Re: [ga] VeriSign fends off critics at ICANN confab and ALAC's ligitimacy

["L. Gallegos" <jandl@xxxxxxxxx>]

It it true that any one congresscritter is going to pretty much ignore letters coming 
from outside their consituencies.  However, if a constituent's letter is accompanied 
with thousands of signatures from all over the world plus letters from a diverse field 
of users and they are all saying essentially the same thing, it will have an effect.

Moreover, if mail pertinent to the interests of any committee (in this case 
"commerce") is accompanied by signatures and letters from thousands of people 
from all over the world, plus sigs and letters from consituents, you can bet that those 
committee members will take notice.

If the hue and cry is loud enough, and the media picks up on it, congresscritters will 
notice because it can effect votes.  If users appear to be angry, and users vote, 
those who need those votes will pander to them.

Joop is also right on.  Legislative aids and secretaries do, in fact, categorize 
incoming mail and part of the sorting is based on constituents as opposed to others.  
In cases where the issue is going to have wide notice, it makes less difference from 
whom the letters come, but many will still have to be from that constituency.

Congress is taking notice of the importance of the internet on the global economy 
and the fact that the internet has made the world a much smaller place.  Therefore, 
they are noticing complaints from non US residents.  This makes it worth it to flood 
them with the truth.  We don't have to fabricate anything.  There is plenty of 
damaging material to present to government.  The real trick it have the same 
material seen in the global and local media.  

Leah


On 11 Oct 2003 at 19:41, Don Brown wrote:

> Joop,
> 
> I can't state it more simply, but I do not desire to offend you - You
> just do not understand.
> 
> The Internet was born out of a U.S. defense initiative. Don't hold
> your breath for the Congress, Senate, Executive or Judicial branch of
> the U.S. government to donate it to to the world. It's not going to
> happen. That's the reality of it.
> 
> Besides, why should they - what margin is in it for them?  Making
> non-US citizens pleased is not on their agenda.
> 
> With that said, you can be instrumental in making a positive change.
> We all know that ICANN is dysfunctional and fully controlled by the
> insider cliche.  We can all write to members of Congress and to
> Senators to show our disdain.  The number of similar letters from U.S. and
> non-U.S. citizens should get some attention.
> 
> That is our shot -- to make things right.  I don't know of any better
> way to slay the dragon, do you?
> 
> Thanks,
>