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IP: Indian and the net
From: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 10:38:09 -0500
While motivated by my trial testimony it has more to do with the impact of the network on people .. djf Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 05:50:59 +0530 From: Dominic <tempest () vsnl com> To: farber () cis upenn edu your reasoned testimony (microsoft) is an important contribution to a case (and debate) that should not be allowed to tail off into infinite legality. yet I cannot help but think that too much emphasis is being placed on technology. the core issue, surely, is one of democracy, even liberty, and hence talk of browses, etc. takes on deeper, mor subtle shades of meaning. this country is an interesting case study. because we steal with impunity, the legalities hold little immediate significance for most Indians. but the impact of computer technology in general and the web in particular on this culture are phenomenal. a society riddled with caste and prejudice has found a new avatar. today, every small town and even village have computer training schools which, no matter how limited, hold the potential to turn a young person on to a new beginning. once tuned, he or she confronts no immediate hierarchies as in most other industries. as a result, India finally has a modern sector where you don't have to be from a middle class background to make a major contribution. lads from small backwaters mix with graduates from IIT, ITT, etc. it warms the heart to be part of this scene. this can only be enhanced by open architecture. it is the ease with which one can make a contribution that powers such dynamic social change. as such, your words resonate far beyond the courtroom sir. so thank you for these. sincerely, dominic watson.
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