White House "kinder, gentler"-CDA/censor empowerment meeting

[Declan McCullagh <declan@well.com>]

---------- 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


On Wed, 16 Jul 1997, Seth Finkelstein wrote:

> >> At 11:35 PM -0400 7/15/97, Michael Sims wrote:
> >>...But by lining up with those who intend to FORCE, by
> >>hook or crook, ratings on everyone, well, you're not sending the
> >>message I would think you would want to.
> 
> > From: Jonah Seiger <jseiger@cdt.org>
> > As far as I know, this is not what's happening and you are reacting to ghosts
> 
> 	"I am the ghost of RSACi past". Such as when it nearly became a
> contractual requirement for all ISP's in the United Kingdom last year.
> Of course they didn't *have* to join up, and they didn't have to not
> be raided as child pornographers either. Not a ghost, but a spectre.
> 
> > Like you, CDT will be watching what the President says tomorrow
> > very carefully and will have something to say once he has spoken.
> 
> 	I'm sure you will. And I'm also sure it's going to be along
> the lines of "Sign up to this program because it's not censorship and
> if you don't, the government will get you".
> 
> ================
> Seth Finkelstein
> sethf@mit.edu
> 
> 
>