more on When Muni-WiFi Becomes Vehicle For Muni-Censorship

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: David Allen <David_Allen_AB63 () post harvard edu>
Date: August 25, 2006 10:22:16 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Re: [IP] When Muni-WiFi Becomes Vehicle For Muni-Censorship

Having been involved in muni nets, or at least plans for them, long  
years, a clear sense of choice has formed.

We can cede our nets to commercial interests who do not have  
community at heart.  I personally have documented several flat  
illegal steps by the current local provider, one so glaring as to  
have tipped a town vote against that provider something like 98 to 2.  
That was simply outrageous behavior with every - obvious - intent to  
line the pockets of the firm at the community's expense.

In such circumstance, I know who I do _not_ want making decisions  
about what is allowed on the pipes versus what is proscribed.  It is  
not such a company, with such a culture.

And shame on us, if we have no better political culture where we  
live, than one that would try the sorts of shenanigans reported in  
Culver City.  I do take responsibility for my voice in the local  
government.  Is that government perfect?  Far from it, but it is a  
country mile better than the closed culture of the provider with an  
illegal bent.  We as citizens can take steps to keep our polity on  
the upward path.  We are fools if we do not - that is where we live  
and only we can make it good.

If we take responsibility for our local governments and make them  
what they ought to be, they can make the best choices for the  
networks that would serve the community.  And that especially  
includes staying abreast with innovation and new services.

David Allen
Collab CPR


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