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The Internet may be too democratizing for any government to let stand. When citizens have transparent access to what their government is really up to, those ins

The Internet may be too democratizing for any government to let stand. When citizens have transparent access to what their government is really up to, those inside the government may be held accountable, which is not something they will take kindly to. All of this hubbub regarding the Internet has occurred because of a very small percentage of users making waves (whether positive like those reporting the Greenpeace images or negative like those "organizing" the London riot). The only way governments can hope to control is through voluntary self-regulation as a result of fear of that government. We need everybody to be a thorn. That's the only way we won't end up in some Brave New 1984.

sedev 15y ago
When citizens have transparent access to what their government is really up to, those inside the government may be held accountable, which is not something they will take kindly to. I agree with this and want to expand on it a little. This is the way power works. If having a government, having a state, is to work at all, then those with power must be saddled with accountability. However, the track record seems to say that in the vast majority of cases, those who have power, immediately act to murder any ability to hold them accountable. Which is exactly why accountability must be enforced, as harshly as possible. When normal humans are granted power without accountability, evil results. Insist on accountability.
diminish 15y ago
in short; with the current set of humans complete freedom and lack of control tends to lead to mob rule, and complete governmental control leads to again mob-rule in the state.