A funny thing happened at the Dallas County Democratic Party meeting today...

[derby378]

This was one of our big-deal Executive Committee meetings where we elect new members to represent Texas House districts at our Advisory Committee. I introduced three resolutions on the floor. Two of them passed easily. The third one? Well, that's where it gets complicated.

It was a resolution in which our county party would oppose Sen. Leahy's "truth and reconciliation" commission unless he pledged there would be no immunity deals for Bush administration criminals. Some folks spoke up in favor of the resolution. Some folks opposed it, and had some good arguments for doing so. Per county party rules, our Chair (Darlene Ewing) determined that this was an issues resolution, and as such could not be voted on at today's meeting unless three-fourths of the voters agreed to suspend that rule. This resulted in a motion to suspend the rule, which was also seconded. Then one of the other precinct chairs exercised the "nuclear option" - a quorum call. It threatened to derail the Advisory Committee elections and bring the entire meeting to a grinding halt. I was under increasing pressure to withdraw the resolution. Finally, I did.

At least nobody can say that the Executive Committee meeting was a snoozefest. It was definitely educational, to say the least.

So, how's your Valentine's Day going so far? :hi:

[grannie4peace]

1. even better after reading your story. i'm glad they are thinking about it!

[derby378]

3. I used a little bit of humor to try to drum up support

I told the story about the bear who asked the bunny rabbit if poop ever stuck to his fur. Some of the precinct chairs simply couldn't stop laughing. I used the bear as an analogy for the Obama administration coming into Washington with a big mess to deal with, explaining that if they didn't, we would have to - and possibly for generations to come. And we have more important issues to deal with, such as education, health care, the economy, etc. All of it bad enough without a bunch of Bush administration officials who will never answer for their crimes running around and thumbing their noses at America.

Passage of the resolution looked promising for a little bit. Then someone who opposed it threw a huge monkey wrench into the deal. I felt like one of those UFC fighters who was put into one of those submission moves where you either tap out or you go unconscious, get a bone broken, etc. I tapped out. But at least I got two other resolutions passed, and that's not too shabby.

[grannie4peace]

5. it's amazing how it works even without the peoples' beliefs considered.

did anyone care about what the UN guys said?

[derby378]

6. I didn't hear anyone bring up the UN, but I did have supporters

Some of them were very passionate supporters. But in the end, it just wasn't meant to be. At least I hope a lot of people are talking about this.

[grannie4peace]

7. i'm impressed for texas- i have family in houston area who are all

rushians

[derby378]

8. I sympathize

A long time ago, I used to be a "dittohead," myself. But the more I interfaced with Republicans, the less we agreed on the issues. Then came the impeachment of Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky incident, and that was enough for me. I voted for Al Gore in 2000, and Howard Dean turned me into a full-fledged Dem in 2003.

So take heart - there is hope, even for the Rushians. Inside every Republican, there's a Democrat trying to get out. I should know, because it happened to me.

:hi:

[mntleo2]

2. You got 'em thinking for a start ...

...sometimes you are just the "seed planter" and the rest you leave up to the sun and the wind and the rain to do their thing to make it grow. This took a lot of courage, I admire that! I bet a lot of people left that meeting with the truth and reconciliation issue running through their minds. They will discuss it at the dinner table, in the break room, on the bus, on the phone, with relatives and neighbors (the sun, wind and rain). When the time comes it will bear fruit. Let us hope that what you "planted" bears some mighty big, juicy, sweet tomatoes!

In awe,
Cat In Seattle

[derby378]

4. Now you're making me hungry...

Thanks for the encouragement! :hi: