Emergency meeting to authorize a statement on GAZA

held on Zoom from 7pm-8:15pm EST, Dec 17, 2023

Attendees: Frank Jeffers, Eileen Sheehan, Maureen Doyle, Linda Thompkins, Roni Beal, Richard Viette, John Andrews, Brian Cady, Charlene DiGalogero, Jamie Guerin, Lois Gagnon, David Kiel, Danny Factor

Observers: Jamie McGlaughlin

Roles:  Notetaker: Maureen Doyle; Facilitator: Eileen Wheeler Sheehan; Parliamentarian: Danny Factor

At the last statecommittee meeting (9 December 2023). it was decided to assemble a working group to craft a statement on the Israel/ Gaza situation. Dan Kontoff, Lois Gagnon, Eileen Sheehan, David Kiel, and Danny Factor were chosen as the members of this group. The purpose of today's meeting is to vote on this statement. Lois read the statement they crafted to the assembled state com.

There were several comments: Charlene, speaking for the Central MA Green-Rainbow chapter, said the chapter met yesterday. They approved the statement but wanted the last paragraph changed to ask for more candidate action. David Keil spoke out that the Working Group strove for consensus; however, this statement does express the urgency that is required now but that was difficult as there were many opinions. Charlene, noting that this is an opportunity for candidate action, said that our goal, as a political party, is to run candidates. 

Maureen asked that the initials SC be written out (so "security council" would not be confused with Steering Committee).

John commented on the use of 'People, Peace, and Planet". There was discussion but it was decided that it was appropriate (and not seeming to come from one candidate but from the party). Danny Factor said that he looked for compromise at the Working Group and he turned out to be the only 'no' vote there. Citing the statement that begins, "We abhor all violence...", he questioned allowing the violence on Oct. 7th to Isreal. We can't be one-sided in our abhorrence!

Brian C suggested a plan of action here. At this point, Charlene sent the CMGR statement replacement to David S who posted it in the Zoom chat:

          "Just so you all have it here in front of you, the CMGR proposed amendment was to replace the final paragraph with this sentence instead: "We ask that all members and allies of the Green-Rainbow Party focus their energies on the recruitment and election of local, state, and federal candidates to enact this systemic change in US foreign policy. "^

3 concerns were expressed. They were asked if they would step aside.

Charlene will not (because she is representing her chapter). Danny Factor will not either.

David K. posted this in the chat:  "Adding this would be OK: "We ask that all members and allies of the Green-Rainbow Party focus their energies on the recruitment and election of local, state, and federal candidates to enact this systemic change in US foreign policy."

John A. said, to the effect, that this could be discussed for several hours more BUT the Working Group met the goal of the Statecom tasked it with; we should vote on it and alter it as need be.

There was a discussion over the rules and how the meeting should proceed, concerning 'concerns' but the facilitator said that she wanted to hear from the other two people. Linda T. brought up that it had been 2 months since the War had been happening and the GRP has no statement. She also added that eliminating the last paragraph also eliminates the word 'genocide' which she feels should not be left to the last statement but at least it is there. "Eliminating the last paragraph belittles the situation." 

Danny F. suggested that we take 30 seconds to mull this over individually before we take a vote. David S. reread the entire statement. Parlimentarian switched to David Spanagel so that Danny F could say something about his feelings on his impending no vote.

The final version of the amendment:

"To build the mass movement against Washington’s participation in this genocide, officers and bodies of the GRP are urged to join action coalitions and to build protest actions in Massachusetts. We ask that all members and allies of the Green-Rainbow Party focus their energies on the recruitment and election of local, state, and federal candidates to enact this systemic change in US foreign policy."

A vote was taken with 14 yes votes, 1 no vote, and no abstentions.

There was a point of order for the Secretary to recount the votes,

Linda T. made an announcement but was redirected to GRP Discuss.

Charlene clarified the wording about candidates being Green Party candidates.

David S. posted the final wording in chat. 

Concern?

Danny F had one and David S. again took over as the parliamentarian. Danny said that he still would not stand aside.

The Communications Committee of the GRP will publicize this statement.

adjourn:8:15pm ET

This is how it is worded on the GRP website:

"THE GRP STANDS FOR RESPECT FOR THE PALESTINIANS

The State Committee of the Green-Rainbow Party has issued the following statement:

The Green-Rainbow Party abhors violence in all its forms. The ongoing assault on Gaza must cease immediately if there is to be a just resolution to this conflict. The US veto of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire was a grave error and will only lead to more bloodshed for all involved. The US has used its veto power in the Security Council to allow Israel to violate SC resolutions for decades. We see now the result of that policy. We call on the Biden administration to respect international law, demand an immediate ceasefire, and respect the human rights of civilians."

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen Doyle

GRP Secretary 2022-2024