mjr@hussar.dco.dec.com (Marcus J. Ranum) (06/29/91)
If there's enough concern about political agendas that have nothing to do with the mission of USENIX, maybe the concerned parties could use the conference as an opportunity to do something outside of the conference, such as pay a mass visit to legislators, while they're all together in one place. I don't think that politics and USENIX mix very well, unless someone is legislating that the abort() library call should be removed from libc.a. If you feel strongly enough - don't come. Write letters saying why not, and so forth. Individuals should make their *OWN* efforts before they demand that USENIX as an organization makes an effort. mjr.
rjg@sialis.mn.org (Robert J. Granvin) (06/30/91)
USENIX, as a technical group, governed by a staff representing the membership, should make political statements by its actions (such as not holding a convention in a specified city) when that political statement _directly_ affects USENIX. USENIX members are more than able to make their own political statements about any topic they want. When the political statement has nothing to do with the goals and purposes of the organization, the organization should leave those statements to the individuals, or other groups. I'd hate to see USENIX get embroiled in political issues that it has no business being a part of. On the other hand, I fully support USENIX getting involved in political issues that are of direct value to the organization. I think that's pretty much true of any organization. USENIX does not expect me to support their political views, and I certainly don't expect, or want, USENIX to make political statements on my behalf. USENIX is not a political action committee. It's impossible for all people to agree on any topic. I'll make my own statements and opinions, or work with a group that specifically focuses on, and is prepared to affect changes in those things. -- Robert J. Granvin \\\\\\\\ rjg@sialis.com : INTERNET Southern Minnesota Wing \\\ ...uunet!rosevax!sialis!rjg : UUCP Confederate Air Force \\\\\\ rjg%sialis.com@uunet.uu.net : BITNET `Life just dished up some "Spam."'