Zeitgeist

In 1962, J.C.R. Licklider proposed the creation of a global network of computers. Later that year, Licklider held a position at DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the USA) where he headed a project that would create such a network. Robert Kleinrock gave the world one of the first major breakthroughs toward this network which was the theory of packet switching that has formed the basis of modern network connections. ARPANET went live in 1969. The early world of networking was largely dominated by UNIX machines, and it was largely used by scientists, defense personnel, librarians, and engineers. While the network quickly became more complex, more difficult to manage, less secure, and more robust it was still missing the ease of use that would help it reach critical mass. This ease of use came in two parts. One part was in the form of the World Wide Web protocol developed by Tim Berners-Lee. The second part was the Mosaic web browser developed by Marc Andreesson at the NCSA.

For some time after the development of Mosaic, the web wasn't quite the way we know it today. Several companies like AOL created a walled garden of information that was available to consumers at a relatively high cost. The web wasn't quite as open as it is now. Then came the other guys, dial up Internet access providers who provided only a telephone number and offered access for little to nothing each month. By the late 1990s, the Internet was open, cheap, and here to stay.

Satellite, DSL connections, cable connections, and fiber optic connections were developed in relatively rapid succession. Each technology offered bandwidth improvements over its predecessor, and each one gained market share within certain areas. The real kickoff, however, was 3g access. It's cheap, fast, and convenient. From a device that can fit in your hand you can access the largest collection of human knowledge ever amassed, and you can communicate with people the world over. This was perhaps the biggest boom the Internet had ever seen. While people in developing areas may not have access to a desktop computer, a reliable method of transportation, clean water, shoes, or unspoilt food... they have a cell phone. We saw this put into action in the protests, riots, and uprisings around the world over the past year. Our technological accomplishment has enabled those who would have their voice heard.

As the government of the United States of America tries to move against its people and censor this network, electronic protest ensues. It's Gault-like protest that says "fine, have your way and we will refuse to work for you." There is no tax revenue if businesses shut their doors, employ no one, and generate no wealth. How then will you be able to function? You, Uncle Sam, operate solely by confiscating the wealth of those who produce wealth. You function only by the acquiescence of those you govern. What would you do if Google went offline for one day? What would you do if AT&T went offline for one day? The railroads? The airlines? The farmers? Oppressive laws that limit business, communication, and the spread of knowledge have no place in a free society. Continue the path of tyranny and you will have nothing.