Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Fwd: [free-sklyarov] FW: USENIX -- Proposed LegislationSignificantly Affecting Computer Profession

["M. Kovalenko" <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

Michael Procter wrote:
> 
> ...I don't think anyone can speak for "MLUG" and I wonder if
> individual letters aren't more persuasive than group statements.

I'd think the sheer volume of individual mail might be more impressive
than a petition signed by a group, but it's probably in the eye of a
beholder... err, politician.

> I've thought about writing Carnahan [...] but things seemed to be moving
> so fast and the language is so technical and disjointed that I've never
> known quite what to say.[...]

That's just the problem, isn't it? Everyone has an opinion, but it's
hard to express them on paper... I have a similar problem.  :)

> Perhaps you could float a version 0.1 to give us an idea of what you
> have in mind.  Personally I would save the DMCA/SSSCA stuff for another
> letter and focus on ATA/MATA/PATRIOT etc. because I'm afraid it has
> already come to the point where some people can't tell the difference
> between alleged copyright violations and mass murder.

Well, all these things are related even though different groups and
motives are involved. It almost seems that one has to stay on top of
what's going on in Congress to be able to form a good argument. I think
the best way would be to have a meeting, discuss all these issues in
turn (DMCA, SSSCA, ATA, whatever) and come up with some list of
arguments. At a meeting, someone will always bring up a point that no
one has thought of before. Then everyone could use that list to express
their own opinion, individually, pro or con. 

-- MK

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