[Blindtlk] Democracy in the NFB

Wed Dec 4 14:02:43 UTC 2013

Brian, well stated. We make choices, and there will always be those who decide if what they have is the will of the people. For those who want to change how we do things it would require a constitutional amendment. If you feel strongly enough, and are willing to do the work to get it passed you are free to do so. It isn't simple, but it can be done.

I was around when Dr. Jernigan decided not to run and told us  that Marc Maurer would be his choice as the next president. A lot of this discussion took place at the convention. The difference here is that we are all doing it publicly on a list.

Like Mike Freeman, and others, I have been around when there was disagreement within our organization. I have been on both the winning and the losing sides. One thing I have learned is to always ask the question, "what do I get if I win?" and also "Is the book worth the candle?" in other words, is the fight to win so important that I am willing to sacrifice friends, and opportunities for the sake of it.

Change is good, but it should not happen only for the sake of change. If Dr. Maurer's candidate is elected, work with that candidate to implement the change. I know that he will listen. If he is not elected, I hope that the one who is will listen to you, and to me equally as well. Of such stuff are good leaders made. 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of BrianMiller
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 7:17 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Democracy in the NFB

Good morning all,

I certainly agree with Mike about term limits -- they are a blunt instrument to deal with a complicated problem.  Term limits are unnecessary so long as there are effective and inclusive mechanisms for democratic change and meaningful choices to be made on the part of the electorate.  

It is true that nominations can always be offered from the floor, but the reality is that they are rare, and no one can deny that when they happen the response by the voting members is generally one of surprise and nervousness.
The vast majority of our slates at all levels of the organization are elected without opposition and by unanimous consent.  

This is not a value statement, but simply an observation.  This topic arises with some regularity, there is some hand-wringing on the listservs, and then it quietly goes away.  Again, this is not a value statement, but an observation.  I think at some point we must recognize that this is a choice made at some level by the conventions that expresses a preference for stability, unity, and clarity of message and purpose over change, potential uncertainty, and democratic competition.  I think most of us are cognizant of the historical reasons for our organizational culture and practices, and that for some time the way leadership change occurs in the NFB serves as a stabilizing force.  The degree to which this culture represents the will of the organization and its leadership may change, and other priorities, other practices may become the norm, but for now, and for some time, this is where we are at.  

We have a process, it's relatively open, and it appears to represent the preferences of the organization overall.  Is it a process that emphasizes choice, as reflected in campaigns between candidates with platforms and alternative viewpoints about the direction of the organization?  No,, clearly not.  It is a democratic process that values consensus over procedures that preference the secret ballot and individual decision-making.
The expression of the slate is one of continuity, and confidence of the skills and commitment on the part of those in leadership with respect to those who might follow.  

Choosing one preference over another is a value choice -- what is it as an organization that we value most?  How well do our procedures and practices serve these values?  I think these are the questions we need to grapple with.  What do we gain, what do we lose by choosing one path over another?
And this isn't to say that the paths never intertwine and crisscross -- most organizations are a hybrid, and I think the NFB is no exception.  

My preference would be to see the development of a more supportive environment for the civil competition for leadership positions, where individuals can make their interest in serving known and share with the membership their vision for the future of the chapter, affiliate, or national organization.  I appreciate that individuals can do this now, but it is not a choice individuals can make without undue consideration of the interests of the nominating committees.  I think there are ways to do this without the undue risk of fractiousness and dissention, although there are certainly some dangers of this occurring.  The flipside is that the membership might feel more empowered by the process and less like passive recipients of decisions made by those in leadership positions.  For now, the process is more subtle -- there is no question in my mind that the leadership carefully considers its choices, and would not propose a candidate that is wildly at odds with the desires or concerns of the membership.  It is just that the process of vetting is a more amorphous and less obvious one than that which might occur in the context of the kinds of campaigns that we see in the political system as a whole.  

Just my thoughts,

Brian M

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 5:12 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Democracy in the NFB

The President of the U.S. only got stuk with the term limit because the Republicans were damned jealous of FDR and didn't think they could come up with a viable candidate to oppose him.

As I say, term limits are a dumb idea and, in effect, say "choose for me because I ain't smart enough to choose for myself".

Mike Freeman

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ericka Short
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2013 8:07 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Democracy in the NFB

Paul and all,

I like the idea of two candidates for each office.  When there is one for each office as it usually is at my church the same people run and are elected not because they are good still at what they do.  They are elected because either nobody  wants o run against them or nobody feels like their voice matters so why run.  Just one person changing off the board doesn't change the attitude unless they are a very stong but tactful person.  I'm still hoping my church finds that person. There should be an finite amout of

times someone can run and hold office too.  I see that as a problem in small

time politics.  If it's good for the President of the US, then nobody else should have that opportunity to run two consecutive times and serve, take a year off then serve another two times after winning their terms back.  That defeats the purpose.  Nobody should have a lifetime service spot.  I think it  allows them to  stop speaking for the collective voice and  usher in their personal agendas.  It's just a matter of  following bylaws.  It might make more attend the  conventions too.  I know I don't feel like I have a voice in the NFB as a whole. Just here in listserves.

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short 

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