When is a meeting not a meeting?

I spent most of Saturday afternoon sitting on a little chair in a conference room of the Marriott Hotel in Greensboro. It was beautiful afternoon, especially for January, but I didn't mind as I was in that conference room to do the business of the North Carolina Democratic Party. I thought there was to be a meeting of the State Executive Committee; for the most part I was mistaken.

The agenda I received in the meeting packet did not mention that candidates would be allowed to speak or that the guy putting the convention in Charlotte together would speak (and speak, and speak). In between those speakers a little business was allowed to happen.

It was entertaining at times, and David Parker was certainly a good emcee, but I resent being held as a veritable hostage in order to provide cheers and applause as if I were a prisoner at a campaign rally. I felt trapped by my good intentions to participate in doing the Party's business, those good intentions used and abused by the leaders of the NCDP.

If candidates are to speak, fine; put it on the agenda. I would then time my arrival accordingly. If a person rises to place an unannounced resolution before the body, tell him he must wait until "new business". Also, Mr. Chairman, do not gloss over a supposedly required 2/3's vote that is necessary to add an item to the agenda. It did seem as though dissent was not allowed at times.

I am sure most of the good democrats in attendance would disagree with me as there was much cheering and applause at the appropriate times. Aside from seeing a few familiar faces, I feel it was a wasted afternoon with political fluff trumping substance yet again.

Bottom line - The SEC should take care of business first then let it turn into a rally. When placed at the bottom of the agenda, candidates could then speak all they want.