[IMC-US] Re: [imc-us-process] debate

[Sascha Meinrath]

Hi all,

> Andy, et al
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Andy Pyle" <andypie at earthlink.net>
>
> > We need to focus on this issue from the point of view of the masses of the
> READERS, not
> > just the tech people and the posters.  Do we want to steer the "US"
> readers, some of whom
> > will be first time viewers, "Good Ole USA" folks, to a "US" site that has
> a "US" focus, or
> > do we want them to see a global site with stories of struggle from all
> over the world ?
> > We are not here primarily to "preach to the choir" of the already
> committed- we are here
> > to become a rooted mass movement.  We need to help the "US" ordinary
> working people
> > develop an internationalist outlook and get over the "We're the best,
> screw the rest"
> > hangup.
>
> This is the best argument I've heard against a US site so far!  Actually, I
> don't think there should be one for this reason -- nothing to do with the
> "this is not the USA" reason, which is true of every country.  But several
> folks seem to be pretty set on it.  I would just hope that the global site
> will still have plenty of US features, just for this reason.

I think this argument sets up a false dichotomy between US-Centric and
Internationalist reporting.  A US IMC website will be what _we_, the
people participating in the project, make of it.  And it is certainly in
our power to connect local, regional, national, and international stories
and perspectives.  If those who are active in the website are interested
in internationalist reporting, then the website will reflect this.  In
this vein, I would invite Frank, Andy, or anyone else who is concerned
that this project would simply be a venue for preaching to the choir to be
involved in the project and help ensure that it encompasses a more
holistic perspective on the news.  I do agree with the critique that we
need to make sure to tie US news to its global repercussions -- I'm
confident that by identifying this concern early that we will avoid the
pitfall of becomming yet another US-centric/isolationist news source.

Given all the recent discussions on various lists, websites, etc., I will
be formulating a new draft of the proposal to incorporate many of the
issues raised.  This will be the fourth full draft and should be out
within the next day or two.

In solidarity,

--Sascha Meinrath
Urbana-Champaign IMC