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

[Patrick Vande Walle]

Thanks Robert for all the work you did for the ALAC over time.

While I understand your feelings, I think it is important that we keep
focused on ICANN's narrow mission to assign unique numbers and names at
the top level of the DNS tree. In that sense, we should be very careful
that  concepts like "morality and public order" apply strictly to TLD
names and no further.
As we have seen in the past during the dot triple X saga, judgements
were made on the actual content of the potential web sites under that
TLD, and it weighted a lot on the final decision. While there are
obviously issues related to freedom of expression in the top level
domain name space, the actual content of web sites is outside ICANN's
scope.

I guess we will have plenty of opportunities in the future to shake
hands and exchange ideas.

All the best,

Patrick

Robert Guerra wrote, On 14/1/09 16:34:
> 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
> _______________________________________________
> At-Large mailing list
> At-Large at atlarge-lists.icann.org
> http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/at-large_atlarge-lists.icann.org
>
> At-Large Official Site: http://atlarge.icann.org
>
>   

-- 
Patrick Vande Walle
Check my blog: http://patrick.vande-walle.eu

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: smime.p7s
Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
Size: 5526 bytes
Desc: S/MIME Cryptographic Signature
URL: <http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/pipermail/at-large_atlarge-lists.icann.org/attachments/20090115/de743b41/attachment-0001.p7s>