Re: Fighting the cybercensor. (fwd)

[Jim Choate <ravage@EINSTEIN.ssz.com>]

Forwarded message:

> Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 03:28:53 -0800
> From: Bill Stewart <stewarts@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: Re: Fighting the cybercensor. (fwd)
> 
> At 12:11 AM 1/22/97 -0600, Jim Choate wrote:
> >> Singapore and China are blocking certain net groups. I think
> >> this is a bad thing, question is how can we stop it?
> >
> >'We' shouldn't, it is their own country and it is up to their populace to
> >stop it. Do you really want Singapore or China having a say in how we run
> >our web? I certainly don't, and won't support any move to force any
> 
> Nonsense - the net doesn't "belong" to "Singapore or China" -

The part of it that comes out of their pocketbook does. Just like the part of
'the net' that I pay for belongs to me. The net is a bunch of computers,
running software, hooked together over cables and other links. Each and
EVERY ONE of these require installation, upkeep, repair, and utility
support. This costs money. He who pays the money owns the net, everybody
else is along for the ride.

If we take your argument to its logical conclusion then once a box goes on
the net it belongs to nobody/everybody. Clearly utter nonsense.

If you really and truly believe that the net belongs to everyone and nobody
has a right to limit or otherwise control the hardware and software along
with the associated comm links they own and pay for then you obviously don't
understand what is going on.

                                                 Jim Choate
                                                 CyberTects
                                                 ravage@ssz.com


ps I also support France's current attempt at forcing the Georgia university
   web site on French soil to use French.