John Clark writes:

I think it's important for company's to realize there is also a downside for supporting Clipper. As a start ,I don't see how any self respecting Cypherpunk or Extropian could use AT&T as their personal long distance carrier . AT&T 's not the only company in bed with the government over Clipper (INTEL) but it is the most ^^^^^^^ visible and the easiest to boycott, MCI and Sprint do a fine job. If 5% of the Internet users quit AT&T it would make other companies think twice before they endorse Clipper.

Intel in bed with the government over Clipper? While Intel may own 10-20% of VLSI Technology Inc. (VTI), it is VTI that is manufacturing the MYK-78 and related chips for Mykotronx. A year ago, I talked to the guy who hired me into Intel in 1974, Craig Barrett (who is about to take over Andy Grove's job as President), and informed him of VTI's crummy role in the Clipper deal. I suggested to him that any Intel involvement in Clipper would not help Intel's image amongst computer types. Craig was uncommunicative on this--I got the impression he had no idea what I was talking about. This doesn't mean Intel is not involved, of course, but surely the main culprits are Mykotronx, VTI, and AT&T. Intel gets enough bad press as it is not to be further tarred with the brush of Clipper. --Tim May -- .......................................................................... Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay@netcom.com | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero 408-688-5409 | knowledge, reputations, information markets, W.A.S.T.E.: Aptos, CA | black markets, collapse of governments. Higher Power: 2^859433 | Public Key: PGP and MailSafe available. "National borders are just speed bumps on the information superhighway."