[At-Large] Parting words - So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

[Thompson, Darlene]

>sigh<
 
I feel the need to reply to this e-mail although I would rather not and know full well that I am going to regret it.
 
As one of those that "has lead to an ongoing private agenda by some to attempt to force me out", I am going to be rather plain about this.  I have absolutely no private agenda.  I have always been open and above-board about anything that I am thinking (often to my own detriment).
 
There were several calls on the NARALO list calling for Robert to step down.  It would be totally remiss if the NARALO executive were to just overlook this.  It would also look like the Canadians sticking together, so actions were taken.  Robert had plenty of time to correct situation.
 
In looking at the performance parameters provided by ICANN, it was obvious that Robert was not maintaining even minimal standards of attendance.  He also seldom attends the NARALO conference calls.  Yes, he always goes to the face-to-face meetings but I have personally witnessed him missing quite a few meetings at the f2f meetings due to "networking" or other such reasons.  In Cairo, he missed sessions so that he could help the Egyptian bloggers out with their video.
 
Prior to Cairo, Robert put out a call to see who could help with individual internet users from Egypt that were interested in ICANN.  This was VERY misleading as these "individual internet users" were bloggers.  None but one wanted to meet with us and his agenda was to get his video out to as wide an audience as possible.  This video was on freedom of speech and the persecution that the Egytian bloggers were experienceing.  Its a very good video but has NOTHING to do with ICANN.  Also, these bloggers showed absolutely no interest in ICANN and did not attend one meeting.  Robert wanted a big splash so that this video could be shown to everybody in Cairo.  This could EASILY have created an international incident between the Egyptian government and ICANN so this was stomped on.  He used a smaller room to do this anyways but only a very few attended so, fortunately, disaster was averted.
 
I, too, believe in freedom of speach.  I also believe in saving the rainforests.  Unfortunately, neither of these issues are appropriate to these lists or else there is too much mission creep.  ALAC members have a specific job description and if they choose not to do what is in that description, then they can be let go.  Just like with any job.
 
So, I, too, am very sad to see Robert go and wave a fond fairwell.  Robert, I wish you luck in your other endeavours.  It saddens me that you had to leave in this manner but I won't sit back and be slandered.
 
Darlene

________________________________

From: at-large-bounces at atlarge-lists.icann.org on behalf of Robert Guerra
Sent: Wed 1/14/2009 10:34 AM
To: at-large at atlarge-lists.icann.org
Subject: [At-Large] Parting words - So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish



A review of my engagement of late has made me realize that due to work
commitments it will be challenge for me to focus the time, attention and
energy required to actively participate in discussions on the ALAC. As such,
I would like to put forward my notice of resignation as the North American
RALO rep on the ALAC.

While a short notice might be the most preferred option, I thought it
appropiate to share my reasons with all of you so you can understand the
context as well as the reasons behind my departure.

The fact that issues related to freedom of expression, censorship and
bottom-up user engagement are being ignored at both regional and global
levels at both ALAC and ICANN is  greatly disappointing. This disspointment
- and great fustration at times -   has made led  me to shift my activity
from an active role to a more passive one. While active at the physical
meetings, my engagement of late in the conference calls has been minimal and
quite passive.

My silience on the lists has led some to believe that I'm not engaged at
all. Well, I would beg to differ as  my full-time position does focus on
issues of user engagement, internet freedom and internet governance.
Engagement is many different thing to different people. But, one thing is
clear, my  change in level of engagement, divergent views and different
style  has lead to an ongoing private agenda by some to attempt to force me
out . Since the Cairo meeting, efforts have entensified. The choice of words
in private email exchanges,  have been surprising.

So, I prefer to recognize that there is a significant difference of opinion
and pass on the opportunity to others .There are far too many other issues
of importance that the group should - and must - focus on.

I wish you all luck, success - and that we can stay in touch.


Yours sincerely,

Robert Guerra
Managing Director, Privaterra
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