The following is a letter I wrote to Congressman John Sullivan:
Congressman Sullivan,
I urge you to support resolution 268, introduced by Rep. John Doolittle, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, and Rep. Rick Boucher. This resolution states, “…the United States and the Secretary of Commerce should maintain oversight of ICANN so that ICANN can continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the Internet's domain name and addressing system well, remain responsive to all Internet stakeholders worldwide, and otherwise fulfill its core technical mission.”
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, is the origination that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS), and manages the top-level domains for the internet.
I believe that it is vitally important that the US, through ICANN, retain control of the root level domain servers. Miring the role of internet by handing the reigns to an international body would have devastating effects, varying levels of bureaucratic red-tape would be added, introducing a stifling affect on business and innovation. In addition, the international community has an abysmal record in roles involving oversight. We cannot afford to hand them the reigns to the internet. Please support resolution 268
Regards,
Steven H. Roemerman
Technorati Tags: ICANN
John Sullivan
1 comment:
Steven, I admire the idealism embodied in your letter.
I guess if I were assessing the state of the Internet, measuring the distance traveled in so short a time, I might give credit as you have here. But I have been observing the battle over a Line that should concern all Internet users, but that is, unfortunately, unknown to most. I have been otherwise enlightened.
I am talking about the .XXX top-level domain controversy. I am not necessarily advocating a different position on 268 than you propose in your letter to John Sullivan. I think it behooves you, however, as an obviously conscientious Netizen who enjoys the freedoms afforded by the medium, to become acquainted with the actions and positions taken by our government on this subject.
It would be nice to think we're the best ones for the job, that the United States Government is today an appropriate steward for the Internet's next phase.
But I just don't see it.
I see only fear, misunderstanding and a disturbing alacrity towards censorship that is quite consistent with a pattern of eroding civil liberties in evidence during the last 4 years.
If you wish to support continued US control, especially for the reasons you give of wanting to AVOID "bureaucracy", "stifling" and "miring" you really should acquaint yourself with these facts.
Have a read: http://DOTXXXBLOG.com
Jack Mardack
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