USENIX and South Africa

[Peter Salus]

I note that once again the question of the USENIX Association's
control of its membership is on the Board agenda.

As I think that this gets introduced periodically as a totally
bogus issue, I'm putting in my two cents.

The South African government and electorate are (by any 
definition except their own) evil and oppressive.  The 
Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 enjoins U.S. 
companies from exporting computer information to South 
Africa.  Recently, the Commerce Department has permitted 
export to some academic institutions.  I do not believe 
that the release of Nelson Mandela has changed things a 
great deal.  I do not think that selective exports in 
any way restrict the oppressive regime.  I see no relaxation
of South African offenses against Indians, racially mixed 
individuals or couples, Jews, or other non-Anglo, non-Afrikaans
groups.

I see no reason why I should (even indirectly) help a 
police state gain better control through transaction 
processing programs, for example.

When their purses hurt enough, they may relax their 
oppression.

To hell with them.

Peter H. Salus

-- 

The difference between practice and theory in practice is always
greater than the difference between practice and theory in theory.