Communications and Internet Regulation

[ThomWV]

What is this computer on my desk but another manifestation of my participation in our consumer economy? Is it anything more than that? Is it just another toy come into existence only to fill the leisure time Popular Mechanics promised me? Well hell yes its more than that! It is the world's most versatile communications tool, and that is certainly one hell of a lot more.

I have an Amateur Radio Operator's License, what you might call a HAM license. I've had it for years and my call sign is current but if I had to take any of the tests today I'd flunk in a heartbeat. I do recall some of the rules though. HAM radio is a communications too too, and like the internet (which is accessible via HAM radio) one can use it to communicate with the world.

Here is where the two are different. HAM radio is heavily regulated and the Internet is not. You might consider each an extreme. HAM radio shows you where internet regulation, or the regulation of any wide spread communications system can lead. When I use my radios I have to identify myself with every communicating. My identification is such that anyone who wishes to can easily, using Government resources, have my name and home address. I may not speak about politics on my radio. I may not speak about religion on my radio, I can not play music on my radio and I am counseled to avoid any controversial sub jets when using my radio. Violation of any of these offenses can lead to the revocation of my license.

Think about that whenever you see the start of internet regulation proposed. Things that start small get big.

KC8***