Dear ICANN Board Member,
Organized in 1969, the AHC is totally member supported
by individuals and organization representing virtually every facet of the horse world
from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horseman's associations
to horse show, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.In
its role as the national federation of horse people and organizations, the American
Horse Council gives the industry a forum to develop programs and map policies for
the future well being of the industry. The American Horse Council is the horse
industry's voice in Washington, D.C.
Therefore, the Internet plays a critical role
in enabling AHC to serve its diverse and geographically dispersed constituency.
The AHC website (www.horsecouncil.org) provides the ideal medium for disseminating
timely and useful information related to legislative activity, policy issues, industry
news and health advisories. It also allows convenient access to industry related
publications. Our members rely on this information to stay abreast of industry
related issues and as a mechanism for facilitating industry dialog and consensus.
Given
the vital role the Internet plays in both our day to day activities and from a long-term
strategic perspective, AHC believes it is very important that we and other noncommercial
organizations who depend upon the .ORG name space, to have a means to participate
in decisions that impact us directly. Furthermore, AHC believes that it is
important to protect the public's association of .ORG with no-profit entities.
We
are writing to endorse the concept of a .ORG Global Advisory Council, as proposed
by NeuStar to provide the global noncommercial community a voice in decisions that
may impact what is essentially the "noncommercial Interent". We also would
support the pratice of limiting registry sponsored .ORG marketing activities designed
to attract commercial registrations. Therefore, if NeuStar is selected to operate
the .ORG Registry, AHC intends to participate in the .ORG Global Advisory Council
at the Selection Committee, Council or membership level.
Sincerely,
Nicole D.
Lamoureus
Chief Operating Officer