The Santiago CompromiseFriends, As one of many listeners who knows very little about the many personal issues that might have added to, and may be continuing to fuel, the current crisis at WBAI... and as a political and tactical neophyte, please accept the following *sketch* for what it is worth. If you think this document has merit, please feel free to circulate it. Frank Fitzgerald, NYC The following proposals assume that the majority of concerned listener/sponsors and (hopefully) staff support these two objectives: 1) the democratization and empowerment of the Local Advisory Boards and the restoration of local power on the Pacifica National Board 2) the protection of an independent, empowered Democracy Now. The crisis at WBAI since Dec.22nd and the subsequent discourse and mobilization of forces have done much to draw attention to the need for commitment to achieving these ends. Pacifica knows that over 1000 listener/sponsors came out on a bitter cold evening to bear witness that we are watching them closely and will not be deterred in our efforts to ensure that the Pacifica stations remain vibrant and feisty alternatives to the pabulum of the middle. I thereby urge that: 1) we admit that we may have all made mistakes, but that we now join in solidarity for the building of a stronger station and network by putting aside bruised egos, festering animosities, and claims to righteousness; 2) Utrice Lied step down as WBAI General Manager and return to the Talkback program as its host; 3) Bessie Wash resubmit to Jose Santiago the offer of interim General Manager, and that we encourage him to accept; 4) Bernard White choose between the union job of host of Wakeup Call or management position of Program Director; 5) all recently fired and banned staff be invited to return to work; 6) Valerie vanIsler be thanked for her past service, but owing to the current impasse, she withdraw her objection to Pacifica's offer of a position in D.C. and work there to support progressive/activist goals in any way that she can; 7) that either the Thursday or Friday morning music program be temporarily (as long as necessary) suspended, to be replaced by an ongoing "teach-in" focused on the structure of Pacifica, the LABs, the structure of BAI, examination of the local and national budgets, outstanding lawsuits and grievances against the Pacifica Network and/or station, and any other items that would be the prerogatives of those who pay the bills of any institution. The program could be a 30 minute presentation by those who support the current structure of Pacifica + a 30 minute presentation by those who are calling for change + 60 minutes of listener phone calls. (Personally, I would prefer a 2 hour program on a weekday evening, but the above might be easier to implement in the short term.) This program would not replace the "monthly" (sic) Report to the Listener, which should be upgraded to a monthly airing. 8) the process of selecting and/or certifying the positions of General Director and Program Director should be reopened and pursued in a manner acceptable to staff, NY LAB, and listeners. Back to Fund Raiser Proposed
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