On Wed, 16 Jul 1997, Declan McCullagh wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 00:23:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Declan McCullagh <declan@well.com> To: Seth Finkelstein <sethf@MIT.EDU> Cc: jseiger@cdt.org, jberman@cdt.org, fight-censorship@vorlon.mit.edu Subject: Re: White House "kinder, gentler"-CDA/censor empowerment meeting
Below we see an excellent example of the naivete inherent in Net-libertarian and cypherpunk writing. Obviously the writer does not understand the complexities and challenges of Washington politics. In many ways, it is like sausage being made: disgusting to watch, but a process that results in the compromises so vital in a healthy democracy.
Which is why it is inappropriate to criticize the White House's position on the CDA. If you speak your mind aloud, you run the risk of being marginalized like the ACLU. How can you serve your constituents then? Obviously, you can't. So I respectfully suggest that Mr. Finkelstein disabuse himself of radical notions like opposing regulation of the Internet.
I can only conclude that because Mr. Finkelstein does not live inside the Beltway, we cannot expect him to realize that it is always necessary to remain players in the game -- even if it means giving up fundamental liberties in the process.
-Declan
Declan: Did you forget your ;-) smiley face or can we quote you on that last sentence? As far as I'm concerned, if you are forced to give up fundamental liberties the "game" is over -- soon followed by "politics by other means". Our participation as citizens of this country is governed by contract. That contract is the constitution. This is no game. Either the employees adhere to the tenets of that contract or the employers will fire them for non-performance. Simple as that. Jim Burnes jim.burnes@ssds.com