Re: [wg-review] The Number 1 Problem

[Bob Jacobson <bluefire@well.com>]

I agree with Milton.  Consensus means unanimity and may be unattainable.
 ICANN strives for consensus and it results in problematic decisionmaking.

I suggest that DNSO instead encourage the formulation of majority and
minority positions, each of which can be floated before ICANN. 
Consensus can more easily be achieved within each of the camps.  In the
event that a hard decision needs to be made, DNSO can follow the
practice of most courts of law, which is to permit several opinions on
any topic.  Only the decisions that attain a majority vote become
policy, however.  

In this way, all voices can be heard and important issues raised, even
by those not in the "majority" overall.

Bob Jacobson
Redwood City, CA USA


Milton Mueller wrote:
> 
> Greg:
> Your message makes me glad I nominated you for co-chair. I don't fully agree with it! But it shows thought and leadership.
> 
> Now let me explain. I think what you propose won't hurt, and may help significantly, but won't solve the big problems.
> 
> The presence or absence of consensus in a group, or its ability to move toward consensus, is a symptom of certain underlying structural features of the group. Adopting "consensus" as a goal will not change those underlying structures.
> 
> Your approach may make participants more civil, more willing to listen, and even more productive. Those are important goals that I support. But the DNSO still has to make policy choices, and that is an inherently political process.
> 
> YJ said she would define consensus as majority vote.
> I would propose a slightly more demanding standard - say three fifths. But ultimately I accept the fact that we're going to disagree about things. The pursuit of consensus, which in my book (and I worked with the Quakers in anti-draft activity) means unanimity, or at least the unwillingness of anyone to block action by the rest of the group.
> 
> Not an attainable goal in this context, in my opinion.
> 
> --MM

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