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From: imprint@orchid.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.society.futures
Subject: Re: UUCP - USSR
Message-ID: <11296@orchid.waterloo.edu>
Date: Wed, 21-Oct-87 12:10:44 EDT
Article-I.D.: orchid.11296
Posted: Wed Oct 21 12:10:44 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 24-Oct-87 09:08:48 EDT
References: <8710200932.AA00888@violet.berkeley.edu> <7213@eddie.MIT.EDU>
Reply-To: imprint@orchid.waterloo.edu (U of Waterloo Student Newspaper)
Organization: U. of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 35


In terms of "amateur diplomacy" and open dialogue with the
Soviet people, i should point out that the student newspaper
news exchange which has been started between Canada and the
USSR was initiated by Soviet students. So far, much of the
material we have received is stingingly critical of their
bureaucrats and authorities. So much so, that we would blush
to publish such pointed criticism of our own bureaucrats.

There is no indication that censorship is occurring in
either direction. Since the news exchange within Canada and
between Canadian and US student newspapers is being
computerized right now, there seems to be some logic in
including other countries as well. If any kind of computer
data link can be established, it follows that a Usenet link
should also be able to be established.

Just how the establishment of dialogue between individuals
across the iron curtain, in a very open and public way is
liable to jeopardize security still baffles me. If anything,
personal aquaintence and familiarity is liable to reduce
tensions and thus improve everyone's security.

You must remember that just because you have to register
photo-copiers -- and even typewriters in the USSR doesn't
mean you can't get access to them for non-criminal activity.
After all, does the fact that you have to register your
automobile restrict you from using it? It's about the same
kind of "registration". The material we get from the Soviet
Union is prepared on (presumably) registered typewriters and
computer printers. So what?

Doug Thompson
imprint@orchid
Fido 221/162