An amendment to the Democratic Party platform was accepted June 6 at the Massachusetts State Democratic Convention calling for strong diplomacy and cutting military spending.
Here's the text that was added to the preamble:
"We want strong diplomacy and support nonviolent conflict resolution as a first resort in our domestic and foreign relations and call for a reduced military budget that allows for investments in human needs."
Thanks to Nancy Wrenn, Sarah Fuhro, Mary-Ann Greanier, Laurie Taymor-Berry, and Susan Massad for gathering our 250 signatures and especially to Susan for not only being a superb fast signature collector but for running to her car with me to pick up the the 2500 copies of the amendment - all just barely delivered within the deadlines.
Thanks to Richard Kerver, Mirza Mustaque and others who spoke in favor of the amendment. Thanks to Barney Frank for leading the charge on the 25% cut in military spending. PDA was supportive and helpful as well, particularly Jesse Gordon with his excellent advice and encouragement. To the Sergeant at Arms, MarDee Xiafaras, Gus Bickford, and volunteer Tom Iacobucci, many thanks for your help.
Thanks to Kate Donaghue for telling me how to get a workshop on military spending on the schedule for the Convention, Susan Shaer for her encouragement and support, and to the State Committee staff for their cooperation in the platform amendment process.
It was watered down language and a close vote, but it won in the end. It is a small step, but a victory nonetheless. We got people talking about it, there was debate and it is IN the platform. As Pete Seeger said, we win by teaspoons.
Thank you Susan Lees for your help throughout this long process. You did more than you probably know.
- Carol Coakley, Metrowest Peace Action
[Editor's Note: Above all, the peace and justice movement owes a big THANK YOU to Carol herself, for organizing this successful effort!! ]
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