Subject: Re: Markle initiative for universal e-mail
Vigdor Schreibman - FINS (fins@access.digex.net)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 11:24:58 -0400 (EDT)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 11:24:58 -0400 (EDT) From: Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <roundtable@cni.org> Subject: Re: Markle initiative for universal e-mail In-Reply-To: <199804170626.CAA20825@ice.clark.net> Message-Id: <Pine.SUN.3.96.980417110618.24364B-100000@access2.digex.net>
On Fri, 17 Apr 1998, Craig A. Johnson <caj@tdrs.com> wrote:
>
> I would add that getting "wired" by the phone companies, as some on
> this list so eagerly lust for, is not the be-all and end-all of the
> information age. Sometimes a little wisdom, perspective, and utility in
> how to manipulate information and glean knowledge might well substitute
> for the panting rush to connect everyone to computers in service of the
> much-vaunted and often scapegoted goal of "education."
So tell us Craig, what is the program for shifting out of
chaos toward wisdom, is there any organized effort on
that channel not directed by libertarianism, capitalism,
pluralism, "free market" democracy, and all the other
ideological fetish that now has drives our civilization?
> Of course, in light of the "technorealist" manifesto and such, people
> are bound to be confused, turned off, and cynical. Slogans can only
> reach so far.
Indeed this is so true, but what about "crowd politics" and
the whole establishment of activism that lives off of that
strategy, are you speaking about a real revolution in politics?
> Sometimes practical case experiences such as Coralee pointed to in
> her post yesterday, are worth listening to and responding to, and
> not just blowing out one's posterior.
Coralee's efforts are one of the few enlightening
signals on the Net, but I doubt that Markle's plan
for "social venture capital" will live up to her
(or my) modest expectations. The ring of savage
capitalism in that slogan sounds louder than the
the building of a sound infrastructure that can
support social equity and ecological balance.
> And, interestingly enough, sometimes we don't need the Bells, who
> sponsor ATC and others on this list, to make the local and community
> connections that are desirable. Sometimes there are the dreaded cable
> companies, or -- imagine this -- wireless companies.
Diversity and alternatives to the Bell solution
do, indeed, look interesting.
> So, before we all start shoving the big broadband pipes with
> omni-utilities down neighborhood throats, it might be wise to stand back
> just a bit and ask what the policy goal is -- to further enrich and
> enhance local monopolies or to actually diversify information. This
> question has rarely been asked of late on this list.
>
> Some recent posters, who are funded primarily by the Bells, seem to
> have problems with the advocacy of so-called "universal" e-mail access.
> Since terms are rarely defined, even less rarely understood, and often
> politically manipulated, I really suggest that people make their
> political and social goals clear, lest this discussion become yet
> another polemic on the issues.
Well put, Craig!
Do you really think that there is hope for discovering
such policy goals on the chaotic Net, tell us how ;-)?
Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>
[Browse the new Fins Information Age Library,
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