SUO: The SUMO vote failed

[Robert Grayson Spillers <skydog@postoffice.pacbell.net>]

Jim,
Aside from the SUMO motion losing the vote (after properly counting
the abstains), it also lost because (answers from the IEEE Parliamentarian):

(1) The motion was out of order in declaring a quorum unnecessary.

          May the chair declare that a quorum is unnecessary?
           Answer. NO

(2)  It was a rules motion and required a two thirds majority vote to succeed.

           May the rules on voting or quorums be changed without
                   (a) a vote
                   (b) a quorum
                   (c) a two thirds vote in favor of the change(s)
`
           Answer. No, no, and no. A quorum is established by law, or by
           Certificate of Incorporation, or in the IEEE Bylaws

(3)  It is also out of order because the motion changed the existing procedure on what is required to pass (a more general form of (1) above).

           Is a motion permitted (in order?) that contains within itself
           changes to the existing procedures on what is required for the
           motion to pass - e.g. declare a quorum unnecessary?

           Answer. No, a quorum is always needed.

It is really hard to imagine a more poorly drafted motion.  All of these issues were raised at the time.  You (with others) drafted this motion, interpreted parliamentary rules within the motion, ruled on your own interpretation of the motion you drafted, ruled against points of order that objected to these blatant errors, incorrectly ruled on the motion to reconsider, refused to submit the question of your ruling to the judgment of the members, sought advice from parliamentary authority and have rejected that advice when it did not suit your purposes. This is more than simple incompetence.

Regardless of the outcome of your appeal (?) to the IEEE Board of Governors (Directors?), regarding how abstains are counted,

Schoening, James R CECOM DCSC4I wrote:

> This issue is now being raised to the highest authority
> in IEEE, the Board of Governors.  I'll keep the group posted as I
> get more information.
The SUMO motion is defective and out of order.  It also failed because
it did not receive a two thirds majority vote required of a rules motion.

The SUMO motion failed.  Let's move on.

Bob

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