[ga] Re: [atlarge-discuss] Former ICANN father figure criticizes domain body

[DannyYounger@cs.com]

Hans, 

Listening to Ira Magaziner at today's CATO Institute session was indeed a 
rare moment, and I was pleased to note the high degree of interest on the 
part of the press.  

Accountability is rapidly becoming the issue du jour.  In addition to David's 
article in the Washington Post you can expect to see articles by Dugie 
(Washington Internet Daily), Andy (Reuters), and Declan, all of whom were 
there covering the event as well.  Comments of note:  Harold Feld and Milton 
Mueller both raised the issue of the need for a re-bid of the ICANN 
contracts.  Richard Hill (not a panelist, but an attendee) spoke briefly on 
behalf of the ITU, and Mike Roberts admittedly made some excellent 
observations  (I see that the full text of his remarks have already been 
posted to http://www.lextext.com/MMR-RemarksCato.html ).  

Judging from the roster of attendees at this event, I think it is fairly 
clear that Washington is making a real effort to "listen" to the concerns of 
the user community.  Meanwhile, ICANN continues to think of the At-Large as 
nothing more than the rat-hole into which they have sunk three years worth of 
resources.  In my view, they will do nothing more than feign an interest in 
"listening" in order to pacify the DoC.  

You are correct in asserting that the user community can and must continue to 
speak out in support of accountability.  Now is the time to renew the effort 
with even greater vigor.  

--
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