[1373] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Networks, K-12s and buying American
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Joe Abernathy)
Wed Sep 18 23:07:12 1991
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 91 19:33:28 CDT
From: edtjda@magic322.chron.com (Joe Abernathy)
To: com-priv@psi.com
Cc: farber@linc.cis.upenn.edu
----- Begin Included Message -----
Janet Murray writes:
It seems logical (to me) that a major national legislative
initiative such as NREN _should_ address the needs of K-12
users, because the students we train today will be the leaders
of tomorrow. We are in danger of fostering serious inequities
in educational opportunities if we allow marketing forces to
dictate who does, and who does _not_, have access to information.
----- End Included Message -----
I just checked on the NREN legislation today in Washington,
where it's in conference committee, and this very issue is
one of the two sticking points between the House and Senate
versions of the bill.
The House version would provide funds (a million dollars
comes to mind) to ensure that K-12 needs are identified and
met, while the Senate version makes no such provision.
There's no guarantee the measure will be in the final
bill, so today is the day to make your feelings known.
Sen. Al Gore's office is 202 224 4944.
Now. The other sticking point is very interesting -- it's the
"buy American" provision that was added to the House bill.
The administration insists the bill will be vetoed if the clause
is not removed.
Without seeking to lead the witnesses, what does this clause do,
what will it do if included in the legislation, and what is the
cause of the administration's opposition?
Can anyone address the industrial policy issues this bill is
raising?
What other issues do you believe it is important to address
at this point in time?
Thank you for your thoughts.
Joe Abernathy edtjda@chron.com
Special Projects P.O. Box 4260
The Houston Chronicle Houston, Texas 77210
(800) 735-3820 (713) 526-9711
