[Lnc-business] [COC 2018-20] Fwd: Request for LNC Consideration

Fri May 8 11:48:03 EDT 2020

the reason it would only apply to those because those are the only one in
which an argument can be made for impossibility.  And I am speaking of the
bifurcation solution - that opinion does not allow us to do the whole
convention online because an in person convention HAS to ratify.  The
ratification has to take place at an in person convention.

tldr; nothing in that opinion allows us to have an entirely online
convention as the chair wants

*In Liberty,*

* Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome
(part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If anyone
found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux
pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *

On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:44 AM Richard Longstreth <richard.longstreth at lp.org>
wrote:

> I want to reiterate, my question has been ignored and that does not imply
> anything other than it has been asked and not answered. Answering elsewhere
> in places you cannot recall does not mean I was ever answered, until this
> morning which I appreciate.
>
> Why does the provision only apply to P/VP? I don't see limitations in the
> opinion to that effect. The deleagtion still would come together and ratify
> all results so what makes those two offices special and different from
> other offices in this interpretation.
>
> Also, my apologies for turning the direction of two threads to this
> discussion. If someone wanted to separate this into its own thread so that
> these two can stay on topic, I'd not object.
>
> Richard Longstreth
> Region 1 Representative (AK, AZ, CO, HI, KS, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
> Libertarian National Committee
> richard.longstreth at lp.org
> 931.538.9300
>
> Sent from my Mobile Device
>
> On Fri, May 8, 2020, 08:31 Caryn Ann Harlos <caryn.ann.harlos at lp.org>
> wrote:
>
>> The opinion is not wrong.  But it doesn't help us unless you are speaking
>> only of P/VP with a subsequent in person convention because the
>> ratification has to be done at a proper in person convention.
>>
>> that opinion also presumes impossibility of following their bylaws which
>> is not present for us
>>
>> *In Liberty,*
>>
>> * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome
>> (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
>> communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If anyone
>> found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux
>> pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:26 AM Richard Longstreth via Lnc-business <
>> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>
>>> That does not answer my question or even attempt to and I am happy to go
>>> down that rabbit hole once my question is addressed.
>>>
>>> Again, why is the authoritative opinion from RONR wrong and violates
>>> RONR?
>>>
>>> Richard Longstreth
>>> Region 1 Representative (AK, AZ, CO, HI, KS, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
>>> Libertarian National Committee
>>> richard.longstreth at lp.org
>>> 931.538.9300
>>>
>>> Sent from my Mobile Device
>>>
>>> On Fri, May 8, 2020, 08:11 Sam Goldstein <sam.goldstein at lp.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> > Richard,
>>> >
>>> > So what happens if we nominate a POTUS candidate by an electronic
>>> > meeting then the delegates in convention subsequently choose to not
>>> > ratify that candidate and nominate someone else?  This is the
>>> > Libertarian Party, you know.
>>> >
>>> > ---
>>> > Sam Goldstein, At Large Member
>>> > Libertarian National Committee
>>> > 317-850-0726 Cell
>>> >
>>> > On 2020-05-08 11:04, Richard Longstreth via Lnc-business wrote:
>>> > > I've heard Roberts referenced a lot in terms of no electronic
>>> meetings.
>>> > > However, I've never seen anyone with "expert level" knowledge respond
>>> > > to
>>> > > the ratification advisory put out by the folks at Roberts and I may
>>> > > simply
>>> > > missed it. I understand what the rules are and say but everytime they
>>> > > are
>>> > > brought up, I bring up the ratifying change and all discussion on
>>> > > Roberts
>>> > > stops or the ratification argument is ignored. That's not good enough
>>> > > to
>>> > > take it off the table for me.
>>> > >
>>> > > Please explain, someone, anyone, why Roberts says electronic business
>>> > > can
>>> > > be ratified but that our parliamentarians on this committee seem
>>> > > convinced
>>> > > that the authors of Roberts are wrong. Even in talking with others
>>> > > around
>>> > > the party, inxlluding those in favor of poI want to understand why
>>> and
>>> > > how
>>> > > the authors are wrong a little better and am not trying to be a thorn
>>> > > or
>>> > > argumentative.
>>> > >
>>> > > For reference, I've attached a screenshot of the decision which seems
>>> > > to
>>> > > indicate electronic meeting is ok with ratification this meaning an
>>> > > electronic setting would be acceptable. Someone please answer this
>>> > > directly
>>> > > and leave any other convoluted argument out. This is a very specific
>>> > > question.
>>> > >
>>> > > Richard Longstreth
>>> > > Region 1 Representative (AK, AZ, CO, HI, KS, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
>>> > > Libertarian National Committee
>>> > > richard.longstreth at lp.org
>>> > > 931.538.9300
>>> > >
>>> > > Sent from my Mobile Device
>>> > >
>>> > > On Fri, May 8, 2020, 00:45 Caryn Ann Harlos via Lnc-business <
>>> > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >
>>> > >> And what is being obfuscated is that the issue isn’t over the
>>> meaning
>>> > >> of
>>> > >> “place.”  Accepting for sake of argument that it could mean a
>>> digital
>>> > >> room,
>>> > >> absent an express provision allowing for digital conventions they
>>> are
>>> > >> expressly forbidden.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> This is not in question whatsoever, and the bait and switch might
>>> > >> distract
>>> > >> someone not terribly familiar with RONR but not someone who is.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> No amount of lawyering things up changes that.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 1:13 AM Alicia Mattson via Lnc-business <
>>> > >> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >>
>>> > >> > Parliamentarians are trained to say, "I am not an attorney, and I
>>> am
>>> > not
>>> > >> > giving legal advice" when treading near legal-advice territory.
>>> > >> Paralegals
>>> > >> > know to do that also.  It seems to me that attorneys also ought to
>>> > >> preface
>>> > >> > with, "I am not a parliamentarian" when they tread in the other
>>> > >> direction.
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> > -Alicia
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> > On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 9:13 PM Caryn Ann Harlos via Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> > > We HAVE decided no matter how much our Chair would prefer that
>>> we
>>> > did
>>> > >> > not.
>>> > >> > > I do respect being peace makers but there comes a time when it
>>> turns
>>> > >> into
>>> > >> > > Solomon's baby and it ends up gas-lighting those who say,
>>> Houston,
>>> > >> there
>>> > >> > is
>>> > >> > > a problem.  Our Chair has gone beyond the role of a presiding
>>> > officer
>>> > >> and
>>> > >> > > is having an extended tantrum about not getting his way.
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > > *In Liberty,*
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > > * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's
>>> > Syndrome
>>> > >> > > (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
>>> > >> > > communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If
>>> > anyone
>>> > >> > > found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other
>>> social
>>> > >> faux
>>> > >> > > pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > > On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 9:04 PM john.phillips--- via
>>> Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> > > > Steven and Alex I love you guys but it clearly says it IS his
>>> > ruling,
>>> > >> > not
>>> > >> > > > what his ruling would be.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > This is in direct contradiction to his statements around my
>>> > complaint
>>> > >> > > > during the membership affair.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > I do appreciate you trying to be peace makers though. Much
>>> > respect.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > John Phillips
>>> > >> > > > Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative
>>> > >> > > > Cell 217-412-5973
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > On May 7, 2020 8:50 PM, Steven Nekhaila via Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > Mr. Merced is correct,
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > The Chair stated what his ruling of the Chair would be, if it
>>> came
>>> > >> to a
>>> > >> > > > vote regarding the subject. Nothing more, nothing less.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > As a body, we still need to make a decision according to our
>>> rules
>>> > >> > using
>>> > >> > > > our best individual judgements to come to a conclusion.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > Nothing has changed.
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > In Liberty,
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > Steven Nekhaila
>>> > >> > > > Region 2 Representative
>>> > >> > > > Libertarian National Committee
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > Impotentes defendere libertatum non possunt
>>> > >> > > > "Those without power cannot defend freedom"
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > On 2020-05-07 04:08 PM, Alex Merced (LNC Vice Chair) via
>>> > Lnc-business
>>> > >> > > > wrote:
>>> > >> > > > > From what I understand Nicks post is an indication of a
>>> > potential
>>> > >> > > > > ruling not an edict which means...
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > - it can be challenged if needed
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > - doesn’t change the motion currently passed last Saturday
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > - Doesnt force any action by the LNC on Saturday.
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > So technically nothing has changed yet? Or am I wrong?
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > Technically does an email declaration of a ruling not yet
>>> asked
>>> > for
>>> > >> > > > > have any weight? So if we theoretically passed a motion
>>> that was
>>> > >> > > > > challenged, wouldn’t Nick have to make this ruling
>>> explicitly
>>> > again
>>> > >> > at
>>> > >> > > > > which point it would be challenged?
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > If this is correct wouldn’t the previous email really just
>>> be
>>> > Nick
>>> > >> > > > > making clear how he will rule if that comes to be or am I
>>> > >> misreading
>>> > >> > > > > this?
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > If it’s an edict unilaterally changing or forcing an action
>>> by
>>> > the
>>> > >> > LNC
>>> > >> > > > > that’s a problem (the wording doesn’t say that from my
>>> > reading), if
>>> > >> > > > > it’s an indication of how a chair will rule if a particular
>>> > >> conflict
>>> > >> > > > > arises well then it just gives time for those who’d
>>> challenge
>>> > the
>>> > >> > > > > ruling to be more prepared.
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > I’m just trying to clarify before we escalate beyond where
>>> we
>>> > are
>>> > >> > > > > actually at in this process.
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > > Alex Merced
>>> > >> > > > > Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee/LP
>>> > >> > > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> On May 7, 2020, at 3:55 PM, joshua.smith--- via
>>> Lnc-business
>>> > >> > > > >> <lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> 
>>> > >> > > > >> Hello all,
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> I would ask that the Chairman of this board either resign
>>> if he
>>> > >> can
>>> > >> > no
>>> > >> > > > >> longer fairly respect the will of the board with
>>> impartiality,
>>> > or
>>> > >> go
>>> > >> > > > >> back to being the impartial mediator that he is elected to
>>> be.
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> The Chairman is not elected to push his own agenda on the
>>> > board,
>>> > >> or
>>> > >> > > > >> the membership, and with each passing day it looks more and
>>> > more
>>> > >> > like
>>> > >> > > > >> the Chairman has overstepped the duties entrusted in him by
>>> > those
>>> > >> > very
>>> > >> > > > >> people.
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> In liberty,
>>> > >> > > > >> Joshua
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> On May 7, 2020 2:41 PM, Caryn Ann Harlos via Lnc-business
>>> > >> > > > >> <lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> I have a question for the body.  I believe that the entire
>>> LNC
>>> > is
>>> > >> > not
>>> > >> > > > >> being
>>> > >> > > > >> represented by our general counsel but rather Mr. Sarwark
>>> is.
>>> > Do
>>> > >> we
>>> > >> > > > >> have
>>> > >> > > > >> any recourse to ask for additional counsel?  This is pretty
>>> > >> > > > >> outrageous,
>>> > >> > > > >> that I would join in costs if other LNC members felt we
>>> needed
>>> > >> > > > >> representation due to this usurping of power by our
>>> Chair.  I
>>> > have
>>> > >> > > > >> said for
>>> > >> > > > >> two years now there are no officers in this party other
>>> than
>>> > our
>>> > >> > > > >> Chair.
>>> > >> > > > >> Now there is effectively no LNC.  Figureheads would be a
>>> > >> promotion.
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> *In Liberty,*
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as
>>> Asperger's
>>> > >> > Syndrome
>>> > >> > > > >> (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect
>>> inter-personal
>>> > >> > > > >> communication skills in both personal and electronic
>>> arenas.
>>> > If
>>> > >> > > > >> anyone
>>> > >> > > > >> found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some
>>> other
>>> > >> social
>>> > >> > > > >> faux
>>> > >> > > > >> pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 1:35 PM Caryn Ann Harlos
>>> > >> > > > >> <caryn.ann.harlos at lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >> > I too would like to know how the "vast majority" was
>>> > determined.
>>> > >> > > Our
>>> > >> > > > >> > largest affiliate California has instructed the LNC
>>> > otherwise.
>>> > >> > > > Colorado is
>>> > >> > > > >> > nothing to sneeze at and there is nothing preventing us
>>> from
>>> > >> > > > attending.
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> > Respect the decision of the LNC.  You are presiding
>>> officer
>>> > not
>>> > >> > > > overlord.
>>> > >> > > > >> > If you insist on putting our general counsel in the
>>> untenable
>>> > >> > > > position of
>>> > >> > > > >> > rendering a parliamentarian opinion, I will be moving
>>> that
>>> > the
>>> > >> LNC
>>> > >> > > > retain
>>> > >> > > > >> > and actual PRP.
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> > I do not know what has caused this strange shift of
>>> behaviour
>>> > >> but
>>> > >> > > > this is
>>> > >> > > > >> > not the very tempered behaviour of the Chair I have
>>> worked
>>> > with
>>> > >> > for
>>> > >> > > > four
>>> > >> > > > >> > years now who knew how to respect the hierarchy in place
>>> and
>>> > >> > accept
>>> > >> > > > things
>>> > >> > > > >> > he thought were bad decisions.  You are free to appeal
>>> to the
>>> > >> > > > Judicial
>>> > >> > > > >> > Committee l like anyone else.  You are not free to
>>> disregard
>>> > the
>>> > >> > LNC
>>> > >> > > > and
>>> > >> > > > >> > usurp all power to yourself.
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> > *In Liberty,*
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> > * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as
>>> Asperger's
>>> > >> > > > Syndrome
>>> > >> > > > >> > (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect
>>> > inter-personal
>>> > >> > > > >> > communication skills in both personal and electronic
>>> > arenas.  If
>>> > >> > > > anyone
>>> > >> > > > >> > found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some
>>> other
>>> > >> > social
>>> > >> > > > faux
>>> > >> > > > >> > pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> > On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 1:32 PM Caryn Ann Harlos <
>>> > >> > > > caryn.ann.harlos at lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> > wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >> Our counsel is not a parliamentarian.  I am aghast he
>>> would
>>> > >> offer
>>> > >> > > an
>>> > >> > > > >> >> opinion outside his area of speciality.  No
>>> parliamentarian
>>> > >> would
>>> > >> > > > render
>>> > >> > > > >> >> that opinion.  If anyone decided to sue over this, I
>>> firmly
>>> > >> > believe
>>> > >> > > > Mr.
>>> > >> > > > >> >> Hall would be in danger of malpractice.  This LNC is in
>>> > >> > dereliction
>>> > >> > > > of its
>>> > >> > > > >> >> duty by not retaining a PRP for that determination.
>>> > Further,
>>> > >> you
>>> > >> > > do
>>> > >> > > > not
>>> > >> > > > >> >> have authority as Chair to override the decision of the
>>> LNC.
>>> > >> > This
>>> > >> > > > has gone
>>> > >> > > > >> >> beyond a ridiculous power grab.  The LNC has decided.
>>> > Period.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >> *In Liberty,*
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >> * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as
>>> > Asperger's
>>> > >> > > > Syndrome
>>> > >> > > > >> >> (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect
>>> > inter-personal
>>> > >> > > > >> >> communication skills in both personal and electronic
>>> arenas.
>>> > >> If
>>> > >> > > > anyone
>>> > >> > > > >> >> found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some
>>> > other
>>> > >> > > social
>>> > >> > > > faux
>>> > >> > > > >> >> pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >> On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 12:55 PM Whitney Bilyeu via
>>> > >> Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > > > >> >> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> Nick, how do you intend to demonstrate that it will be
>>> > >> > > "impossible"
>>> > >> > > > for a
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> "vast majority" of the delegates to travel to a
>>> convention
>>> > in
>>> > >> > > July?
>>> > >> > > > >> >>>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 1:36 PM Nicholas Sarwark via
>>> > >> > Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > Dear Colleagues,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > It is my ruling as Chair, and supported by the
>>> opinion of
>>> > >> the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> Libertarian
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > National Committee's special counsel, Oliver Hall,
>>> that
>>> > >> > “place”
>>> > >> > > > in the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > bylaws can mean a virtual convention in the situation
>>> > where
>>> > >> it
>>> > >> > > is
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > impossible for the vast majority of the selected
>>> > delegates
>>> > >> in
>>> > >> > > the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> party to
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > travel to a physical location.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > As such, a virtual convention held on Memorial Day
>>> > weekend
>>> > >> > would
>>> > >> > > > be a
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > proper convention and compliant with the bylaws.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > Yours in liberty,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > Nick
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 2:26 PM Whitney Bilyeu via
>>> > >> > Lnc-business <
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > The COC's job is to plan a convention, in
>>> accordance
>>> > with
>>> > >> > > > bylaws.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> The LNC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > is responsible for final decisions. No one is being
>>> > forced
>>> > >> > to
>>> > >> > > > do
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > anything,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > especially by the COC. It is not the COC's job to
>>> > suggest
>>> > >> a
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> convention
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > plan
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > that is not in line with bylaws. The COC's job is
>>> to
>>> > put
>>> > >> > > > together
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> plans,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > offer options for the LNC to choose, and make
>>> > suggestions
>>> > >> > > where
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > applicable.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > The LNC could have moved to change plans at any
>>> > time...it
>>> > >> > > > didn't.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> The LNC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > could have voted this past Saturday to do something
>>> > other
>>> > >> > than
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > postpone......It didn't.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > If an LNC member wants something other than an
>>> > in-person
>>> > >> > > > convention,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> in
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > accordance with bylaws, they should move such. The
>>> LNC
>>> > >> will
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > decide.....again.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 9:36 AM BetteRose via
>>> > Conventions <
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > conventions at hq.lp.org> wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > I believe it was the LNC that voted for the in
>>> person
>>> > >> > > > convention.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> The
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > CoC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > may have 'pushed' for that outcome but we didn't
>>> make
>>> > >> the
>>> > >> > > > final
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > decision.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > My concern is, that as deaths continue to rise
>>> we may
>>> > >> > again
>>> > >> > > > have to
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > find
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > another venue and move the convention once again.
>>> > This
>>> > >> > will
>>> > >> > > > be
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> hard on
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > most of the delegates and won't play well in the
>>> > >> press.  I
>>> > >> > > > see
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> that the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Democrats are already having trouble with that
>>> same
>>> > >> issue.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > BetteRose Ryan
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Publisher
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Bent Briar Publishing <
>>> > http://www.bentbriarbooks.com/>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > -----Original Message-----
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > From: Alicia Mattson via Conventions <
>>> > >> > conventions at hq.lp.org
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > To: Libertarian National Committee list <
>>> > >> > > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Cc: Alicia Mattson <alicia.mattson at lp.org>;
>>> > Convention
>>> > >> > > > Oversight
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Committee <conventions at hq.lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Sent: Sun, May 3, 2020 11:34 pm
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Subject: Re: [COC 2018-20] [Lnc-business] Fwd:
>>> > Request
>>> > >> for
>>> > >> > > > LNC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Consideration
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Well, I meant to send that to the COC email list,
>>> > but I
>>> > >> > was
>>> > >> > > > going
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> to
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > come
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > here and say pretty much the same thing.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > From this forwarded message below, Valerie
>>> Sarwark
>>> > wrote
>>> > >> > to
>>> > >> > > > us:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> "The
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Convention Oversight Committee is essentially
>>> > committing
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> suppression of
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > delegates by attempting to force an in-person
>>> > >> convention."
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Force?  Suppression of delegates?  Those of
>>> differing
>>> > >> > > > opinions are
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > attempting to achieve their desired result,
>>> too.  Is
>>> > >> that
>>> > >> > > > force?
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > We're getting a lot of email these days, and it's
>>> > easy
>>> > >> to
>>> > >> > > > skim and
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> miss
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > details, so I wanted to highlight this.  The
>>> > demonizing
>>> > >> of
>>> > >> > > > the COC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> is
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > as
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > shameful as it is absurd.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > -Alicia
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > On Sun, May 3, 2020 at 10:28 PM Alicia Mattson <
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> alicia.mattson at lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > wrote:
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Forwarding for those of you not on the LNC.  The
>>> > >> rhetoric
>>> > >> > > > being
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> spewed
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > about the COC is becoming more and more
>>> outrageous.
>>> > >> There
>>> > >> > > > was
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> quite a
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > bit
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > of it flung around during the Bylaws and Rules
>>> > Committee
>>> > >> > > > meeting
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> today
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > as
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > well...
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > -Alicia
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > From: *justin.odonnell--- via Lnc-business* <
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> lnc-business at hq.lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Date: Sun, May 3, 2020 at 12:01 PM
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Subject: [Lnc-business] Fwd: Request for LNC
>>> > >> Consideration
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > To: <lnc-business at hq.lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Cc: <justin.odonnell at lp.org>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Attached is a letter to the LNC from a Region 8
>>> > Member
>>> > >> and
>>> > >> > > > New
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > Hampshire
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > delegate for the LNC's consideration.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Justin O'Donnell
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > LNC Region 8 Representative
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > From: Valerie Sarwark
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Date: May 3, 2020 2:55 PM
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Subject: Request for LNC Consideration
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > To: Justin.Odonnell at lp.org
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Cc: Pat.Ford at lp.org
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Justin,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > As my regional representative, please forward
>>> this
>>> > >> letter
>>> > >> > to
>>> > >> > > > the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> LNC
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > business list.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Pat,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Thank you for your responsible "no" vote in
>>> > yesterday's
>>> > >> > > > meeting.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > ****
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Dear Members of the Board,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > I am a delegate to the National Convention
>>> > representing
>>> > >> > the
>>> > >> > > > state
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> of
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > New
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Hampshire. This is the third convention to which
>>> I
>>> > have
>>> > >> > the
>>> > >> > > > great
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > privilege
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > of serving as a delegate.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > I would like you to strongly consider retaining
>>> the
>>> > >> > original
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> convention
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > dates and move to an electronic business
>>> meeting. The
>>> > >> > > > nomination of
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > presidential ticket and LNC positions should be
>>> > filled
>>> > >> as
>>> > >> > > > soon as
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > possible
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > to ensure we have the strongest start to
>>> Election Day
>>> > >> > (which
>>> > >> > > > is
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> only
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > 180
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > days from now).
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > The Convention Oversight Committee is essentially
>>> > >> > committing
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > suppression
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > of delegates by attempting to force an in-person
>>> > >> > convention.
>>> > >> > > > The
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > country
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > is
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > in the middle of a pandemic with many states not
>>> even
>>> > >> open
>>> > >> > > > for
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > gatherings
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > of over 10 people. The country is in the middle
>>> of an
>>> > >> > > > economic
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> collapse
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > with millions unemployed and unable to pay rent.
>>> You
>>> > are
>>> > >> > now
>>> > >> > > > asking
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > these
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > people to somehow rearrange their schedules,
>>> spend
>>> > more
>>> > >> > > money
>>> > >> > > > and
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > potentially put their lives at risk.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > In addition to the financial constraints on many
>>> of
>>> > our
>>> > >> > > > delegates
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> (the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > majority of which are dues-paying members of the
>>> > party),
>>> > >> > you
>>> > >> > > > are
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> not
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > considering those affected by scheduling as far
>>> as
>>> > their
>>> > >> > > > children.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> I
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > have
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > spent YEARS as active as possible and trying to
>>> make
>>> > the
>>> > >> > > > party a
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> more
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > welcoming place for families. Although both my
>>> > husband
>>> > >> > and I
>>> > >> > > > have
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> been
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > able
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > to work through this time, it seems financially
>>> > >> > > irresponsible
>>> > >> > > > to
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> drag
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > entire family to a yet-to-be-determined site.
>>> With so
>>> > >> many
>>> > >> > > > that
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> are in
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > the
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > same situation (or potentially worse off), would
>>> you
>>> > >> feel
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> comfortable
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > asking them to go into debt just so they can have
>>> > their
>>> > >> > > > voices
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> heard?
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > We’ve all blocked this time. We’re all ready for
>>> this
>>> > >> > > > meeting. We
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> all
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > want
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > to participate but we are now being told that we
>>> > have to
>>> > >> > > > reschedule
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > everything within a couple of weeks. We are in
>>> the
>>> > >> middle
>>> > >> > of
>>> > >> > > > an
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > emergency
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > and forcing people to shuffle their schedules,
>>> lives,
>>> > >> and
>>> > >> > > > finances
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > around
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > is quite ridiculous. This isn’t about courage or
>>> > >> > principles.
>>> > >> > > > This
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> is
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > about
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > doing the best thing for the delegates that
>>> represent
>>> > >> the
>>> > >> > > > party.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> Other
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > political meetings with greater participants have
>>> > >> already
>>> > >> > > > occurred.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Shouldn’t we show the world that we are serious,
>>> > >> > > considerate,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > innovative
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > and ready to adapt?
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > The best choice for some is not the best choice
>>> for
>>> > all.
>>> > >> > An
>>> > >> > > > online
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > convention, held Memorial Day weekend, will not
>>> > exclude
>>> > >> > > > delegates.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> You
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > need
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > to consider the right thing to do for ALL of the
>>> > >> > delegates.
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Sincerely,
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Valerie A. Sarwark
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > _______________________________________________
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Conventions mailing list
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Conventions at hq.lp.org
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > http://hq.lp.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/conventions
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > _______________________________________________
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Conventions mailing list
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > > Conventions at hq.lp.org
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > http://hq.lp.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/conventions
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> > >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> >
>>> > >> > > > >> >>>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> --
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> *Whitney Bilyeu*
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> Libertarian National Committee
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> Region 7 Representative
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> 281.433.4966
>>> > >> > > > >> >>> LP.ORG
>>> > >> > > > >> >>>
>>> > >> > > > >> >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > > >>
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > > >
>>> > >> > >
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> --
>>> > >>
>>> > >> *In Liberty,*
>>> > >>
>>> > >> * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's
>>> Syndrome
>>> > >> (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
>>> > >> communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If
>>> > >> anyone
>>> > >> found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social
>>> > >> faux
>>> > >> pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
>>> > >>
>>> >
>>>
>>