Notes on Strategy Meeting, June 13 2009

Date: Tues, Jun 16 2009 1:23 pm
From: Duncan McFarland


*Draft notes on June 13 Strategy Meeting*

*1) Speakers on Afghanistan/Pakistan*

The presentations were informative and lively, but sobering.  The situation
in Afghanistan/Pakistan is getting worse, with the US heading into a deadend
scenario with no exit strategy.   Drone bombings and civilian
casualties have turned Af/Pak public opinion against US involvement.  There
are now 2-3 million refugees in Pakistan.  However, Prof. Adil Najam, the
Pakistani speaker, also gave an unusual glimpse into the positive aspects of
Pakistani civil society where there is a strong democracy movement.

Concerning action: Mass. Rep. James McGovern has sponsored legislation
calling for an exit strategy by the end of the year.  There is lots of need
for public education.  We need to do a broad range of organizing
activities.

*2) Reports from Committees*

*Afghanistan-Pakistan Committee*: has given a number of presentations
locally and is suggesting for this October a major rally on Boston Common
and citywide educational program (indoors venue) to mark 8 years since the
Oct. 6, 2001 invasion and up the level of organizing against the war.
* *
*25% solution brochure* -- the new brochure in a popular style is very well
received.  This issue connects easily with many people and is a good opener
to discuss peace and justice issues.  The state Democratic convention
adopted a modified version of cutting the military budget and redirecting
priorities.

*Nuclear Disarmament* -- The Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty is up for
review May 2010 so this is a critical period of buildup to reaffirming the
need for the treaty.  This is the best tool that we have; the US must take
the first steps for disarmament.
* *
*"Israel-Palestine Task Force"* -- has reconstituted with an energetic
meeting but has yet to decide a new name.  Presented a resolution concerning
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions which will be taken up at a future UJP
meeting perhaps in mid-July.

*3) Structure discussion*

After the proposed new structure document was presented, there was consensus
to send the document to all UJP member groups for review, commentary and
proposed changes.  Member groups will also be asked to consider selecting a
representative to the planning group.  All comments, written and otherwise,
may be forwarded to the Structure Committee.  A new structure should be
adopted at the Strategy Meeting this Fall 2009.  In the interim, the current
planning group is fully authorized to continue its organizing work.
* *
*4) General discussion on the state of the movement.*

Numerous people expressed various opinions, conveying the political breadth
of UJP.

The meeting was well attended, informative and productive, drawing a
positive assessment from most people attending.