I’d also like to second this appreciation for Caryn Ann’s participation and efforts during the meeting. I’d also like to express appreciation for Whitney Bilyeu who also actively participated in pointing out many of the issues that need to be fixed, they certainly contributed greatly to discovering the many things that need to be figured out for larger events in this medium. Alex Merced Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee/LP
On May 6, 2020, at 9:26 AM, john.phillips--- via Lnc-business <lnc-business@hq.lp.org> wrote:
I want to start with thanking Caryn Ann Harlos for jumping in and trying to make it work despite her well placed anger at the timing, method, and all the other issues with the announcement. I would not have been able to set that aside near as well as she did. As well as doing her usual stellar job.
Some of the rest should have followed that example.
Second, I offer Mrs Harlos a sincere apology. While I do not believe my anger was misplaced or out of line, my methods of expressing it were. Not just out of line, but hypocritical of me given my previous stances. No excuses, I let my frustration get the best of me.
Back to the test.
This could have gone much smoother with out all the games - by all sides. Tests like this should have been happening since March at least, and happening with notice. We all knew it was on the list of possibilities, and the difficulties.
At this point, while an option I supported looking into earlier in the process, I am very very unsure it could be ready in time for the chair's desired date, perhaps with work and practice by the later dates being looked at by the COC should those need to be cancelled as well.
Now the rest.
The obstructionism in all directions through this has disheartening and all those who have engaged in it should be ashamed.
The rest of us, including myself, should be as well for letting it continue without far more strenuous objection than we did.
We have been the problem. Not the bylaws constraints, which are valid concerns, not the technical difficulties, not the venue issues, not the government, us.
Our only goal should to have been to protect the health AND rights of our delegates and members. We should have started there and worked from that. Instead we flailed, got in each others way - sometimes intentionally, engaged in petty power struggles, and sometimes just watched all that happen.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way the saying goes. Step up or shut up is another one. Be part of the solution, or part of the problem as a third.
I call on all of us to do exactly that. Stop being part of the problem. Stop getting in the way of people exploring solutions.
NOTE: Valid objections like bylaws or legal issues only fall in that category if you stop there. Help us find a way to move ahead while working within those constraints - or legal exceptions that do actually occur.
If you can't do that, do the rest of us a favor and stay home. Honestly, I have no power to enforce it but I ask you to resign. From our chair on down, if you can't open your mind and help us solve this problem we face the very real possibility of severe damage to the party we represent, so if you can't do the party a favor and resign.
I will attempt to restrain my temper better than I have, as I know it is not constructive, but I will not stop fighting, and I will not sit back anymore.
John Phillips Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative Cell 217-412-5973