----- Original Message -----

From: Evan Leibovitch

To: 'At-Large Global List'

Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 3:01 PM

Subject: Re: [At-Large] Comments about at-large/ALAC in ICANN newsletter

WE are for free and frank discussion after all

That's a very odd assertion given the recent history of this forum, in which three separate people have been suggested for censure simply due to their pursuit of "free and frank discussion".

One person's "free and frank" may easily be another person's insult, especially in a forum such as this with high levels of cultural diversity. What is most amusing in this context is not the defense of free speech, but rather its apparently selective application.

I personally found the meeting description in the communique to be highly inaccurate, unprofessional, and indeed misunderstood about the very purpose of At-Large. And, yes, as a participant in that meeting I found the description very insulting. Having said that, I greatly appreciate Nick's apology and am happily prepared to move on to more important matters.

  "What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist." -- Salman Rushdie

- Evan

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