> Despite what some libertarians might say (and I would like to be able to > agree with them) the Net is by no means a right that should blindly be had > by all, it can be a very dangerous tool and should require a minimal > amount of knowledge to have access, knowledge that obviously many people > don't have.
On that note, Open Source should be banned because it threatens the very nature of the free-market (just ask SCO, they'll tell you). Despite what some libertarians might say (and I would like to be able to agree with them) coding and software development is by no means a right that should blindly be had by all, it can be a very dangerous tool and should require a minimal amount of knowledge before being allowed to code, knowledge that obviously many people don't have. Switch the words again to include, tech consulting, networking and infrastructure development, etc. etc. etc. My question then is; who sets the standard? Who sets the cost of getting your license and renewing it? Bill Gates? Jean Chretien? Add names to the list as you see fit. Who wants to pay for the creation of the new board / governing association / government department to handle this certification? Sorry Jacob, nothing personal but as a libertarian, I just cannot go along with what you are suggesting. (Insert the caveat that I do not see anyone as having a "right" to the Net unless they pay their bills to their ISP, find someone who will give them net access for free, or they construct their own link to the Net.) I don't need Bill, Jean, or some group telling me when and where I can surf the Net. If a private ISP wants to set up their system to require a minimal amount of experience and training from their customers, fine by me. If others want to set up their firewalls to block access to those who do not have that same level of training, again, fine by me. That said I don't see those sorts of restrictive policies winning them too many customers. After you have paid, you have a right to use the Net and the government and licensing boards, and others should stay out. Again, nothing personal and not a flame. However, since much of my work involves developing or influencing policy, I see too many "quick fixes" come out of headlines and frustration. That kind of policy just doesn't work. ------------------------ Jason Hayes - Principal Hayes Holdings Consulting [EMAIL PROTECTED] / www.hayz.ws Blog: www.hayz.ws/blog #1936 - 246 Stewart Green SW Calgary, AB, Canada T3H 3C8 ------------------------ _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca
