National RAB discusion

["Theodore J. Henry" <thenry@umabnet.ab.umd.edu>]

The recent postings sounds interesting with regard to the National RAB
network. I only have a few initial comments.

I will be very interested in the numbers game. While it has been
suggested that the Career/Pro listserver is too small, I am curious as to
the number of citizens who receive it. While a smaller number may
actively participate, I would think there are many more who stay informed
and will hopefully participate as things move forward. Clearly, better
participation by RAB/citizen viewers is critical and efforts need to be
made to increase the participation of the silent veiwer. During the past
year that I have been active, many individuals or groups have been silent,
although I am sure they read regularly to keep the "pulse" on certain
issues. And to be clear, this includes military people who I believe
would be able to add quite a bit as far as building the open, working
relationship, and community oriented groups who may only become active
when it is in their best interest and not participate at any other times
even though their input would be valuable.

I believe that the January meeting will be useful to the effort, and I am
glad to see ARC holding it. However, I question whether the meeting will
involve a better representation. Outside the NUMBER of citizen RAB members
who attend (which I assume ARC will post following the meeting), I would
think that those who travel for the meeting will mostly be regional. The
fact that people on Career/Pro put in there comments from Mass to Colorado
to California to locations outside the continental US is important, and
should not be overlooked.

Lastly, I like the idea of the papers. A good way to get community input
and a good measure of who should be considered for active posts in the
eventual Caucus set up. An active person now will most likey get more
done as the ball rolls further down the road.

Sincerely

Ted