From: jeblair@facstaff.wisc.edu (jim blair) Subject: INTERNET for ALL: the write in campaign Date: 2 Feb 1995 07:44:30 -0600 Subject: INTERNET for ALL! The write in campaign. I recently posted the message attached below. Several responses were received by either e-mail or post. One said we shouldn't do this because there are homeless, and another said that Africa lacks a water distribution system. But most were favorable. Poulosio@delphi.com suggests that the surplus 286's could be used for this. It was pointed out that my \\ should be // in the Thomas location (WELL! Pardon my DOS!), and that the Atlanta/Fulton county library system already has terminals that link to the net. Rather than just letting it go as another good idea that dies for lack of interest, I would like to see an e-mail "write in" campaign: if you support INTERNET FOR ALL, send e-mail in support to the Speaker at georgia6@hr.house.gov Can the net change influence legislation? Let's find out! Date: Fri, 6 Jan 95 14:24:44 CST From: "jim blair" To: alt-politics-economics@cs.utexas.edu, alt-politics-greens@cs.utexas.edu,alt-politics-usa-misc@cs.utexas.edu Cc: BCc: Subject: The Newt World Order: Internet for All! The Newt World Order: Internet for All! House speaker Newt Gingrich was seen on national news yesterday suggesting that lap top computers be given to everyone so they can access the information superhighway. Already pending legislation and major pending amendments are going to be made available at a WWW location: http:\\thomas.loc.gov A criticism of the whole internet concept is that it gives the conative elite (that's us) who are already richer than average, even better access to information than the general population. And in the modern world, information is a critical factor in being able to function. Internet will tip the field in favor of those who are already ahead. Newts concept of expanded access is a good idea. But the "free" laptop is not the best way to achieve the goal. For one thing, many would just be sold for alcohol or drugs. The way to make internet accessible to those who can't afford a home computer is to have terminals in public libraries. There is already a network of public libraries all across the country and especially in the major cities where they are available to the poor. Many libraries already have replaced the card catalog system with computer terminals. Madison has, and the entire south-central Wisconsin library network can be searched from a home computer by modem. It would not be nearly as expensive to connect these library terminals into the net as to buy a laptop for everyone, and it would make internet accessible to those who want it. ,,,,,,, _________ooo__(_O O_)__ooo___________________________________ (_) (jeblair@facstaff.wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin, Madison USA