Thursday, 4 December 2014
What Part Of NO Do You Fail To Understand?
It never fails to amaze me when someone cannot seem to comprehend the meaning of a simple sentence.
in the Linn County Republican Central Committee we have at times a
Cool Hand Luke version of Failure to Communicate.
This at times results in Violations of our County Constitution and/or ByLaws
One of the first times this cropped up for me was oddly enough after a Communication Subcommittee meeting.
I was sitting with our Chair and Webmaster and the Chair mentioned that there were some who wished to move our monthly meeting from it's present location to the downtown Library.
Our Chair mentioned that they COULD make that decision themselves but thought it would be better for the Committee to do so.
Boy when I looked at them and said, "You do not have the authority to do that."
Did I ever start a fuss. Both the Chair and the Webmaster had vehement and fervent reasons why I was wrong.
But Ito quote W. C. Fields, I sat with calm confidence of a Christain holding 4 Aces,
The 4 Aces were in fact a portion of Article VIII of our County Constitution which states
"The Executive
Committee is subject to the orders of the Linn County Central Committee, and none of its acts
shall conflict with actions of the Linn County Central Committee. "
Now that is a simple declarative sentence and means exactly what it says.
The Linn County Central Committee gives orders to the Executive Committee not vice versa
AND
NONE of the actions of the Executive Committee
Like deciding where a meeting shall be
Shall conflict with actions of the Central Committee
Like deciding where a meeting shall be
If there is anyone who cannot comprehend the complexity of that statement?
I am willing to meet them, dictionary in hand and attempt to explain it.
I realize this may be difficult, because we have had quite a few examples of Violations of the County Constitution and ByLaws
I will be pointing them out one case at a time in the next few posts,
I decided putting ALL of them in a single post would make the post too long and wordy
Here is a Copy of the entire County Constitution
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
J'accuse
I accuse
"a common generic expression of outrage and accusation against someone powerful."
There have been a lot of accusations lately.
The November meeting of the Linn Couunty Republican Central Committtee was full of hysterical exhortations.
Go Go Go. Do Do Do. Crisis Crisis ACT ACT ACT
The ETHICS Commitee the RPI!!
We must DO something!!!
A carefly choregraphic agenda was rushed to fruitition,
Now that the hysteria is in the past reflection indicates something much different
We were given to believe that there was some Crisus that DEMANDED action by the State Ethics Board and the State RPI.
The situation was DESPARATE!!
Now bear in mind this meeting was on November 18
BUT according to an email by Megan Tooker Director and Legal Counsel of the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board on Monday November 24 it was the previous Friday that they received anything from the Linn County Chair?
This is what I received from Xxxx. I was out of the office on Friday so I didn’t see it until this morning. We’ll take a look at it and be in touch with you if we have any questions for you.
And I find WHAT was received to be VERY confusing considering the drama and hysteria of the meeting.
To Quote the Summary of the DR2 Document
After looking over the various LCRCC financial statements and DR-2 forms, there does appear to any misuse of funds or other intentionaly deceitful practices.
(emphasis added)
Now I ask anyone reading this. Does the above sound like a CRISIS?
Interesting note about the RPI legal counsel we were told demanded draconian measures in this catastrophe.
By the Wednesday after the Tuesday meeting they were no longer employeed by RPI neither the reason and where they had relocated being forth coming.
Now the DR-2 form sent to the State Ethics Board almost3 days AFTER our Monthly meeting where were lead to believer their was some Sword of Damocles Investigation hovering above the head of the Central Committee
DID list some errors.
It seems there were quite a few instances where checks from couples had the wrong spouse listed as the originator,
I mean that IS the sort of thing we put people in prison for isn't it?
Therre were deposits not made in a timely manner BUT I will note that at the November meeting the Treasureer still had yet to receive the take from the October meeting's Chilli Cook Off,
Not that this situation in any means effects the Central Committee in ANY negative manner.
Well MAYBE we might lost a few fractions of a cent daily interest?
I will provide here a link to the
LCRCC DR-2 Report
so everyone can SEE all the horrible issues in it.
As for myself?
To paraphrase Hamlet?
I smell something Rotten in the County of Linn
UPDATE: I forgot to mention there was one check where the Treasurer used the wrong checkbook and wrote it on the LCRCC account rather than another organization with which he is afilliated
Upon discovery of his mistake he cut a second check to correct the error and notified the Ethics Board of the mistake
From what I can see THAT is the most serious error.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Setting the Record Straight
When things are rushed. There is a CRISIS and we must act now Now NOW.
Events may become confused and out of order.
It is fitting that we take some time to reflect and
Set the Record Straight.
During the September meeting of the Central Committee there were several incidents that could benefit from reflection.
At the start of the meeting Bill Barrow attempted to make a presentation to the Body and was ruled Out of Order by the Chair.
Before we go into details I must confess that when the decision of the Chair was challenged I was in error.
It does not take a 2/3rds to reject the decision of the Chair but a simple majority.
This means the record in the Minutes is incorrect the decision of the Chair was in fact not sustained but rejected and Mr Barrow was illegally and improperly prevented from making his presentation,
There was a discussion of the Parliamentary details among the 3 Parliamentarians mentioned in the meeting and a few others my analysis is as follows taken from that dialogue.
I regret that I was unable make the position I took clearer at the full meeting
Might be because I was not at my best health wise at the time.
To recount the events.,
Mr Burrows came to me concerned that the Org Committee had made
no progress to fulfill the Orders given to it by the Full Body to present a
charter for adoption,.
The scheduled meeting had bee canceled, the reason I was give
was that the Chair would be absent.
Mr Burrows asked me if a meeting could be called at the request of two members
Looking in RRoR I found
It is the duty of the chairman to call the committee together, but, if he is absent, or neglects or declines to call a meeting of the committee? it is the duty of the committee to meet on the call of any two of its members.
This in the field of Symbolic Logic is known as an OR Statement the conclusion
"meet on the call of any two members" is True if ANY of the conditional statements
are true.
I found that canceling for being absent met the conditions.
Earlier in this discussion I mentioned another clause which states
A meeting of a special committee may be called at any time by the chairman or by any two of its members, every member being notified.
Mr Chung asked whether the Org Committee was a Special or Standing Committee
I confess the status IS in limbo until A Charter for it is adopted defining it
SO
I will fall upon a statement Made here by Mr Peletier
(Please allow me to state here there is NOTHING which denies ANY sub-group of our Committee from meeting at anytime, just not as an "official" committee of the body.)
I find myself in total agreement and will here after refer to this as the Peletier Principle
So we have two parliamentarians in agreement that there was nothing improper
or illegal about a portion of the Org Commitee meeting on their own to try to
Fulfill the Orders of the Full Body
As for this statement
At this meeting they approved a charter change and wished to see it approved at the Central Committee meeting
Incomplete they first attempted to present it to the Org Commitee, and were rejected
whereupon the Org Committee by Majority Vote Tabled Action on the Charter.
I will revisit that later point later.
Mr Burrows then came to me and asked if there were a procedure
to present a proposed Charter to the Full Body for consideration
I informed him there was. It is called a Minority Report
"If the minority submit a report, (or more properly, their "views,") it may commence thus: "The undersigned, a minority of the committee appointed, etc., not agreeing with the majority, desire to express their views in the case." After the committee's report has been read and the motion to adopt has been made and the question stated, it is usual to allow the minority to present their views, but if any one objects to its reception the chair should put the question to vote on its being received. It requires a majority vote to receive it, the question being undebatable. "
Now there may be as has been pointed out in this discussion different interpretations
of Robert's Rules of Order, but I do believe that there can be only ONE interpretation of the phrase
the question being undebatable
I find that in keeping with the Pelletier Princlple Mr Burrows and the other 9 members of the Org
Commitee did nothing Illegal or Improper.
I find that the Chair Illegally and Improperly blocked a vote by the Full Body as to the question
of whether or not to hear Mr Burrows Minority Report
I Note that the Chair's decision was upheld by the Body and I find Myself at Fault for not clarifing
this for tham, For that lapse in my Duties I have regret
I find as well that the Org Commitee by Tabling Action on the Charter did so In Violation of their
Instructions from the Full Body
Constitutiing Failure to Perform their Duty as defined in
Article III of the By=Laws
who fails to promptly carry out his or her assigned
duties within the time specified under the organization's program which the Committee has
adopted may
The Org Commitee was given Two months to return a Charter
if they had come back with a reason they were UNABLE it would be
accpetable
Choosing the do something else instead? NOT Acceptable
It is due to the Leniency of the Full Body the were given addtional
time.
Dan Kauffman
There are two other items that need clarified.
The Chair in announcing that Mr Barrow was Out of Order stated that was the result of the two parlaimentarians she was able to contact,
But One Parliamentarian stated in a discourse on the subject
(Please allow me to state here there is NOTHING which denies ANY sub-group of our Committee from meeting at anytime, just not as an "official" committee of the body.)
While the other during the email thread stated
That he had looked at it briefly but need to do some research,
Now others may disagree but neither sound to me like a categorical statement that any gathering was an illegal and improper meeting.
The second oddity was the Chairs statement that they were unalbe to contact me.
Odd when you consider that I am listed as one of their Facebook friends and if they did not remember that they could have gone to the LCRCC Facebook Group page, pulled up my profile and sent a message there.
But it is true that not everyone is up to speed on 21st Century Social Media so maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt?
But what really puzzles me is that since I am the ONLY Dan Kauffman in the Cedar Rapids Phone Book and since phone books are NINETEENTH Century technology,
Should have been able to contact me that way,
If they were in fact being forth coming whent they stated they had no way to contact me,.
What do you think?
Monday, 1 December 2014
Consensus Versus Rule of Law
It is said that when leaving the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked
“Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?”
He is said to have replied
“A Republic, if you can keep it.”
That for over 200 years has been the question.
Whether we will remain a Constitutional Representitive Republic where the Rule of Law Limits Government and protects the Rights of the Individual
Or whether we will bow to the Tyranny of the Majority ie the Rule of Consensus.
I have been told I have at times been too picky about Constitutions, ByLaws and Rules of Order
I stand GUILTY of that Charge.
I believe in the Rule of Law and given a choice between turning a blind eye to Violations in pursuit of what do they usually claim?
"moving forward as a unified committee with a shared vision"
I find that personal priniciples and integrity require me to stand up against Violations of Constitutions ByLaws and Rules of Order
And since Robert's Rules of Order happen to be part of our ByLaws I demand they be respected as well despite the attitudes of some who say
"arguing points of Roberts Rules of Order in such manner as to stop meaningful conversation, or in order to try to set someone up for failure."
Hint when someone violates Robert's Rules of order NO ONE is setting them up for failure they have BROKEN the Rules.
That is the difference between me and those who think
"If you want to see something positive you will have to
remove and exclude those who chose to not work with
others."
I say follow the Constitution, ByLaws and Rules of Order or accpet the consequences
THEY say do as we tell you to do and stay silent or be removed for not thinking the same as we do.
Consensus Uber Alles
Friday, 28 November 2014
I Don't Think That Word Means What You Think It Means
I Don't Think That Word Means What You Think It Means
People sometimes have problems with meanings.
Particularly when they need certain meanings for expediency.
When it is too much trouble to just do things the proper way
Toward the end of the November meeting of the Linn County Central Committee, just before the well choreographed rush to adjourn, an announcement was made that there would be a Party rather than a Meeting in December.
My initial reaction was, well everyone knows that, but under what authority has this been done?
You see, the Body needs to VOTE on these things or they have no legal standing,
I mentioned this to a friend who was attending one of the Exec/Advisory Board meetings and he brought it up.
He was informed that the Body did not need to give permission because
1) The Constitution only requires 6 meetings a year
And
2) The Chair Calls meetings.
Those facts ARE True.
What is also True IS
1) The Full Body has voted to have a MEETING each 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM at the Long Branch unless modified by a vote of the Full Body
And
2) Along with the Chair, meetings may be called by the Co-Chair, 20 Members of the Central Committee and at times the Secretary.
There is nothing in the above Truths that gives any person or group authority to over ride the Vote of the Full Body EXCEPT the Full Body PERIOD.
So we have two options, either these people think the members of the Central Committee are so STUPID that they will accept any explanation for violating the County Constitution, ByLaws and Rules of Order without question,
OR
They themselves are so clueless that they actually think their rationale justifies their actions.
Which might actually be even more alarming.
What is painfully obvious as well, is they are very shaky on the meaning of the words advisory and advise.
They seem to think it means make decisions.
Maybe the Secretary should bring a copy of Webster's Dictionary to the Next Business Meeting?
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Truth Or Consequences
You know about the only thing I everr wanted was for the Linn County Republican Central Committee to follow the Truth, it's Constitution, ByLaws and Rules of Order.
Is that so much to ask?
Well it would appear the answer to that is-- Yes.
I stood during the November meaning to a Point of Order.
To wit there is a procedure laid down in the ByLaws detailing the method of removing an Officer.
I did this because there was a Motion on the Floor that was Illegal and Improper,
Two things transpired that the Body needs to dwell upon,
The Chair did NOT Rule the Motion Out of Order AND
After I spoke the gentleman CONTINUED to make his Illegal and Improper Motion,
Ignorance of the ByLaws can be excusable and curable, BUT coninued action after the Rules are explained can mean only one thing.
We have people on the Central Committee who do not CARE what the County Constitution, the ByLaws or the Rules of Order SAY.
If it gets between them and what they wish to accomplish,
It is my opionion and I stated as much in an email tjhread that such people should not be put in a position of power and authority,
I further think that which is necessary to remove them needs to be done if it applies and is proper.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
The Night I Learned I Did Not Exist
I have been a member of the Linn County Central Commitee for a little bit over a decade.
I have in that time donated my time, my effort and of my income for what I deemed a worthy cause.
In order to fulfill my commitment to attend meetings I take one vacation day a month, since I work nights.
I have been honored to contribute as a member of the Communications Subcommittee and the last few years as County Parliamentarian.
So any sensible person might understand the thoughts that went through my head Tuesday night, when a Pariliamentary Question was asked from the Floor and the Chair Announced that there was No Parlaimentarian in attendance.
You would think in respect for my years of service the Chair might have considered informing ME of this situation BEFORE the Meeting?
I guess not.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Kipling Updated
Help for a patriot sullied , a spotless spirit hurt,
Help for an honourable clan sore trampled in the dirt!
From Washington to Frisco Bay, oh, listen to my song,
The honourable gentlemen have suffered grievous wrong.
Their noble names were mentioned -- oh, the burning black disgrace! --
By brutal Right Wing Pundits in the Benghazi shooting case;
They sat upon it for a while, then steeled their heart to brave it,
And "coruscating innocence" the learned Media gave it.
Cleared in the face of all mankind beneath the winking skies,
Like phœnixes from Phœnix Park (and what lay there) they rise!
Go shout it to the seas -- give word to America now,
Her honourable gentlemen are cleared -- and this is how: --
"Our friends believe"? -- Of course they do -- as sheltered women may;
But have they seen the shrieking soul ripped from the quivering clay?
They! -- If their own front door is shut,
they'll swear the whole world's warm;
What do they know of dread of death or hanging fear of harm?
If black is black or white is white, in black and white it's plain,
You're only traitors to the Nation and betrayers of the Slain.
If print is print or words are words, the Media perpends: --
We are not ruled by murderers, but only -- by their friends
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
My Name Is Dan
Do You shun the Light of Day?
Do You cringe at the sight of this image
As if it were Garlic or Silver?
Suffer Alone No More Dear Friend
TA is HERE FOR YOU!
(NO it means Teaparty Anonymous, get your mind out of the gutter)
Here you will meet others who are like minded and learn to Cope with Your Afliction,
They will share how to react when confronted by a Liberal
Do NOT respond with a Litany of Logic and Scientific Fact or you will be accused of being Gushingly Forward, Offensively Familiar
And of course Evil
If you remain your usual Silent Self you will only be thought to be Surly and Stupid
In Extremis you MAY respond with what I choose to call Progressive Truth
AGREE with them and repeat what in their Hearts they Know is your True Malevalent Self
Look them the eyes and Say
It is because I am a Souless Money Grubbing Automaton, Clinging to My Guns, Thumping My Bible and have not the Slightest Spec of Decency that
I want Governments to Fall, People to Die in the Streets without Medical Care, The Rain Forests to Wither and Die and Baby Polar Bears and Residents of the West Side of the Cedar River to Drown
And if I had the tiniest morsel of Compassion, Tolerance, and Empathy that you do
I would realise that All I Have or Hope to Have is the Result of the Common Effort of Mankind and I have no Personal Right to It.
It should instead be placed in the Benevolent Hands of Our Public Servants whose duty and privlege it is to Guide and Guard us
And that My Fair Share is whatever you decide you want it to be.
Now I cannot Promise they will be moved to Love and Respect You, but i can Priomise that it will be a Lot of Fun
So Come Right in the Meeting is about to START
My Name i s Dan and I Am a TEA PARTY MEMBER
HI DAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Topic for Today is
Simon Say Vote NO March 6th
Sunday, 19 February 2012
You Can't Always Get What You Want
The words of the Song go, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try real hard, you just might find, You can get what you need."
Of course there is a problem sometimes, telling wants from needs.
There are public needs and as citizens it is our responsibility to satisfy them.
But there seems to be a problem with this.
Each year we send more money than the year before to our Public Servants to acheive this and each year they spend more than we sent them and ask for more.
There does not seem to be an end to this bottomless process.
On March the 6th there will be yet another request to add more and more to what we have so far provided.
Yet another Local Option Sales Tax Extension will be on the ballot.
We are told this is "needed". If true one might ask why it was so necessary to have the extra expense of a Special Election, instead of placing it on the June Ballot?
That, folks is a symptom of people whose only reaction to public wants is to spend more and more money and then ask for yet more.
Another example is their insistance that we must under go the astronomical expense of Removable Floodwalls, because we are told that permanent ones would be Ugly.
That friends is not true. But we are dealing with folks who can only spend money.
No problem is unique and surely other communities have had this same issue.
One which has used some creative thought is Pacucah, Kentucky,
They live on the Ohio river and have a permanent floodwall, but instead of something ugly they have made it an example of Art and Beauty,.
Paducah's History on Floodwall Murals
by Dafford Muralists
Their floodwall has historical murals of the community, They sell Posters, Signed & Numbered Prints, T-shirts and Postcards.
People make a living giving Tours of the Floodwall. It has become a Landmark and Tourist attraction.
But in Cedar Rapids the only answer has been to spend millions of dollars and, raise our Taxes.
Before we vote to give the City more of our hard earned income, We need to see that they can spend what we have already given wisely
Eveyone know we "need" Flood Control but do we really need the millions and millions of extra expense and higher taxation that they want?
Ask yourself that in the same manner that you might in these difficult times looks at your own needs and wants to create a budget for your household
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