[Businessmtg] Business Priorities / Controversy

[Jerry]

Morning, all, from deep in the woods,

My ASP serenity is not having its best day ever. This website controversy has caused the biggest stir in ASP Business we have ever experienced, and I've been around for a very long time.

The controversy has not been resolved thus there is sufficient reason to continue toward finding a consensus which would bring back unity to our work. Instead we are being led to believe that we ought push this unfinished business to a quick, and not fully informed, vote.

To be honest, the divisions are quite deep. My experience is that deep divisions aren't resolved quickly. Calm understanding and acceptance of other's positions; time and patience; open expression without rancor; and above all the support of our Higher Powers can eventually being peace back to ASP's valley.

I believe the divide to be mendable. By relying on our recoveries and the many years of successful use of ASP's Policies and Practices which have made the group such a wonderful source of recovery for so many we can get there.

If we are led to rush this we're papering over some legitimate concerns from some of our most experienced members. Those concerns ought to be clearly heard, then melded with the newer input in a way which forms a new consensus. Consensus is the goal.

My recovery instincts tell me that when I feel I'm being bulldozed against my better judgement it's either time to speak plainly, or time to detach. Too many people rely on ASP for their Al-Anon recovery for me to step away without participation. So, plain talk it will be.

I propose that the resurrection of this controversy be tabled until the election of vacant officer slots are filled. At that time a fully staffed Steering Committee can address whatever changes were made to the website texts by Jane's good work, make recommendations to the Business Meeting, followed by (hopefully) a consensus and vote of approval.

What is currently being suggested - that we ought do this quickly because of an arbitrary deadline - without a full complement of Trusted Servants in place - and with some unable to cast votes based on full knowledge - rings a very sour bell in my gut.

The process being used is becoming much more of a problem than the points under discussion ever were. I believe it's time to call for a do-over, and I do so here.

In loving service,
Jerry
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