NANOG/ARIN in Chicago

Thu Apr 10 16:11:34 UTC 2003

I am very glad to see another joint meeting.  I think this was an excellent
idea and worked out very well for both organizations the first time.

I am sad to see it in Chicago.  I realize ARIN/NANOG had to organize this
some time ago, probably before Mayor Daley bulldozed Meigs field in the
middle of the night without warning to the FAA (or anyone else).

FWIW, AOPA has organized a boycott of Chicago until Meigs field is restored
to operational status.

This might be considered off-topic, but I know several ISPs that depend
on General Aviation to get personnel and parts to sites in emergencies.
Meigs field was the closest GA airport to downtown Chicago.  In fact, it
is basically _IN_ downtown Chicago, within sight of Sears Tower (even some
of the lower floors).

As such, it is not unlikely that mayor Daley's act of terrorism (done in the
name of security, by the way) has operational impact.  Hopefully by October,
Meigs will be operational and this will be moot.  However, if it is not, it
will be very difficult for me to bring myself to attend.  (If it were 
anything
less than ARIN/NANOG, I simply would not attend).

If anyone wants more information about the destruction of Meigs field,
please see http://www.aopa.org.  Please send any comments/questions to
me off-list.  I suspect the rest of the group doesn't want to hear the
flames/etc.

Owen
(donning nomex now)