May 14, 2006
Neutral Networks Feed Democracy's Roots--And Its Future
Working at the computer before checking out the Sunday political talk shows waiting on my DVR (my daughter calls these shows “the windbags”), I received a comment to a post I wrote Friday entitled “Trust, Politics and Internet Policy.”
The comment came from Jennifer Goebel, a 9th grade student in Plano, TX, who, with some friends, created a local campaign video, which they posted on Google Video and promoted via “web word of mouth” on MySpace. Their efforts were the focus and inspiration for my post.
I thought Jennifer’s comment was worthy of its own post. When we (and Congress) consider the policy questions related to net neutrality and Community Internet (a.k.a., muni-broadband), we’d be wise to remember Jennifer, her friends and their counterparts around the country. They are its future.
Here’s her comment, along with my reply to it.
Dear Mr. Shapiro, We had 16,384 hits up through election day (May 13). Everywhere we (the kids on the video) went people seemed to have seen the video. I know of some adults who only vote in major elections, who took time out to go vote, and I do give some credit to the video that was made. It feels good to be part of a grassroots campaign. This will make us kids get involved in more of the same…it feels good to think a person can make a difference. Thanks for including the story about our video on your blog. Sincerely, Jennifer Goebel 9th Grade Jasper High School
Jennifer, Thanks so much for responding. Your experience gives old fogeys like me hope that your generation will play a key role in revitalizing our democracy. Your comment underscores the point I tried to make about the importance of keeping the Internet a “neutral” platform for political (and other) speech, where 9th grade students with talent, intelligence and passion can exercise the same First Amendment rights (real and practical rights, not just theoretical rights) as large well-funded corporations. Please keep us posted on any further developments you’re aware of on this front, either locally in your area or on a wider scale. You are “IP Democracy” in action. Best of luck.
Posted by Mitch Shapiro at May 14, 2006 02:11 PM