Questions: platform testimony

[welshTerrier2]

there's a hearing to solicit feedback on the Mass. Dems platform in Natick tomorrow night ... i'm thinking of participating ...

if i speak at the hearing, do i also need to provide a written copy of my testimony? is there a time limit on how long each person can speak?

on edit: i just called the Mass. Dems and was told they like you to provide a written copy of your testimony ... they also said each person is given 3 minutes to testify ...

what reactions have you seen to people who address national policies as opposed to state and local issues?

i'm thinking of addressing the following areas:
1. the last platform talked a lot about crime but made no mention whatsoever about "white collar" crime
2. corporations are barred from making campaign contributions to candidates but the lobbyists they hire to influence legislation are not ... these lobbyists should be seen as an extension of the companies they serve and should be subject to the same limitations
3. U.S. foreign policy has used assassinations and economic leverage to exploit poor third world nations for the benefit of trans-national corporations. it's time the citizens of Massachusetts told the Federal government these methods do not reflect our values and therefore are unacceptable.
4. the occupation of Iraq continues to be illegal because the case for invasion was fabricated. we should call, as Senator Kennedy has done, for a withdrawal timetable not to exceed approximately 6 months.

[paineinthearse]

1. I went to the Amherst activist meeting last Saturday...

...there was a platform meeting afterwards. I met someone who was testifying. She had a prepared (written) speech, so I would say "yes" (it's better form). Not sure if it is required.

If you PM me I can give you contact info for the platform hearing co-chair.