[WSIS CS-Plenary] YJ's objection and the CS-PS statement

[Milton Mueller]

Lisa's message is couched as a critique of the CS-PS statement, but
never bothers to identify anything wrong with the substance of the
statement. Let us not forget that the statement basically called for a
"multi-stakeholder" followup "composed through an open and inclusive
process, with particular attention to achieving gender balance and
equitable regional representation." If the CCBI are with us on that,
good for them.  

Lacking any substantive critique, the negativity must come from the
premise that any cooperation with business interests is wrong. I
personally have no sympathy for that view. 

First, businesses are as heterogeneous as civil society in their
approach to information society issues. 

Second, in communication-information policy, there is a very clear
pattern over the years. When most activists in CS and PS can agree (for
example, on opposing the Clinton Administration's Clipper chip or the
Communications Decency Act) they win. When most activists in CS are
aligned against government(s) and PS, they lose. Think about it.



Dr. Milton Mueller
Syracuse University School of Information Studies
http://www.digital-convergence.org
http://www.internetgovernance.org