That's a matter of wording. GM proposed this using
the language of
statement (an effective technique to get things done). Ultimately, if
enough are/were opposed to the proposal, it wouldn't be carried out.
Sometimes wording is important. Wikipedia always requires positive
consensus, not negative. If we can't agree on something, we stick with
the status quo. GM's email is worded as if he intends this to work the
other way around, and he has no authority to decide that.