310 Valentine Hall, Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary
6:30 PM
Elaine Jones, Chairperson
Present: Elaine Jones, Wendy Mizenko, Alan Olson, Will Lane, Warren Steen, Lou Hammann, Pat Hammann, Harriet Marritz, Marianne Crouthamel, Robert Klunk, Robert Lasco, Clodius Willis, Maxine Willis, Sandra Mackie
RANTS & RAVES. After introductions, there was an announcement about the Fox News coverage of Hundred Fold Farm to be shown on two consecutive days, followed by some comments about the generally sensationalist coverage provided by Fox News. Mention was made of the Clinton-O’Bama presidential nomination race and whether racism was involved in the voting among the less educated, blue collar factions.
THE ROLE OF DFA. Discussion followed about the recent lack of participation at DFA Meetings and what the causes might be. Included were attempts to sort out the differing roles of the Adams County Democratic Committee (ACDC) versus DFA. It was noted that numerous DFA participants had, through the urging of DFA, taken on elective offices in the ACDC, and that the participation in DFA had subsequently declined. Warren Steen, using himself as an example, said his ACDC duties took up a great deal of time and that with a full-time job as well, he had had to make a choice between the two organizations due to time constraints, not lack of interest. Marrianne Crouthamel and Robert Lasco said that DFA fills an important educational role, pointing out the number and variety of speakers that the DFA has sponsored to date. Will Lane agrees but said we need a model or models to guide us in achieving our four goals of shedding light on the Iraq War, Curbing Global Warming, achieving Universal Health Care, and demanding Government Accountability. It was noted that DFA can do certain things that the ACDC cannot do, and we need to find creative ways to advance our progressive agenda. Warren said, though we don’t necessarily have to be in agreement with the goals of the National DFA (Iraq War, Global Climate Crisis, Universal Health Care, and endorsement of candidates), we currently are. Elaine said she phoned Adam Quinn, Field Director of National DFA to get his advice on how our DFA organization should proceed. He indicated that we are already ahead of the game with what we have done to date. He said NDFA will soon promote unity parties. Harriet Marritz said we need to publicize our speakers more, and push our legislators harder to accomplish our agenda. Wendy Mizenko said we need to take action and get things done, not just discuss issues. Elaine suggested we hold a forum to dispel the myths about the war, security, health care, etc. The title “Politics and Patriotism” was suggested with Susan Eisenhower and Gabor Borrit as possible facilitators/speakers.
7:30 PM. Issues and Actions. Kerr Thompson, Pearl Hoffman, and Jeanne Duffy arrived for this portion of the meeting. Kerr passed out flyers about Will Tallman who is running on the Republican ticket for Steve Nickol’s seat in the 193rd District. Thompson said we need to work hard to defeat him. Bob Klunk said DFA can work to attract crossover Republicans, as was done in the Kerry campaign. Warren Steen said the ACDC needs more help getting the vote out and DFA is the Party’s “boots on the ground.”
Planning the June 4th Meetup with Nick Morgan of IVAW. Clodius Wills will communicate with Bob Knight and Rob Lasco regarding publicity and expected turnout. It was decided to move the event from Room 206 to the auditorium of Valentine Hall, in case the turnout is more than the room can hold. Other recommendations: get a flyer about the event to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Gettysburg (through Bruce Neylon) and the Fairfield Mennonite Church; invite ACDC members and Todd Platts and Dan Moul. Alan Olson and Lou Hammann will prepare a flyer with a photo of Nick Morgan for distribution. Wendy Mizenko will coordinate refreshments (will email folks for donations) for the 6:30 PM welcome of Nick Morgan. A few Steering Committee members will meet Nick for supper at the Ragged Edge at 4 PM on the 4th.
Discussion followed regarding an honorarium for Nick Morgan. Alan Olson moved, Pat Hammann seconded, that DFA contribute $300 to Nick Morgan to cover mileage expenses and in appreciation for his participation. The motion passed unanimously.
The issue of rebate checks was also brought up. It was decided that the idea would be mentioned during the event and that we would provide 50 envelopes pre-addressed to IVAW for the convenience of those who wish to donate all or a portion of the rebate to this organization (Ginny Ciliotta and Wendy Mizenko to coordinate this).
It was suggested that some of the Iraq Task Force members follow Nick Morgan’s presentation by addressing other problem areas of the War such as torture, contractor fraud, etc. Sandra Mackie indicated that there would probably be a lot of question and answer time needed, so it was decided that a fact sheet on these issues could be provided for the public. Depending on the crowd and the interest, perhaps DFA would host another meeting on the Iraq War.
The idea of inviting Dan Moul to a Meetup was raised. Elaine asked that we
e-mail her concerning this question, what issues we might raise with him if we invite him, and also about whether we should have a Meetup in July and August.
Pearl Hoffman suggested that DFA members might want to become better informed about the support of many American Jews for Israel’s policies. She brought copies of a pamphlet entitled “The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict” (Third Edition, including Intifada 2000) for those who would like to read about the background of this issue published by Jews For Justice In the Middle East. Information is also available on the website of the organization that distributed the pamphlet (www.IfAmericansKnew.org).
Elaine announced the next Steering Committee Meeting will be the third Wednesday of June for the purpose of mapping out what will be done between July and November.
The meeting adjourned at 9 PM.
Virginia Ciliotta, Recording Secretary