I have cut all various discussions out of this in order to start an effort to get people to move on from the 2008 decision and accept it.

 

If you are gay and you go to Egypt – either on holiday or to Wikimania - you keep your sexuality private. In fact, for most countries in that area it doesn’t matter your sexual orientation; public displays of affection are frowned upon. If you can’t live with that then Egypt isn’t a destination for you. For all of us there is somewhere in the world we’d not go. Many Europeans would prefer not to visit the United States, not because they would be at risk (perhaps in the wrong part of L.A.) but because they do not wish to support the county’s economy with tourism euros due to some of its policies.

 

I intend to rely on rotation bringing a future Wikimania to somewhere I can afford to get to. With some of the things recently said on this list I’d love to be in Alexandria doing a talk on Wikinews and trying to grab people’s interest in the project. I’ve been encouraged to attend the Amsterdam get together but I don’t think I’ve time to prep a presentation for that.

 

So, what I’d like to see on this of-late-hyperactive list is acceptance of the 2008 decision and the concerns that have been raised addressed in the 2009 selection process. People, if you’re unhappy with Alexandria list the jury criteria and what aspects you believe were not taken into account. Or argue your case for “Human Rights record” to be added to the criteria. But if you do so keep it clear that it is for future bids, please accept the current 2008 decision and avoid creating drama.

 

 

Brian.