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From: smv@apollo.COM (Steve Valentine)
Newsgroups: comp.misc
Subject: Re: USSR International Computer Club (was: Information on the ICC)
Message-ID: <40f75b60.7229@apollo.COM>
Date: 19 Jan 89 23:57:00 GMT
References: <10127@well.UUCP> <1315@orion.cf.uci.edu> <810@afit-ab.arpa> <10870@umn-cs.CS.UMN.EDU> <824@afit-ab.arpa> <1560@cps3xx.UUCP> <825@afit-ab.arpa>
Reply-To: smv@apollo.COM (Steve Valentine)
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Organization: Apollo Computer, Chelmsford, MA
Lines: 69

In article <825@afit-ab.arpa> wbralick@blackbird.afit.af.mil (William A. Bralick) writes:
>
>Once again, how do you prevent object and source code from being exported
>to the Soviet Union?  This is export-controlled technology.  Anything
>that can be done to raise the Soviet's cost of acquiring said technology
>is a good thing.  The only exception is that if the government decides 
>that the Soviet Union should have certain technology, or free access to
>technology in general, then the formation of a group can be done in
>accordance with USENET rules.

The answer is we prevent code from being exported by making sure that everyone
is aware of what can not be exported, and prosecute violators of the law.
If the technical means exist to connect with the USSR via USENET, then surely
the same means could be used to create private channels for the express purpose
of passing secrets or regulated technology.  Thus, preventing an open dialogue
would not prevent violations of the laws that you're so concened with, it would
simply prevent an open dialogue.  That's pretty un-American by my way of
thinking, and is exactly what the flag wavers accuse the Soviets of doing.

> It is now incumbent on American 
>citizens to avoid transferring high technology to the USSR.  If one
>chooses to supply such technology to the Soviets, then one can be
>prosecuted for violating the export control restrictions.  

True.  It wouldn't hurt to post this as part of the newgroup first message.
On the other hand, it is not incumbant on the Government of the People, by
the People for the People to prevent an open dialogue with forigners.

>But you should prevent yourself from mailing any packages to the 
>USSR that *do* contain sensitive data.  Our federal government
>makes foreign policy -- it is not the job of American citizens
>to unmake or remake it unless elected or appointed (and confirmed)
>to such a position.

Agreed, but it is also not for the Govenrnment to enforce laws that have
yet to be written, passed by the Legislature and signed into law.
Especially when they infringe on our 1st amendment rights.

Please, no speaches about how luck I am to have those rights in the first place.
I'm well aware of how lucky I am; but having them doesn't do me much good if
I can't excersise them, now does it?

>I don't *think* that there are any connections to Iron Curtain
>countries at this time.  

There are registered USENET sites in Yugoslavia.

>  Which agency to contact is the next question.

No agency need be contacted unless an actual violation of actual laws
is taking place!  This isn't the Evil Empire where Big Brother has to be
kept up on everything!

> How about comp.gulag, or comp.totalitarian?

So, we've been reading the McCarthy Hearing transcripts after our bedtime
again have we.

>I just say no.

Premptive interdiction, just say no!

>Regards,
>Will Bralick : wbralick@afit-ab.arpa  |  I'm from the Government
>Air Force Institute of Technology,    |  and I'm here to help you.  
-- 
Steve Valentine - smv@apollo.com
Apollo Computer, Inc.  330 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824
Hermits have no peer pressure -Steven Wright