from us before we have our first primary ballot in September 
(if we get onthe ballot it may not occur to most of them there evenis such a 
thing as a Green Primary).  So lets think well about this huge expense and 
opportunity.  For instance, as Merelice form the Rainbow executive said after 
the Convention, there are present two Rainbow members (of color) who between 
the two of them had run more times successfully for elected office than 
probably all the rest of us inthe auditorium together.  History may be 
helpful in dispelling some people's fears about things like whether the 
Rainbow is committed to winning elections.

I do want to disagree with one thing Dan said - I think removing a questoin 
from the poll because it may misrepresent what impact the poll is capable of 
having is not the same as removing something because you don't like th 
eoption.  But I promise to read and be more thoughtful soon - Love to all, 
Grace