1. Shalom is definitely correct in asserting that we should call things
by their true name; so maybe we should call them "endorsements" rather than
"elections".
2. The analogy he and others draw with the governmental democratic
process is silly. In the first place who does a better job, Congress or the
Supreme Court? But that is not really the issue, the analogy is just out of
place. You might as well argue that a family, including children, should be
run as a democracy. (Of course, though, a good family always listens to the
concerns of its children.) Now the CAS is not a family, but neither is it a
government; drawing analogies to either is to no purpose.
3. I believe that there are aspects of the current "election" process
that could be improved. I also think that it is very important that there be
more input from the membership on major issues. However having more input
from the membership is not equivalent to having democratic style elections
(with campaigning, promoting specific positions etc.). We are not a
government and governed. The evaluation of major issues is not best done in
the context of an election campaign. And those we would want to serve as
president, vice president, board member etc., are not typically those who
hold particular positions on this issue or that. Further, these issues are
often such that no candidate can have strong opinions without the detailed
information the job brings (granted this is not true of all issues); viz.
partitioning of exams. As a somewhat secondary point, the president serves
for a year only, and I'm sure we could not get him/her to serve more--and as
such can not push through his/her own agenda on the "large" issues.
One large positive of implementing radical changes is that it
wouldn't work. Unfortunately, most members have neither the time nor
inclination to think about the majority of issues. And those seeking office
would still primarily only be those with real dedication. (Another potential
class of candidates are those temporarily or permanently unemployed).
Many of the interesting ideas presented regarding membership input
can be slightly modified so that the input could be given outside of the
context of electioneering. And I certainly have nor problem with, e.g.,
those running for the Board, posting their views on line. But I think we
should be careful what we ask for-we may get it.
Visit the CAS Web Site at http://www.casact.org
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