[Imc-india] Disturbing development

[Ra Ravishankar]

Dear All,

I apologize for the prolonged silence, didn't have anything new to say.
In principle, I am all for local control but given the internet
connectivity problems in India, I think it makes sense for outsiders
(those not residing in India) to help out with the newswire. While
allowing free speech, I think we should clamp down on hate speech. Why
let some fanatics hijack an alternative news source?

What applies to the newswire also applies to the editorial, though local
participation is more desirable here. If the local folks had the time &
energy to manage the site, we wouldn't be discussing this at all. while
we wait to hear from them (for how long?), I think it's Ok for outsiders
to also manage the editorial page. If and when the local folks can take
charge again, there could be a smooth transition.

I think Harsh mentioned this in one of his mails, but its worth repeating
that he has been running a progressive newswire
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/act/). And Ganesh has the enthusiasm and
took the initiative, so I welcome their (and any one else who is willing)
taking charge of the newswire and the editorial page. If more of us
participate -- I know some of you have been active -- then there's no
reason why this should look like a coup. The onus is on us, I think.

I would like to volunteer. If we can get a headcount of how many would
like to volunteer, then may be we could assign responsibilities among
ourselves, discuss the policies (on the list) and keep the whole process
transparent. This does sound like a reasonable *stop gap* measure. As for
the long term, it's for the local folks to decide. What do you all say?

Regards,
Ravi

> If you support Indymedia, then please offer practical support and save
> it from these warped Hindutva fanatics.
>
> Ganesh.