Here's a quick non-election diary. (Might as well get used to it.)
If you're a member of the Vermont chapter of the ACLU you know that the annual meeting is coming up this Saturday at National Life in Montpelier. This year's meeting should be of interest to GMD readers because the keynote speaker, Garret Keizer, is the author of a new book about privacy, which I commend to your attention.
One of the activities of the annual meeting, and you need not be present to participate, is the election of seven members of the ACLU-Vt board of directors. Because this is the group of people that will give direction to the organization in the coming years, I encourage everyone who's a member to fill out their ballot and send it in even if you can't attend the meeting.
If you haven't voted yet I would like to encourage you to particularly support two candidates whom I know to be effective voices for civil liberties and the values I think most of our readers here are committed to.
First is Euan Bear of Bakersfield. Regular readers here may not know the name, but will recognize the contributions of nanuqFC, her nom de GMD. Euan is a lifelong writer and activist, working hard for civil rights and civil liberties, LGBT empowerment, and the rights of those who would be considered unpopular minorities. Even when you don't see her posting here her editing and political insights contribute to making GMD the great source for news and political analysis that it is. I greatly value her work and her friendship. In addition, her attention to detail and parliamentary procedure qualifies her to make a unique and possibly irreplaceable contribution to the work of the ACLU.
Second is Jeffrey Dworkin, a Montpelier lawyer and psychologist. I got to know Jeff a few years ago when he was appointed to chair the citizens' committee evaluting whether the city of Montpelier should acquire Tasers for its police force. The committee's report was so exhaustive that it is destined to be the starting point for any serious consideration of Taser acquisition and use by law enforcement in Vermont, and after consideration of the work of the Committee the proposal to acquire Tasers was dropped. Jeff's experience and knowledge make him a great candidate for the ACLU board.
I know that there are other great candidates for the Board, and if I knew them I'm sure I could say very positive things about most of them, but from my own personal knowledge I think that Euan and Jeff are deserving of your consideration and support.
She has devoted her life to the rights of underserved populations. She combines the qualities of ethics, disciplined work and sharp insight that will well serve the ACLU and its mission.
She would be a fantastic choice for the ACLU board.
Very kind words. There is still an election to come, and there are more candidates for the ACLU Board than there are seats to be filled. Thus there are choices to be made.
Make yours, then join us at the National Life Building on Saturday, 10th, register by 9:30, with Mr. Keizer’s keynote after lunch.
NanuqFC
In this point of the case the question is distinctly presented whether the people of the United States are to govern through representatives chosen by their unbiased suffrages or whether the money and power of a great corporation are to be secretly exerted to influence their judgment and control their decisions. ~ Andrew Jackson
With lots of support, mostly from people I don’t know, although certainly from some I do, I was voted onto the Board of Directors of the Vermont ACLU as announced after lunch on Saturday.
I’m looking forward to serving, and thanks for your support.
NanuqFC
The Roots of Violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice, Politics without principles. ~ Gandhi