Activists protesting caucuses on King holiday

[IA_Seth]

Activists protesting caucuses on King holiday

http://www.gazetteonline.com/2006/01/14/Home/News/caucuseskingholiday.htm

DES MOINES, IA - Iowa's precinct caucuses fall on Monday this year, angering some activists because the meetings will be held on a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

(snip)

Williams and others have taken their complaints to the state's Democratic and Republican Parties, and are seeking changes in party bylaws to ban holding the caucuses on any federal holiday.

Their draft resolution says such scheduling "is perceived as racially, culturally or historically insensitive because such scheduling conflicts both with individuals and institutions that have long-standing citizen commitments to holiday services and commemorations."

(snip)
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This is an interesting article and I recommend reading all of it. What do y'all think of this?

For the most part I agree with those activists that are upset by the timing. We choose one day of the year to celebrate the legacy of MLK Jr, and to force a choice on Democrats isn't very "big-tent" minded. Where are our Affirmative Action Chairs?

I agree that the democratic process, and the exercising of voting rights should be a valid expression of MLK Jr's ideals, but they shouldn't be on the same day. I am thinking that I will present a resolution at my caucus tonight asking that we bar caucus dates that conflict with Federal Holidays (as suggested in the article).

Is there any reason I shouldn't? Is there something I am missing?

[IA_Seth]

1. Proposed Plank

“Iowa Democrats support scheduling Iowa’s caucus date in such a manner as to prevent the caucus from conflicting with Federal Holidays. To schedule otherwise may be perceived as racially, culturally or historically insensitive because such scheduling conflicts both with individuals and institutions that have long-standing citizen commitments to holiday services and commemorations."

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Any help re-wording would be nice.

[CornField]

2. I like that wording

Something of that nature would have my support.

[Debi]

3. I wonder why the State Central Committee decided to do this

Those are the people we should be questioning. Find out who your State Central Committee members are and ask them why they set the schedule this way.

Here in Black Hawk it didn't cause much of a stir as people saw it as part of the celebration of Dr. King. What better way to honor him than to participate in democracy in action. However, the caucuses will conflict with some King celebrations tonight.

From today's Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/01/16/opinions/editorial/8b351283d771bc88862570f8004f3a88.txt

<snip>

Years ago, his widow, Coretta Scott King, said of the holiday: "The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others."

That's a lesson that shouldn't be limited to a single day.

It's definitely a "day on" for those involved in Black Hawk County's precinct caucuses, scheduled today. Having them scheduled on the holiday irritated some, but for most of the participants it seemed fitting.

"In my view, as an African-American, I do understand the sanctity of this day to many of us and I respect that," said State Rep. Deborah Berry, D-Waterloo. "But again, what better way to celebrate him than to get out and participate?"

<snip>

In response to your comment, Seth, it can't hurt to propose the resolution at caucus - it will be taken to County Convention and maybe on to District and State. If a majority of Democratic delegates disagree with your resolution it will be voted out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[IA_Seth]

4. That's what I thought..

I can ask the State CC members at our next county meeting, but in my experience some of them aren't real proactive in getting state decision type answers to me.

I figured if I can get this to the state platform it will at least send a message to the party. I would imagine there will be similar planks put forth throughout the state (but maybe not).

I agree with the logic that to caucus would be a great way to celebrate MLK's legacy, but it obviously didn't register that way with everyone. For a state and a party working towards diversity I think this was a poor decision.

[Debi]

5. The schedule question was asked at our caucus training

and we were told by the IDP staffer that all but two of the people in attendance at the State Central Committee meeting voted to hold the caucuses on Jan. 16th. Now, I don't know who was in attendance at I don't know who the two that voted against the calendar were. Maybe your SCC members will have that information.

[IA_Seth]

6. Follow Up

I talked to one of my State CC members about this. I started off very nice...simply asked how the date for our caucus was decided, if it was voted on, etc.

She kind of started with an attitude and told me that it had been decided "for a long time". I told her that I was asking if the date was debated or voted on, and wasn't necessarily concerned with the timing of the scheduling. She said that they did have a vote but she said "all the minorities supported this" and that I should look at the scheduling as a way to celebrate MLK jr....and I hadn't even brought it up. She would not tell me who the dissenting votes were.

She was very snippy with me, so I probably got a little snippy back. Norm Sterzenbach (probably butchered that spelling) is a lot more receptive and less hoity toity then the one I talked to so hopefully he will give me more info at the next CC meeting.

Regardless, the plank passed at my precinct so we will see if it goes anywhere.

[Debi]

7. Norm is a gem

Doesn't know me even though I re-introduce myself every time we meet (he and my husband go waaaay back). Why is it such a secret, who attended the meeting and who voted how? Remember that the State Central Committee members run for that seat, they pseudo-govern the Iowa Democratic Party and are representative of the Party when it comes to decision-making. Hope Norm can better explain the decision.

[IA_Seth]

8. Me too!

He is a great guy and very intelligent in his explanations.

If he attends our next meeting I will see what the big deal was all about and give him feedback on my encounter with his fellow State CC member.

[CornField]

9. A bit off topic, but...

I think the whole hoity-toity (I'm glad I'm not the only one to use that terminology) attitude is something which turns people away from political activism. It does seem that the further one goes within party ranks, the more stand-offish and odd the person becomes.

[Debi]

11. Although I doubt it occurs only in Iowa I do think we have somewhat

of a niche here.

Because State Central Committee members will have earlier (and more personal) contact w/Presidential candidates. They also have (somewhat) the ear of the Governor (and that means Gov. candidates) and the ear of the Party Chair and Ex. Director.

Some people add great significance to when they meet a candidate, if they dine w/a candidate, if they get a personal call from a candidate. So, serving on these committees become a big deal. In the end we all get one vote - we all stand up only once at our caucuses (unless we have to realign, then we stand twice). But there are some.

The position isn't to glory filled either, they don't get reimbursed for any expenses, they have to travel all across the state to attend meetings and (like in this case) get questions asked of them when they make an unpopular decision.

I've had the opportunity to serve on County/District Central Committees and found that more often than not it means I get asked for money! :yoiks: But I do like getting calls from candidates and getting to talk w/them not just hearing their speeches. But I don't think it makes me a more important person.

Unless you think it does....:7

[IA_Seth]

13. Agreed

As Debi also stated, I think a lot of it is due to the fact that the more involved you get with the party the more interaction you get with political-types, which to some can make them a little snobbish at times.

I think a lot of people get involved and then get some serious delusions of grandeur, but hey whatever keeps them active, right?

Lol, and as for hoity-toity...it just sort of came out. I swear, I am only 27.

[ISUGRADIA]

10. I think sometimes these people get elected and get surprised

they actually have to respond to Democrats! I mean that is their constituency, they are eleced as reps and not isolated free agents devoid of public input.

[Debi]

12. You mean some want the perks without the work? n/t

[ISUGRADIA]

15. Yes, I think that is a good way of phrasing it

[IA_Seth]

14. To be fair...

I suppose this particular state cc member was probably a little stressed out because of the caucus and all that good stuff...but still.

I agree with you, they are chosen to represent me, us, and they should realize that we will hold them (or at least try to) accountable.