Senator (Coleman) Denounces Report Calling for UN Global Internet Control

Drudge Report ^ | August 1, 2005 | Matt Drudge

[West Coast Conservative]

Senator Norm Coleman today submitted a statement into the Congressional Record denouncing a final report issued by the United Nations' Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) suggesting that the U.N. assume global governance of the Internet. Since its inception and creation in the United States, the U.S. has assumed the historic role of overseeing the Internet's growth and has overseen its development. The U.N. taskforce report suggests that in addition to terminating the U.S.'s leadership role, the authority and functions of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit organization overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, should be transferred as well. Senator Coleman strongly opposes these measures.

"My probe of the U.N. as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations revealed management that was at best, incompetent, and at worst corrupt," said Coleman. "The first priority for the United Nations must be fundamental reform of its management and operations rather than any expansion of its authority and responsibilities. The Internet has flourished under U.S. supervision, oversight, and private sector involvement. This growth did not happen because of increased government involvement, but rather, from the opening on the Internet to commerce and private sector innovation. Subjecting the Internet and its security to the politicized control of the UN bureaucracy would be a giant and foolhardy step backwards."

"Recently, I introduced UN reform legislation with the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations, Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN), known as the Coleman-Lugar UN Reform Bill, to help put an end to a culture of corruption that was exposed by the Oil for Food scandal, peacekeeping sexual abuse scandals, and other instances of organizational failures at U.N.," Coleman said. "Putting the U.N. in charge of one of the world's most important technological wonders and economic engines is out of the question. This proposal would leave the United States with no more say over the future of the Internet than Cuba or China-countries that have little or no commitment to the free flow of information."

The WGIG taskforce report will be discussed at the next World Summit on the Information Society Tunisia in November.

"In light of this report, I also plan to consult with experts and stakeholders regarding Internet governance, and will assess whether legislation is needed as a remedy," Coleman continued. "The U.S. is willing to work with other countries that have an interest in the management of their own country code domains but UN control is out of the question. We will continue a dialogue with the rest of the world on these issues as we go forward."

[nygoose]

This Senator (with a capital "S") is a credit to the Senate and more importantly to America. He and Secretary Bolton will make the fur fly at the UN.

[Modok]

If the UN was run better would you like the UN more?

[wingman1]

I just checked out your home page.

I like my lobster with lots of butter.

count me in.

[kcvl]

" My probe of the U.N. as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations revealed management that was at best, incompetent, and at worst corrupt," said Coleman.

[satchmodog9]

Just heard Cece Connely on Fox talking about the ten floors as well. More DNC talking points.

[ken5050]

Coleman had another great line tonight on Hardball.."The UN spends $125 million on comunications" and $15 million on auditing.."

[monkeybrau]

I don't know much about this Senator, but I do know I liked his strong statement.
I made a point of letting him know.

[upchuck]

No. IMHO, the UN should be disolved. It has outlived it's usefulness.

[kcvl]

I can't stand to watch Chris Matthews so thank you for posting that!

[Archon of the East]

The corruption at the UN will never and can never be eliminated. The most we can fight for is ridding the United States of America of this diseased maggot infested institution. The last thing I want is for a temporary clean up of the garbage pile of the world, giving it apparent but not real credibility

[kcvl]

And most "reporters" think Bolton saying something about we would be better off if the UN was 10 stories shorter is a bad thing. roflol! They are too stupid to know that most people AGREE with that.

[libertylover]

...UN control is out of the question.

Ooooooh, I love straight-forward language.

[chiller]

The thought of all those U.N. types basing out of Paris --for example--scares the crap out of me. Option 1 is to disband the U.N.. 2nd best option is to keep 'em close where we can watch 'em....and starve them of their funding if necessary.

[Archon of the East]

Most reporters long for the days of being propaganda agents for a socialist world government and with that highly esteemed position be forever part of the Elitist ruling aristocracy. Of course they will tell you it's a Democracy and it may very well be. Though pure Democracy was the worst form of Govt according to many of our founders. It was said on many occasions that people will vote themselves benefits of self interest in such a system. Its amazing how much liberty people will give up for a meager SS check and a bad HMO. The kids, well you can keep them happy by removing parental influence and giving them free condoms and abortions while telling them if it feels good do it. Who wouldn't vote for that?

[kcvl]

Yes, they wish they could go back to the "Camelot" they created waaaayyy back when. When they could cover-up for a DRUG ADDICTED President who probably could make Bill Clinton look like a saint (well, almost).

[Archon of the East]

Thats a good thought. I guess my emotions get the better of me sometimes. In lieu of total disbanding of the UN keep you enemies the closest. Even total disbanding of the UN would likely lead to even worse alliances between our enemies. But damn they are such maggots.

[gakrak]

Just pull the plug on the UN altogether. They are irrelavent and serve no useful purpose. Kinda like lint. Amen.

[ken5050]

It's a tough job..but some of us are willing to take one for the team..

[righttackle44]

How can you people think bad of the UN?

They give their peacekeepers the prettiest
little blue helmets.

My grandmother thinks the little hats are
just darling.

[gakrak]

We don't need more pollution of the East River. Amen.