[citation][nom]clonazepam[/nom]I'm trying to stay on topic and speak about gaming and internet, etc, but overall, I'd much rather see the US fix more important infrastructure like our bridges, levees, and waterways. Internet should be last on the list from a humanitarian perspective.[/citation]
I see the perspective you're viewing that from, but also consider what the internet has done for the world.
Global communication, ENDLESS knowledge and an overall smarter population. There used to be a time when those whom were stuck in rural areas, were basically screwed and cut off from the rest of the world. They didn't know much, if anything in terms of what was going on, and their knowledge and culture was limited to what they were raised on and now where they live - In the sticks.
I think having a globally connected society, that learns to think for themselves and seeks to learn facts and knowledge, is more valuable than almost anything I can name off the top of my head. You can now get a very respectable education, and be located on a farm in the middle of North Dakota. You never have to leave your house.
You're giving people endless opportunities and the advantage of not having your fate decided by geographical location and limitations.
Do you think these uprisings and rebellions would be happening in the Middle East without the internet? Do you think these people would even know what's going on around the world? Do you think they'd be able to communicate and organize like they do without the internet?
Look at China - they know this stuff. That's why they regulate and limit access to their population. They know exactly how powerful the internet is, and furthermore, do not want the internet giving people any wise ideas. They don't want people to know this wonderful life exists outside of what they've been told and the propaganda they've been taught since birth. China's biggest fear is having other culture invade and influence their own. The internet is the gateway for that. You break down China controlling the internet, and actually give the citizens access to the truth and endless amounts of knowledge, then I promise you, big things would be going on and changing in China.