GA Minutes - 9/5/2012

GA Minutes - 9/5/2012

Committee AnnouncementOWS Anniversary Working Group:

After the Women Occupy “Yes on 37” rally, it is proposed that we march to our usual meeting place in Balboa Park, at Nutmeg and 6^th. There we’ll have an open mic on the OWS anniversary, and whatever else we want to do - drumming, dancing. It is also suggested that on the morning of the 17^th there be a number of rolling “banner drops” at overpasses around town. It was noted that it is illegal to actually “drop” a banner over the freeway because it might fall and endanger those driving below. This suggestion is still being fleshed out. A flyer is being worked on.

Garden Group meets at 10AM on Tues, at WorldBeat Center. Last week we gave the worms a good bath! Actually, just their house.

Topics for discussion:

Anniversaries of the Afghan War, and OSD - Oct. 6-7

Good Neighbor Policy and Uma’s proposal on respect.

Drone Conference.

Anniversaries of Afghan war and OS Oct. 6-7

Discussion continued from the Working Group meeting. Three venues were considered for the weekend, Children’s Park, Freedom Plaza, Balboa Park. Considerations for each were safety, particularly if people chose to stay overnight, the availability of 24 hour rest rooms, and the symbolism of the venue. Also of concern was the possible reaction of the SDPD, again, particularly if people chose to stay overnight.

After considerable discussion it was decided that the working group would suggest to OSD that this be a 48 hour event, with the option of staying out overnight if anyone chooses to do so, and that it take place in Freedom Plaza. We will need to make provisions so that legal and medical assistance will be available. All flyers would make it clear that this is a 48 hour event and that we don’t intend to re-Occupy Freedom Plaza.

It is our understanding that Oct. 6 would be devoted to a demonstration of some sort against the Afghan war, with the suggestion of a vigil. Oct. 7 would be mainly celebratory, with food, and festivities.

This is a recommendation only, as their were not enough people to form a quorum. It will be brought to the GA on Saturday.

Good Neighbor Policy

(This discussion was fast moving and at times, heated, so it was difficult to write complete notes. Also, this discussion was the result of the actions of one person in particular. For this reason, I did not feel that it was appropriate to include too many personal details. What follows is a listing of a few points made. - Uma)

In reviewing the GNP, it is difficult to define threats. What threatens one might not threaten another. Likewise with disrespect. “Respect” is the language of gangs. What happened to John K. was a “Stalinist show trial” and I feel threatened.

Many women have suffered domestic and other violence at the hands of men. When a man raises his voice and makes threatening gestures, they may react more deeply, given their histories. We do not know each other well enough to assume our behavior won’t be misinterpreted.

We are working here. Disrespectful behavior cannot be tolerated. It wouldn’t be acceptable in any work environment.

Not allowing verbal violence in not equivalent to shutting down free speech.

It is out of place to get angry at Occupy. We should show common courtesy. We are all adults here.

When one person provokes us, we can’t turn our cheeks forever.

We provoke each other.

This group should not allow those who march with them to vandalize property.

After meeting for a year which should have been a process of consciousness raising, and understanding the process of horizontal democracy. We need to have a safe environment to allow us to be intellectually curious about what is going on. Constructive criticism needs to be re-visited.

We need to be positive, show that there is a better way, not breed negativity.

Should try to keep emotions under control.

Submitted by Uma, 9/6/2012