Question: Do you think the state intervenes too much, fairly, too shyly in our European societies ? Otherly formulated, where would you position yourself on a line thatcherism/center right/social-democracy/socialism//absolutely elsewhere ?

Nominee Replies

Maria Cattaui - posted on 2000-09-15 10:16:56 I can’t answer better than Alf Hansen. Maybe at some point we could all have an extra-ICANN get-together and talk about state intervention. The definition of state intervention has certainly changed over time, and would be interesting to discuss. Jeanette Hofmann - posted on 2000-09-14 18:07:28 The notion of the strong, interventionist and protective state seems to have lost its former acceptance in Europe. So has the faith in egalitarian societies, which used to be a close companion of protective governance styles. The good thing about this is a new understanding of citizenship that stresses individual freedom & responsibility. The prize we currently pay for this social liberty is an increasing divide between prosperity and poverty. This said, I have problems to position myself on your political scale. Basically, because the real world's political taxonomy doesn't match its digital equivalent. To be sure, I'd be ready to pay higher taxes if this ensures the survival of our social welfare systems. With regard to cyberspace, however, I stand for a hands-off approach. The idea of national rules for a global space doesn't sound very appealing to me. Andy Mueller-Maguhn - posted on 2000-09-14 14:11:43 I do miss a vision for an information-society by our european societies. Governments often seem to have changed from an institution which enables a public space for the citizens to an institution which sells the public space to companies. I once tried to support european parliament with some ideas on information society issues. Even if it´s old stuff (from 1995) it might give you an idea on my thoughts on politics: http://www.datenreisen.de/Papers/9502-EP-E.html Olivier Muron - posted on 2000-09-14 02:19:11 If ICANN succceds, which I hope, it will be at the end a transfer to private sector of something that was done by a public Agency for the Internet and in comparable situations by intergouvernemental entities for say frequencies. Alf Hansen - posted on 2000-09-13 15:20:41 An interesting question, if the ICANN Board had been a world government. But it isn't. I am not afraid of telling people about my general politic opinion, but in this case I will not, because it is an irrelevant question. If all board members and nominated candidates were required by the By Laws to declare their general political position related to an international standard, I would perhaps also do it. The electorate should look at my positions in the various ICANN related issues, and make their own judgement.