anti-war meeting

Last Wednesday, the York anti-war group had a meeting, a teach-in actually for members. The purpose was “form an analysis” about the war in Afghanistan and to start organizing events around campus. I was anticipating the meeting hoping I would find out some new information regarding the situation but was disappointed.

First off, we had an hour long introduction where every said their name and spiel of why they want to be a part of the group. Just as I thought things were getting on their way, we interrupt for a break to serve the pizza. I think this seriously disrupted the flow of the meeting. I think if they had done the break after the presentations by the two speakers, it would keep us more focus when we came back to discuss about the analysis and then move quickly to organizing activities. Instead, the group decided to take the time to discuss group politics: What we should focus on? How we should have imperialist behaviours in our own dealings. How the issue of Palestine was important to include. How we shouldn’t suppose what the Afghans want. I agree all of this important and I think be met better in our course of action and course of talking about what we think is happening in Afghanistan. How did we get through 80% of the meeting without talking about the situation? Someone who had recently moved from Germany to here and had previously commented of the void of political action on campus made the comparison again. He soon left, I can only guess why. After he talked, one girl talked about some things we could do: tabling, have a speak-out. We didn’t have a vote or concession if this is what we want to do, instead we literally ignored it and then continued talking about why it’s important to talk but do organizing too. I said that we should talk about the analysis presented and to ask questions and keep the discussion on that, and once that is over get to organizing. I get a reply like how that is important but so is talking about how we want to do it or something similar, I can’t remember. I zoned out after that and waited for them to eventually split into two groups: one was to do research and create pamphlets, other was to make plans for action.

Sorry for ranting. I thought it would be informative for me on how I can better deal with these situations in the future. I guess I will have to be more assertive, suggest a vote, suggest to break up into groups, suggest to have a consensus on a resolution next time. I left the meeting, okay and partially satisfied. I was sad that I left there with little to add to my understanding of the situation (even someone voicing a pro-war voice would have made the meeting more stimulating) but we had some form of action to prepare for so that was good. I’m a little tweaked that not many have joined the google group I created or have posted replies and
stuff on it.

Afterwards, Dave and I went to the parking lot roof to watch the lunar eclipse. I was pretty awesome but the cold go to me and it wasn’t as fun anymore. I wish it had been summer time, then we could’ve sat out more and watch the eclipse happen instead of going inside and then back out again.

I just watched some CBC debate on the Richard Dawkins documentary: Root of All Evil. It was pretty ridiculous. I'm kind of tired of the religion debate, but watching stuff like that is still amusing. I may pose criticisms later.