Blog 10 Oath of Membership Provisions 4 and 5

Blog 10    Oath of Membership                                                      Provisions 4 and 5

All new members sign the FSTC Oath of Membership.  It has just five provisions. 

 [It must be noted that words can often have different meanings to different people and are therefore subject to interpretation.  The law in the United States is based on ‘case law’ because the various laws are subject to interpretation and the court cases refine and define the meaning.   This is my personal interpretation of the words of the Oath.]

 Provision 4:

"To bear in mind that it is my responsibility to give careful consideration to the desires of the members and the lessees, provided that are not contrary to the best interests of the corporation and not in conflict with the Constitution of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation."

 

Is the Council breaking the Oath by not giving careful consideration to the desires of the lessees and members? 

Recently many lessees came to a 'public investigation.'   The FSTC would not let them stay.  FSTC did not carefully consider their desires.  The lessees were told, "One final chance.  We can stay here in air conditioning, if the non-members will be kind enough to leave as we're requesting.  We really don't want to call the police in and make a scene."   

The lessees were also told at that 'public investigation' that "This is an internal piece of business dealing with FSTC owned by the FSTC members.  The members are the people who have stakes, not tenants."  

Does that show careful concern for the desires of the lessees?  Many members present also asked that the 'public investigation' actually be public.    Their desires were also brushed aside even though the FSTC constitution had called for a 'public' investigation.   

Does FSTC send a survey to the lessees to find  about their desires?  Do they poll the lessees as to how they would like to see the demonstration money spent?  Do they send information to the lessees?   Lessees have asked that the rent bill be divided into its various elements of administration fee, taxes, and demonstration fee.  Has the FSTC tried to do this?  Have they inquired of the lessees about what they thought were 'matters of general concern?'  Do they send the lessees any reports showing how the demonstration fee and the administration fee is spent?   Do they send the lessees information letting them know there is an opportunity for members and lessees to voice their concerns each month right before the meeting officially starts?  Do lessees get copies of the minutes so they will know what is being planned for their Colony?   

Are the members asked about their desires for their corporation? 

 

What are the best interests of the corporation?  It is my opinion that the best interest of the corporation would be to do what is in the best interest of the FSTC community as defined by the FSTC constitution—the community of lessees.  

 

Provision 5:

                                                                                     

"And at all time give full support to the decisions of the majority."    

  

 

When the membership has gotten full, accurate, and timely information,  and the voice of the lessees has been heard,  I will give my support to the decisions of the majority.   When more information comes to light, that might show that it was not the best decision, I certainly think the Council and members and lessees have a right to change the decision.