[statecom-discuss] Re: [statecom] State Committee Minutes - 1/27/07

[Adam Sacks]

Dear Statecom -

I am appalled at the statecom action in this "Expedited Round" (whatever that means).  It is crystal clear from the e-mail exchanges to date that there is far from general agreement on Ashley's medical procedures.  Similar to the Israel-Palestine issue, to me this response is utterly disrespectful of the diversity of opinion expressed to date.  Nor, in my opnion, is it a rational response to the actual situation, but a general outrage at the trespasses of the medical system and social engineering.  That outrage is frequently well-placed, but to reflexively generalize it to just any circumstance is in itself beyond the pale of the rational.  There are statements about Ashley's treatment that I could support such as more extensive ethical review, historical concerns, and suggestions of alternatives - but not condemnation of any parties involved in this particular instance.

But fundamentally this is not about Ashley, nor is it about IP.  It is about profound lack of respect by party leadership or by a few persistent hypervocal activists for people who don't get to every meeting (David's comments about our not having leaders, only administrators, notwithstanding).  It is about co-option by those who will not tolerate disagreement that is not politically correct from their perspective, and about undermining anything resembling democratic process within the party.

Adam

BTW, I would suggest that sterilization of someone who never should
have children (since it would only occur by rape) cannot be categorized
as genocide or eugenics, since that person would not reproduce in any case. 



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"Expedited Round:

F - Ashley Treatment Proposal

Presented by Martina Robinson

Ashley is a severely disabled person in Washington State whose body  
chemistry and physiology is being altered to prevent her from going  
through puberty. Martina believes that the GRP should speak out  
against this procedure because our platform is consistent with  
opposing this. The GRP should issue a press release or statement that  
condemns this issue and offers alternatives.

David Rolde and Elie Yarden agreed that we should condemn the medical  
industry that allowed this to happen and not the parents.

Wanda Boeke asked if the recommendations of the medical profession  
were followed.

Gary Hicks said that anything that goes into this statement must  
relate that "this kind of crap" was going on for a long time, i.e.  
eugenics.

Q: Colby Peterson asked if this has already happened:
A: Yes, it happened on January 6th.

There was a fast-paced rules and procedures discussion that degenerated.

The proposal moves to AdCom.
Annie Butler trusts that the AdCom and Martina can work out the wording."