Re: Allowing "block" creates vetoes
From: R Philip Dowds (rpdowdscomcast.net)
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:31:21 -0700 (PDT)
Maybe a "block" is better understood as an "objection that cannot be resolved 
within the knowledge, skill, time, and patience available to the group".  I've 
certainly seen a bunch of those.

RPD

On Oct 20, 2011, at 9:14 AM, Sharon Villines wrote:

> 
> Again, to beat a big drum, "blocks."
> 
> Calling objections "blocks" allows vetoes to exist. It creates them. Called a 
> "veto" it would not be allowed because members don't have veto power — they 
> can't be presidents. They only have the right to raise objections that would 
> negatively affect their ability to participate as members of the community.
> 
> I wonder if "block" has some sort of romantic attachment. BLOCK THAT KICK! 
> "Look at me. I'm heroic number 56 who can stop Harry's team in its tracks. 
> Watch how all the girls line up for my autograph. Good investment those 
> shoulder pads that make me look like Tarzan on steroids. Okay, let's play 
> ball(s)!"
> 
> Maybe "block" is necessary to the psychology of sharing power that consensus 
> decision-making requires. I can give up my power as the majority or as 
> political leader, because I get the power to "block." If the power word 
> "block" is taken away, then I have no power. Not good. Only "power with" 
> rather than "power over" would be left. 
> 
> Maybe block has some power as a euphemism for veto. Like "girls" instead of 
> "women." "Boys" instead of "men." I'm not vetoing, I'm blocking. I'm a pesky 
> teenager, not an autocratic parent. Or maybe blockers want to retain their 
> right to be autocratic parents. And those who allow them to block want the 
> fight to be against autocratic power rather than on the substance of the 
> issue.
> 
> Sharon
> ----
> Sharon Villines, Washington DC
> "Behavior is determined by the prevailing form of decision making." Gerard 
> Endenburg
> 
> 
> 
> 
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