Thursday, March 12, 2009

Move Rule 7.1 to Bylaws

Problem: Rule 7, Section 1, is more in the nature of a Bylaw than a Rule -- it defines structure, not process. In addition, the second sentence merely empowers delegates to a Regular Convention to amend the Platform, it does not limit any other LP body -- including the LNC. Finally, as a Rule, it can be suspended -- including the requirement that amending a Plank requires 2/3 vote.

Solution: Move the entire paragraph to Bylaws, and amend the second sentence to clearly limit who can amend the Platform. Note that only the second sentence is reworded -- most importantly, by the insertion of the word "only" (after changing the word order to make it more coherent).

Benefit: Fixes several oversights in the relation between the LP and our Platform.


RULE 7: DEBATING AND VOTING -- PLATFORM

[1. The current Platform shall serve as the basis of all future platforms. At Regular Conventions, the existing Platform may be amended. Additional planks, or additions to planks, must be approved by 2/3 vote. A platform plank may be deleted by majority vote.]

ARTICLE 4: STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND PLATFORM

3. The current Platform shall serve as the basis of all future platforms. The existing Platform may be amended only at Regular Conventions. Additional planks, or additions to planks, must be approved by 2/3 vote. A platform plank may be deleted by majority vote.

1 comment:

The Mudslinger said...

On one hand, it makes sense to make this a Bylaw to prevent suspending the rules on this one to gut the Platform.

OTOH, that was what was done before which gave us the current platform that a lot of people don't like.

Best to err on the side of caution and leave as-is.