[14719] in APO-L
Re: On "Committees"
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Joseph M. Fisher)
Wed Jul 10 19:37:27 1996
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 19:35:06 -0900
Reply-To: "Joseph M. Fisher" <jfisher@RacerX.mse.jhu.edu>
From: "Joseph M. Fisher" <jfisher@RacerX.mse.jhu.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
In-Reply-To: <9607082224.AA13852@RacerX.mse.jhu.edu>
The basic reason why we have committees at nationals is that we really
*need* them to whittle down the list of business. I was a voting
delegate and committee member in Dallas, and even with all the discussion
that took place in committee, VDs were on the floor (or supposed to be)
for AT LEAST 18 hours over the two days of the business meeting. By the
time we got around to discussing the 1996 site, on Day 2, I having spent
about 6 additional hours in committee was more than slightly inclined to
sleep, except that the stalwart San Jose supporters were right behind us,
with a copy of Robert's Rules out on the desk, trying to overturn the
procedure.
(Incidentally, as a former participant in Student Congress, I have to say
that the aforementioned procedure is shaky at best. What happens is that
the Time and Place committee recommends one of the sites, which may then
be chosen by a simple majority of the delegates. But the convention
cannot choose another site unless the first is rejected; then Time and
Place would reconvene and choose another candidate. Unwieldly and
undemocratic, I think it's fair to say. I might propose an amendment
making it possible for a site to be brought to a vote from the floor.
But I haven't really thought about it yet so I can't give any details.
Please let me know of any reactions/ideas/proposals on this topic.)
Anyway... a frequent problem with business presented to the convention is
that it is poorly written, incomplete, or hopelessly vague. The committees
may rewrite legislation if they so choose. But often they don't because
it's just too much work. That, as far as I can tell, is the most common
reason why business dies in committee.
However, I think it's also appropriate to point out that all
controversial issues that were also viable (e.g. the Toast Song editing)
WERE brought to a vote.
-- Cyrano
