40% in S.C. lack home Internet
State 7th from last in Web-dependent nation
By David Slade
Only six of every 10 people in South Carolina have Internet access in their homes, ranking the state seventh from last in a nation where getting online is increasingly necessary for finding a job, staying informed and obtaining services.
The Post and Courier
Joseph Williams uses the computers at the Charleston County Public Library about five times a week. He said he does not have Internet access at his home.
"I'm kind of shocked that it's so low," said Christopher Starr, chairman of the Computer Science Department at the College of Charleston. "What are the implications for people who don't have that connection, or access to the services that connection provides?"
At the Charleston County Public Library, where free online access is offered daily, Assistant Reference Manager Misty Jones said the computers are just about always in use, and there's usually a line.
"We've seen a real increase in people filling out job applications online," Jones said. "As you know, hardly anyone accepts them on paper any more. We have people paying bills online, and setting up e-mail accounts so that they can apply for jobs."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 67 percent of the people in the United States have Internet access at home, ranging from nearly 83 percent in New Hampshire to less than 53 percent in Mississippi. About 60 percent of South Carolinians have home Internet access.
The elderly, and those who did not graduate from high school are least likely to have access at home. White and Asian residents are more likely to have access than those who are black or Hispanic, a Census report released Wednesday said.
Ernest Andrade, the city of Charleston's director of business development and head of the high-tech-focused Digital Corridor initiative, said Internet access is important because it's a direct link to education and employment.
"One of the things the Internet has enabled people to do is to kind of level the playing field," he said. "It enables people to get information, to educate themselves, and that is the basis for improving yourself economically."
From 1997 to 2007, the number of U.S. households with Internet access more than tripled. For those with access, it's easier than ever to find a good doctor, price-shop for goods, pay bills, do research, rent a movie, find entertainment, hunt for a job, take a college class and more.
For those without, traditional methods of getting things done have in some cases become less convenient, as more businesses and the government expect people to go online to do things such as fill out job applications, or seeking unemployment compensation.
"SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) checks are a big one," Jones said. "I think a lot of employers require those background checks."
Andrade said the nation needs to develop a strategy to make high-speed connections available everywhere, just as the nation extended electricity to rural areas in the past.
"Ultimately, it comes down to economics, being able to give people the power to benefit economically from all the information that's available," he said. "To be able to share information about the skills that you have, with the rest of world, could be the path to making a good living."
Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.
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moonpie (anonymous) says...
Oh well I guess its gonna be free internet next?!
June 4, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
"Andrade said the nation needs to develop a strategy to make high-speed connections available everywhere, just as the nation extended electricity to rural areas in the past."
Andrade.....don't be an idiot. You can't equate internet access to electricity. This is just the first of a series of moves for the government to step in and somehow provide free internet access (on the taxpayers dime) to anyone who can't afford it. Next it will be giving free computers away. I'm sure they will say it is a constitutional right or some such nonsense.
The article protrays using the library internet access and just not acceptable when in reality it is good enough.
I feel it coming folks.....today nationalized healthcare....tomorrow.....a constitutional right to free internet access!!
June 4, 2009 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DougHuffman (anonymous) says...
Paid for by the working class and not by the welfare class. Remember that the 'wealthy' got that way by working.
Prepare to be assimilated by the BOG Obongo. Resistance to Obamination is futile. BOG Brother is watching - OBEY!
June 4, 2009 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
This is pathetic. But it's no excuse for socialism or subsidies.
June 4, 2009 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
Hold on to your wallets...All praise the Obamessiah!
June 4, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JDHawg (anonymous) says...
Pie, there's already free wifi in a loy of areas
June 4, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fred_durst1 (anonymous) says...
Whats the internet??? Is that the thing Al Gore invented in the basement of the White House a few years back?
June 4, 2009 at 7:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
LoL. You knuckledraggers fear of your new leader, President Barrack Obama, is a joy to watch.
I don't hear you blaming the stock market on Obama anymore. I guess that would be because it is up 30% since the mess Bush left.
Most of the rest of the world has better and higher speed internet which is considered like the infrastructure and necessary for the country to compete in the world market. Not in the US though. Just like the cel phone industry the rest of the world has left us behind. Our corporations are too worried about squeezing out every last dime from consumers rather than allowing the technology to advance.
The more people who are doing business and communications on the internet the more prosperous our country will be. High speed internet should be considered vital just as highways are for commerce.
You knuckledraggers should feel free to opt out of any free national plan so as not to sully your precious defunct ideologies. I'm sure some greedy corporate hack will be glad to take your money for infrastructure that is largely taxpayer supported anyway.
June 4, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
The self proclaimed realamerican says "The more people who are doing business and communications on the internet the more prosperous our country will be."
That's the point bubba, BO will find a way to tax it! Want to bet?
June 4, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
I can see it now. We must provide the nation with internet, because that's the only way to get a job. And if they can't apply online we are violating the pursuit of happiness. Give me a break. Go stand in line and wait for something. Something someone else is paying for (or as some people call "free") should never be convenient.
June 4, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Oh look, the realamericanhate_monger (formally know as blu_eyes, Jimislander, Spankhisbuns, johnQ and Malcolm malcontent)
Starts off yet another thread with his hate filled, miserable & bigoted rants from a deluded mind.
Does anyone remember the "algore tax"? Sometimes called the e-rate or Universal Service Fund? We are still paying for that crap.
It wont be long now, and the producers and earners will be picking up the tab for yet another perceived injustice.
This is all you need to know from the story;
"White and Asian residents are more likely to have access than those who are black or Hispanic, a Census report released Wednesday said."
Now, yet again, because white and asians '..are more likely...' it must be due to oppression.
How many of these folks lacking internet even care? Dont have a computer yet have cell phones? Plasma TVs with cable?
How was the questioned asked? - Do you have internet access in your home - yes or no?
realamericanmoron, the stock market isnt up anymore than it was in Nov.
Nov 5, 2008 - stock market = 9,139
Jan 21, 2009 - stock market = 8,228
May 4, 2009 - stock market = 8,212
Jun 3, 09 = 8,675.28
But the unemployment rate is, especially among the dealerships that GM(Government Motors) just closed.
Another 532,000 jobs in May, 16,000 jobs every day since the stimulus bill
598,000 jobs lost in January
706,000 jobs lost in February
742,000 jobs lost in March
545,000 jobs lost in April
And in May 532,000 jobs
obama is overseas, on yet another apology tour, now trying to be friends with Islamic states, like Iran - saying to Iran that having nukes is fine, just play nice, hello Bill Clinton and N. Korea. And obama is selling out Israel.
"Hey, Obama has just nationalized nothing more and nothing less than General Motors. Comrade Obama! Fidel, careful or we are going to end up to his right," Chavez joked on a live television broadcast.
Its pathetic, Jimmy Carter all over again.
June 4, 2009 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
You should change your name to realamericahater, because thats is all your post did, the rest of the world has left us behind in cell phones and internet...blah blah blah..bash the US. Just like your Dear leader is doing on his apology tour.
Everyone of the above posters see what this article means, one way or another, yet more money is going to be confiscated in the name of fairness and sharing through punitive taxation.
On Saturday, July 4th, be part of the Taxed Enough Already (TEA) party rally in your community. Help organize a local TEA Party.
June 4, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
badplf (anonymous) says...
life, liberty and the pursuit of high-speed internet...
June 4, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
well realamericanembarasssment, typical liberal. Not only do they want "free necessities", but also free luxuries. Everyone deserves a steak and some porn a couple nights a week, right?
June 4, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
realamerican: Knuckledraggers...is that a racist remark from a liberal? Shame on you!
June 4, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
Despite all the one-sided, conservative, fear-of-change government hating, there's a solid point to the claim that there needs to be more widespread internet access in this state. We live in the US, we're supposed to be the greatest nation on Earth, and for us to collectively twiddle our thumbs as countries like Japan and the UK come up with more effective ways to distribute technology is a bit depressing.
Thankfully, many of our technology corporations - as in, not government agencies, for the tinfoil hat crowd - like AMD, Intel, Cisco, IBM, etc., are pumping money into making our information systems architecture more effective and more widely available to all citizens. They rightly see it not only as a chance to further the country, but also as an opportunity to place their brands at the forefront of development and consumer consciousness.
So hey, universally accessible, free or extremely cheap Internet access is something that is being worked toward, but no worries for all of you government-hating folks, it's in the hands of private corporations.
"Its pathetic, Jimmy Carter all over again."
At least it's not Reagan; it would be a shame if we were to exponentially increase our national deficit on space lasers all over again. And hey, Obama's "apology tour" isn't much of an apology. He hasn't even apologized for the fact that Reagan-era Cold War interventions created the entire problem we're having with Bin Laden in particular and the Muslim world in general.
And I have to ask, do conservatives ever get tired of flip-flopping between screaming "we can't let Israel direct policy!" and "we have to support Israel!"? Every administration tries to do its best, but given the fact that a state was arbitrarily carved out of other territories to give a home to a people surrounded by other groups who hate them, I'd say there's no easy solution and no end in sight to the conflict over Israel.
Other good news today, jobless claims are at a 20 week low and appear to be steadily declining. Wal-Mart alone is creating 22,000 more jobs in new stores across the country.
Concerning GM, there were two options: try to help, or stand by and let the company fold and take hundreds of thousands of jobs and potentially many other companies and their jobs with it. Given that there was no "good" answer, the "least bad" answer seems obvious.
June 4, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Not having high speed internet is uncivilized
June 4, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I can personally speak to the great access via our public libraries. I moved into a new home last week and was without cable and internet.
I remembered from my financially leaner years, when I couldn't afford internet access, how I used the library for everything from books to DVDs to tax forms to internet access.
I went to the Sangaree Branch this past Sunday and was able to use the computer after a short wait.
There's no reason why the government should go any further than subsidizing libraries in order to give the "poor" internet access.
Cable, internet and in some cases cell phones are extraneous items and are NOT vital to ones existence.
It is a WANT.
NOT a NEED.
I agree with several posters that a push towards government subsidized 'in-home' internet access is wrong and should be vehemently opposed.
June 4, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LCConservative (anonymous) says...
The government that's big enough to provide you with everything you need, is big enough to take everything you have. (Props to Richard Todd on The Morning Buzz)
June 4, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mypointofview (anonymous) says...
realamerican..you can continue to spew your venom at those you hate but remember...those you hate are the ones funding the ones you love. Someone has to work to pay the bills for those who won't. Better play nice!
Moral: There is no FREE lunch. Seriously, SOMEONE is paying for it. realamerican...I'm guessing it isn't you.
June 4, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
It seems like 95% of you on here today totally suck, and I continue to fear for this nation.
June 4, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I was wondering if anyone saw the episode last night on South Park when the country lost (except for a very limited amount in California) the internet and the chaos that ensued! Freakin hilarious!
June 4, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
I thought the left hated that non-unionized Wal-mart?
Still, the number of initial claims remains stubbornly high, above the 605,000 level.
The unemployment rate, meanwhile, will rise to 9.2 percent from 8.9 percent in April, analysts forecast.
GM said earlier this week it will close nine factories the closings, which will take place through the end of 2010, will cost 18,000 to 20,000 workers their jobs.
Chrysler, meanwhile, has temporarily idled all its U.S. factories after filing for bankruptcy protection, resulting in 27,000 layoffs. That decision caused claims to jump in the first week of May.
The shutdowns also could affect auto suppliers, which employ 3 million workers.
Hope and change!
June 4, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Hmmm...would a rather have new rims on my car or high speed internet at home?
Would I rather "ice up my grill" or have high speed internet at home?
Would I rather get another tattoo or have high speed internet at home?
---
Other good news today, jobless claims are at a 20 week low and appear to be steadily declining. Wal-Mart alone is creating 22,000 more jobs in new stores across the country.
==> Uh oh...the evil non-union WalMart. Don't get Hamilton started on these minimum wage jobs! Wait until the GM/Crysler jobs hit the unemployment rolls.
----
Concerning GM, there were two options: try to help, or stand by and let the company fold and take hundreds of thousands of jobs and potentially many other companies and their jobs with it. Given that there was no "good" answer, the "least bad" answer seems obvious.
==> Let's see, give them $60 billion after the already given $30 billion for cars that no one wants to buy. Once the union is in control, we will be bailing them out again--COUNT ON IT!
---
"Its pathetic, Jimmy Carter all over again."
At least it's not Reagan; it would be a shame if we were to exponentially increase our national deficit on space lasers all over again. And hey, Obama's "apology tour" isn't much of an apology. He hasn't even apologized for the fact that Reagan-era Cold War interventions created the entire problem we're having with Bin Laden in particular and the Muslim world in general.
===> The Carter moment will occur when interest rates hit 10% when no one else will lend us money. And Reagan didn't give the money away to lazy Americans.
And another thing...I sincerly hope that you are not an attorney....you would more than likely get smoked in a courtroom.
June 4, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fred_durst1 (anonymous) says...
I didn't see anywhere in the article that said the government was planning on subsidizing or providing free internet to anyone. all I saw was a guy from Charleston who has an opinion that there should be a national strategy to make high speed connections available.
Could that national strategy not be that the government does nothing and waits for the private sector to do it? Make no mistake that Japan, Europe, and other countries are marching well ahead of us in the technology arena and thats not a good thing.
Consider discussing the role of technology in our future development as a country as opposed to making this another platform for "you crazy liberals, NObama, blah blah or "you right wing crazy religious ideological blah blah"
O.K. now anxiously waiting to getting pounded from both sides
June 4, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Good call BlackReign. Might rain today... damn that Obama... seems his four years in the Senate set this country up for the most spectacular economic failure in decades.
June 4, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Some interesting studies, take as you want;
U.S. Home Internet Adoption Slowing Down
February 27, 2006 | by Geoff Duncan
A study from Parks Associates finds 36 percent of American homes aren't online at all, and, of those, very few intend to get Internet access anytime soon.
A new study from Parks Associates, The National Technology Scan (2005) finds that some 36 percent of American homes were not online in 2005: expanded out into real numbers, that's roughly 39 million U.S. households which have no Internet access at all. Among households without Internet access, only 2 percent reported they intended to sign up for some form of Internet service by the end of the year.
The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. households, and speculates its results may indicate the U.S. is reaching a zenith in terms of Internet penetration in homes: for the most part, those who want Internet access already have it. "We are clearly facing a problem of demand, not supply," said John Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates. "Computers and Internet service have never been cheaper, yet many households still show little enthusiasm for the technology."
What about those households? Of those, 29 percent reported they do not own a computer and 5 percent would not subscribe to Internet service "at any cost."
http://news.digitaltrends.com/news-ar...
Check out the question - 'What is the MAIN reason you dont use internet or email?'
33% - Not interested in getting online.
http://www.pewinternet.org/Infographi...
Again - How many of these folks lacking internet even care?
Dont have a computer yet have cell phones?
Plasma TVs with cable and not internet connection?
How was the questioned asked? - Do you have internet access in your home - yes or no? If no, why?
June 4, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
"So hey, universally accessible, free or extremely cheap Internet access is something that is being worked toward, but no worries for all of you government-hating folks, it's in the hands of private corporations."
I agree with you completely Itgrunt. It should be in the hands of private corporations as well as a lot of other things. I'm not saying it shouldn't be available. Anything that is practical from a business and consumer standpoint should be available. I'm saying people shouldn't have it if other people are paying for it.
As far as GM goes. In the free market, when a company fails it leaves a hole in the market that will be filled. If the demand is there it will be filled. That's logic. Many of the people that would lose jobs at GM would find work filling that hole in demand. Whether it be for a new company or for an existing company.
A business is in business to make a profit, not to provide jobs. People don't start companies to provide work, that's what the government does. In turn by making a profit you can provide jobs. Not the other way around.
This also proposes another problem. If the government is willing to let the taxpayer save this company, where does it draw the line for what businesses it helps? How many thousands of jobs have to be at risk for the taxpayer to save them? Is the persons livelihood that works for a corporation more important than a persons that works for a small company? Government assistance is like a wildfire. All it takes is that spark and it'll be spreading faster than we can control it.
June 4, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
oh crap, now I am going to be accused of being Larz13, among the other 30 screen personas I have been accused as being on here! LOL
Look out larz13, grunt will be gunning for ya!
June 4, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Posted by counterpoint
"Good call BlackReign. Might rain today... damn that Obama... seems his four years in the Senate set this country up for the most spectacular economic failure in decades."
Yep, your right, he did vote in support of many of the bills that Bush signed into law.
Obama's votes were in line with the president's position 40 percent of the time in 2007; In 2006 he voted alongside the president 49 percent of the time, and in 2005, the year before Democrats took control of the Senate, Obama voted with the president only 33 percent of the time.
June 4, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
rims or a tattoo? both....let the gubmint pay for my internet 'caus I po
June 4, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
The study you provided surveyed 1,000 out of 39,000,000 homes, BlackReign. The ever-present question of biased sample seems all too obvious with this study. How were the 1,000 homes chosen? What were the demographics? Age, gender, ethnicity and income? How much diversity did the selection represent? Were more homes questioned and disagreeable results rejected?
Larz, unions aren't terribly effective in modern retail environments, so it really wouldn't matter anyway. But really, jobs are jobs, and having more of them is a good thing. As for Chrysler, production is expected to resume within 60 days of the bankruptcy filing, so many of those idled plants could be up and running within another month. The temporary stop was a bad thing, sure, but not putting that many people permanently out of their jobs isn't bad. Plus, auto unions are now being reigned in, with half the previous pay, reduced frivolous benefits and they're being saddled with the responsibility of working on the bottom line of the company instead of only looking out for wages and benefits for members.
With any luck, GM can turn itself around and buy itself back from the government within a decade, with the taxpayers netting a tidy profit in the end.
To say that anyone is giving money away to lazy Americans is hateful and dishonest; we're in the middle of a recession, and even BlackReign is providing all these numbers on how bad unemployment is getting. Clearly, the number of people not working isn't a voluntary problem of laziness. At any rate, helping people for a stretch between jobs is better than throwing money away on space lasers.
Fred, that's exactly why I'm optimistic about the work that US technology companies are doing to improve effectiveness and availability of technology. The more work that the technology and telecoms do to make Internet available - as long as they support Net Neutrality of course - the better.
June 4, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
guided, I saw it. I loved the "porno' section. "click"!
June 4, 2009 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Black--there is only one of me. In fact, I have only ever had one commment removed (and I probably deserved it).
Thanks for the warning about grunt, but I do not fear military non-intelligence. I'll hang with the officers.
June 4, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
"As far as GM goes. In the free market, when a company fails it leaves a hole in the market that will be filled. If the demand is there it will be filled. That's logic. Many of the people that would lose jobs at GM would find work filling that hole in demand. Whether it be for a new company or for an existing company."
Normally I would agree, Nopartisan, but I'm not so sure that such a passive approach would be appropriate during this kind of recession. Typically one company would buy out another failing or floundering company - that's part of how the Big 3 got to be the Big 3, by buying out all the smaller car companies - but with demand for domestic cars down and with the other companies in such rough shape, the niche in sales is going to be filled by foreign cars and another US company isn't going to come in and take up all that labor.
As I've said before, this isn't a perfect solution, but it's an emergency, disaster-prevention kind of situation, and if all goes as planned, it could end up making the government and the people a profit by the time it's all over.
Smaller companies are already being merged, acquired, or even just folding and having at least some of their employees absorbed by competitors. The problem with the potential failure of a company the size of GM is that it puts an immediate and tremendous strain on an already taxed economy, which could make the entire recession problem that much worse. Again, not a perfect solution, but a good effort with minimizing damage being the goal in mind.
"Look out larz13, grunt will be gunning for ya!"
Spectacular, BR. Keep making personal attacks against me; it doesn't matter what I actually say anyway, right? I'm just a crazy, arrogant, leftist communist whatever, according to you. I guess summarily dismissing someone as the enemy is easier than dealing with their points anyway.
June 4, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Posted by mypointofview on June 4, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
realamerican..you can continue to spew your venom at those you hate but remember...those you hate are the ones funding the ones you love. Someone has to work to pay the bills for those who won't. Better play nice!
Moral: There is no FREE lunch. Seriously, SOMEONE is paying for it. realamerican...I'm guessing it isn't you.
--------------------------------------------------------
Why do you think liberals earn less than conservatives?
A quick google will show you the most liberal states are also the most prosperous while the conservative states are at the very bottom as far as earnings go.
South Carolina is a welfare state thanks to you conservatives. It gets 30% more from the much hated federal government than it puts in. So you see you are 180 degrees out, it is us liberals that create the wealth and are supporting conservative states.
The myth that conservatives are "fiscally conservative" and "moral" went out the window after the last 8 years of Bush and his immoral regime. Scream all you want and believe your own propaganda. You fool no one but yourselves. That is why the rest of the civilized voters threw the republicans out during the last election.
June 4, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
I used the library Internet for years as I was saving up money to buy my home. I was also without cable and a cell phone for quite some time. People do not NEED these things (unless it is vital for them to be able to make a living. But, the Gov't subsidizes so many other things, I am sure the Information Superhighway isn't far behind.
June 4, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Posted by ltgrunt on June 4, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The study you provided surveyed 1,000 out of 39,000,000 homes, BlackReign. The ever-present question of biased sample seems all too obvious with this study. How were the 1,000 homes chosen? What were the demographics? Age, gender, ethnicity and income? How much diversity did the selection represent? Were more homes questioned and disagreeable results rejected?"
Strange enough, again, I asked the same of this article. Yet again grunt, you choose only to accept stats, studies and polls that YOU want to accept.
From the article/study I posted;
"We are clearly facing a problem of demand, not supply," said John Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates. "Computers and Internet service have never been cheaper, yet many households still show little enthusiasm for the technology."
What about those households? Of those, 29 percent reported they do not own a computer and 5 percent would not subscribe to Internet service "at any cost."
-----
This guy is working with and industry that is all about profit that is dependent on sustaining or increasing internt use. Tell me how this can be slanted or bias?
Seriously grunt, I think you would argue with road kill. Opps, was that an ad hominem attack...?
LOL.
June 4, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
The only way you can not have access to the internet is to not have a phone line in your home. They aren't saying that 40% don't have internet access, they are saying that 40% don't have broadband access. My mother still uses dialup, so do a lot of people in the area I live in. I know people who don't even own a computer and don't want to. This is just another "the government isn't big enough yet" story about a non-issue.
June 4, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
realamerican, how about the myth that all conservatives are republicans or all liberals are democrats. I see plenty of republicans with strong liberal views. Bush was not the most conservative, hence the bailout. Forget the political parties. Without the parties, there is no politics. It comes down to logic. If people voted on policy, rather than party we might have more educated choices as far as our elected officials. We would have to vote based on who we really agree with, not what the tube tells us.
June 4, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Blackreign is a hypocritical leach.
He depends on the government for his very existence yet criticizes anyone else who is eligible and collects assistance with just as valid of a reason as him yet for some reason, having something to do with the color of their skin, he feels he is more moral and deserving than they are.
As poor as he is and he considers himself a republican.
Just shows how truly ignorant his comments are.
June 4, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Can we come full circle and start blaming Obama for Bush?
June 4, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
BlackReign, if you're really questioning the statistics and the methods used to acquire them, why support the conclusions that the study came to about Internet service? If the premise is potentially flawed, how is the conclusion reliable?
As far as why I would take one survey over another, it may have something to do with the fact that the US Census Bureau contacts a great deal more houses than most other surveys. Still, even ignoring any statistical data, the fact remains that Internet penetration is at less than 100% when it could be higher. But, as I already pointed out for the benefit of all those worried about government expansion and Big Brother, private corporations are at the forefront of making the Internet more available, more reliable and more affordable.
Major, dialup is an Internet service in the same sense that a moped is an automobile. Yes, it meets the minimum criteria to be lumped in the same broad category, but it lacks the capabilities of the "real thing." Technological progress isn't about clinging to the greatest developments of the 19th Century, but even with the capability for using dialup, availability still isn't at 100%. There are still areas in the US where people who have phone lines cannot dial up to get online, or where they must pay exorbitant long-distance fees to do so.
Sadly, Nopartisan, politics has degenerated into sales and popularity contests between competing brainwashing institutions. The way every choice gets distilled into black-and-white, "us vs. them," "with us or against us" mentality is detrimental and self-destructive to the country as a whole.
June 4, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
I guess you can't march forward without a finger of blame to lead the way.
June 4, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
LMAO @ unrealamerican (AKA, the deleted blue_eyes, jimislander, spankhisbuns and Johnq 1&2).
Another brilliant response from a true forum troll.
realamerican_nut, it must be terrible to live in such a miserable world as yours. To be filled with such bigotry, hate and rage. It is pathetic Malcolm Malcontent.
June 4, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
"I guess you can't march forward without a finger of blame to lead the way."
Or a good chant to block out critical thinking.
June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonbill (anonymous) says...
1 in 10 of the people in South Carolina are without a job. If it comes to internet or food, the internet will have to go. I have been there. The library internet was my next choice as it was free. If unemployment declines and more folks go back to work, the 40% number will also decline. There are probably 20% of the folks who do not need or want this tool in their home. They are happy picking up the phone and having a good old conversation with another person. The internet is not always needed. I have the internet and use it daily, but at retirement, I could care less.
June 4, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
real isn't the only troll here...most of the posters bring nothing to the table, with the same tired rhetoric over and over again. I'm waiting for someone to flip this into abortion....again.
On a better note...guided, I don't watch too much Southpark anymore- I am much more of a Family Guy kinda guy. I still can't believe some of the things that they get away with on that show.
June 4, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
"As poor as he is and he considers himself a republican." realamericanembarassment, where do you come up with this stuff.
June 4, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Anyone with an iPod touch can log on at a Wi-Fi area free of charge. Same thing if you have a laptop. For a long time I never had internet at home. I would go to Atlanta Bread Co. in-between classes at CSU and use theirs. Even McDonald's has free Wi-Fi.
June 4, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
Not all Wi-Fi access points are free of charge, Iceman. Most airports charge per-minute, and some coffee shops and other locations require a purchase before giving out logon information.
Also, *always* beware Wi-Fi scams; it's very easy for someone to sit in a parking lot, make their computer available as a Wi-Fi connection with a deceptive name and steal information from anyone who connects to them. *Never* connect to a Wi-Fi connection that is running in Ad-Hoc mode unless it's one run by a friend or colleague who you can trust.
June 4, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
It helps to be able to read to use the internet.
June 4, 2009 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
A population able to use the internet is a core economic resource for a community. Schools and employers now rely on it. While it's available at the library, hours of operation may be cut due to County budget cuts this summer. Some branches may have their hours reduced more than others. The amount of time a person is allowed to use the library internet work stations when they're busy has been reduced as well, so there is more turnover.
However, it took my son an hour to fill out an application online to be a bag boy at BI-LO. The online form requested a huge amount of data, including responses to a lengthy situational character test. It sure wasn't the one page form I turned in when I was his age. The data submitted enabled (and authorized) an online criminal records search, among other things.
We're setting up some political meetings now. We're trying to go towards a more paperless data flow, so making sure meeting locations have functional WI-FI is becoming very important. We use the Obama / OFA web to record everything online, on the spot. It sure beats hours of transcribing handwritten forms.
June 4, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
wjh, my son has filled out apps at several companies online, and it is convenient, however, you can go to Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Wal-mart, and many more and fill out an app right there in the store with their on site application system.
Now you may have to wait a little to use it, so I guess in this instant gratification society, that would be asking to much.
As to the earlier discussions/comments of the un-employment numbers, has anyone read this story;
Ballmer Says Tax Would Move Microsoft Jobs Offshore
June 3 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steven Ballmer said the world's largest software company would move some employees offshore if Congress enacts President Barack Obama's plans to impose higher taxes on U.S. companies' foreign profits.
"It makes U.S. jobs more expensive," Ballmer said in an interview. "We're better off taking lots of people and moving them out of the U.S. as opposed to keeping them inside the U.S."
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pi...
I know, its just those evil greedy corporations right?
Hope and change.
June 4, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
so they counted the people like my Mom who has never touched a computer and who has no want or need for internet access?
Did they count a family as one or if there are 10 people in teh home without internet, did they count 10 including the grandparents and toddlers?
June 4, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
I only hope to change the change we're hopin for.
June 4, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
CLT has free WiFi, CHS and ATL do not.
June 4, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chilldiesel83 (anonymous) says...
Quick comment on the whole internet thing. I think someone said something about if you have a phone line then you can get access. but because it isnt roadrunner 1.21 gigawatts fast, it isnt good enough. Netzero would love to talk to you! Just another dumb story about nothing on the P&C. The government should not give out free internet.
So anyways, my comment has to do with another part of the story. Not quoting but the story said something about looking for jobs and creating email addresses blah blah for jobs and stuff. Well I have one observation... As having seen some recent resumes, and if you are really looking for a job, when you do go to create that resume please use spell check and on a funnier note, when you are creating those magical email addresses, dont create something like bigbootydancer42 at yahoo or tricklovesdakids98 at gmail.com lol. My main concern is that after the day is gone and all is said and done, there wont be any of us left to say we told you so and that they were wrong.
June 4, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhatMeWorry (anonymous) says...
The bigger take-home point from this article is not whether or not universal internet access is important, but rather that South Carolina, yet again, ranks at the bottom.
If you consider computer use and ability to navigate the internet a marker for "success" or "civilization," then this means we are way behind most other states.
If you don't think internet access has anything to do with success and being able to educate and compete, then this poll is meaningless.
June 4, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiscalConservative (anonymous) says...
We need high speed internet for everyone. The world is leaving us behind and they will continue to do so. We have become lazy and want everything handed to us and feel entitled to everything. These people in India and China are hungry for what we have and will fight hard to get it. You work a lot harder when you are fighting for survival.
I am against gov't handouts but not in regards to infrastructure. Pull all welfare programs and fund this. This is as necessary as roads. Build it but do not give it away for free. We need to be able to access this wealth of information that is out there
June 4, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
Thug, another problem with in-store application kiosks is that if they break down it could take days or even weeks for a technician to be sent from the nearest regional office to repair it.
That's an interesting and informing article on how large corporations cheat tax systems. It's interesting to see how big companies get riled up like that when they're told that tax codes are going to be enforced.
Chilldiesel, dialup Internet service isn't available everywhere. Additionally, Netzero's service has never been anything to write home about, and was only appropriately priced when it was free. Now they throttle their standard service and only give full dialup speed to people who pay for their "accelerated" service.
There have been good dialup Internet service providers - locally, A World of Difference was a great one until they went under. But dialup providers are losing ground to faster, similarly priced broadband options that don't tie up phone lines. This means that dialup service areas are shrinking, but the rate of broadband growth hasn't matched, so we're seeing areas where broadband hasn't arrived yet, but small dialup companies are withering and large dialup companies aren't providing local access numbers.
And yes, a more reasonable e-mail address is recommended for job hunters. A good recommendation is to use one's initials followed by month and day of birth. Example, Adam B. Cap, born on April twelfth would use abc412@[whatever].com. It's quick, easy to remember, and you'll rarely run into an instance where that specific combination is already taken.
June 4, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
So, we give everyone high speed internet. Then I guess we give them free high speed computers to use to access their high speed internet. Then we give them free electricity so they can use their high speed computer on their high speed internet connection. Then we give them a free place to live so they can get their free electricity- and so forth and so forth. Oh yeah, then throw in a free car so they can get to their job that they got from using their high speed internet.
WJ - lets let Obamamessiah take care of this. Maybe he can get some of his new Hamas buddies to throw in a few coins to help pay for it. After all, they are fellow Muslims.
June 4, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
MP, you might have missed the fact train and gotten onboard the fiction trolley. President Obama follows the Christian faith.
Also, the driving force behind Internet proliferation isn't government, it's private enterprises like technology firms and telecoms.
June 4, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
ltgrunt- You do not watch the news much, do you.
June 4, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
"ltgrunt- You do not watch the news much, do you."
I read and watch real news, not propaganda and sensationalism. Why? Am I missing some new monster of the week fearmongering?
Oh! Wait, I know! I bet you're being misinformed about President Obama's foreign relations tour in the Middle East.
June 4, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Blue_Gum (anonymous) says...
I had to register after reading ltgrunt's post. Although Mr Obama, professes to be of the Christian faith, his background has a great deal of Muslim heritage and influence.
"if you actually took the number of Muslim Americans, we'd be one of the largest Muslim countries in the world".
So says President Barack Obama. Or I should say: Barack Hussein Obama."
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/toby_har...
NO, we would not. Why would Obama, make such a false statement?
Is that bad? Not sure, but should he be over seas apologizing for this nations role in combating terrorism in nations that really could care less about America and see us as enemies because of our long standing support of Israel?
Have we not interjected ourselves in the name of defending Muslims? Helping the Taliban in the 80's against the USSR, saving Muslims from slaughter in Bosnia, America has tried to stand and defend the underdog. Our we now going to turn our back on Israel to placate Muslims or Arabs?
Not long ago, the PLO were a terrorist organization, now we have Hamas and Mr Obama, wants to talk to them? Not long ago, we as a nation said that Iran should not have nujes, now Mr Obama, says it is their right. Didnt the Clinton administration try that with North Korea?
Anyway, Obama was raised by a Muslim stepfather and attended a Muslim school in Indonesia as a child.
He lived in the country with his stepfather from 1967 to 1971.
Say what you want, but if this nation turns its back on Israel, we will reap the whirlwind IMHO.
As for internet access, if you want it, pay for it. Why should I pay for your wants & desires? I dont have to buy you cable or a cell phone YET.
June 4, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Blue_Gum (anonymous) says...
For your consideration ltgrunt;
CAIRO (AP) - There was a time when Barack Obama wasn't eager to highlight his ties to Islam.
Just a year ago, he was a presidential candidate trying to counter false Internet rumors that he was a Muslim as he sought the support of American voters.
Now, Obama is the U.S. president. And his audience is bigger and more diverse: a world that includes 1.5 billion Muslims.
Obama sought common ground with Muslims on Thursday by tracing personal links to Islam throughout his life as he laid out his vision for a strengthened relationship between America and followers of that faith.
"I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims," Obama said.
"As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk," he continued. "As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam ... I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story."
He also referred to himself by his full name-Barack Hussein Obama-and said he's "known Islam on three continents," experiences he said guide his convictions for a renewed relationship between Americans and Muslims.
And, he quoted from the Quran and issued a greeting of peace heard in Muslim communities in the United States, saying "assalaamu alaykum."
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?...
http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/n...
June 4, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
You've chosen a rather controversial username there, Blue. I'm not sure if you're aware that it's a racially charged epithet. I'm guessing it comes from an old in-joke between friends, but it might turn out to have been a poor choice for a username. As I recall, a frequent user was moderated just the other day for using that particular slur. Odd that it should come up twice in such a short period.
Have you actually read the speech for yourself, Blue? I recommend reading the entire speech without making the predeterminations that preclude respect and understanding.
June 4, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seneca264 (anonymous) says...
Problem solved. Go to the library. Oh, so you think you are too good to wait in line and instead you think I should pay for your internet so that you can sit home on your fat ass and download music and look at porn. I don't think so. Go out and get a job like the rest of us and pay for your own internet service like the rest of had to.
June 4, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
ltgrunt - just to show you that you have blinders on, read the following news clip from today's news:
CAIRO Invoking the Quran and his rarely used middle name, Barack Hussein Obama declared Thursday that America has a common cause with Islam and never will be at war with the faith - an overture intently watched by the Muslim world and welcomed in unlikely quarters. An Iranian cleric called the president's speech "an initial step for removing misconceptions."
Obama spoke at a seat of Islamic learning, his 55-minute address suffused with respect for touchstones of the religion. He said the time had come to "speak the truth" and "seek a new beginning."
Mr. Obama was raised and educated as a devout and active Muslim and only agreed to switch to Christianity because Michelle would not marry him unless he did.
About Blue_Gum, he can call himself whatever he wants. Last I checked, the 1st Amendment had not been repealed.
June 4, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
The First Amendment protects us from government oppression of free speech. It doesn't prevent a private business like a newspaper from banning people from their private website for having offensive names. Also, the First Amendment doesn't give us carte blanch to be offensive and intolerant.
It is true that President Obama gave a speech in Cairo today and that many Muslims reacted positively overall to the speech. It is also true that the speech was about truth, new beginnings and building a new relationship between Islam and the West.
What is not true, however, is your assertion about President Obama's faith. It looks like you've been shucked and jived into believing something that just isn't true.
Still, as I suggested to Blue, read the speech for yourself. It's a good read, and there are a lot of accurate, thought-provoking topics points. The points on how we used Muslims in Afghanastan as proxies in our Cold War conflict with the USSR, how we need to work toward a lasting peace in the Middle East including a two-state solution for Israel and how we're working toward a world with no nuclear weapons are all things to think about.
June 4, 2009 at 10:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
the poster's name is Blue Gum for god's sake- anything that he says should be taken with a grain of salt.
And yes, it is a racial slur- a rather nasty one. If you say that it isn't, you're either stupid or completely naive.
June 5, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
grunt & vmirat90 - not sure who or what blue gum is, I did a yahoo search, and it didnt show anything that would indicate a racist connotation, I did see a lot of Eucalyptus tree references;
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=blue...
I thought it was a trick gum that turns the mouth blue!
Heck there is even a The Blue Gum Motel located in a beautiful Blue Gum Eucalyptus Grove.
Maybe if blue_gum sees your post he will explain. But I cant find a racist meaning to it. But if it is a racial slur- please dont explain it to me, I would rather stay naive on this one!
As for obama's continued apology tour, I could care less. We are not the bad guys. Do you remember seeing the palistians dancing in the streets and celebrating after 9-11?
June 5, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
correction - palestinians
International news agencies continue to refrain from broadcasting video footage showing Palestinians, including members of Palestinian security forces, celebrating after this week's terrorist attacks in the United States due to severe threats and warnings issued by Palestinian Authority officials and representatives.
The Associated Press (AP) filed an official complaint with the Palestinian Authority after a freelance cameraman who filmed Palestinians celebrating the terror was threatened.
http://www.israelinsider.com/channels...
June 5, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
well, Black, you and I see things differently. Surely, if you did see all of Obama's speech, you could draw the conclusion that he also put some responsibility on the muslim countries, as well as ours, so I won't say it was an apology tour.
I'm a firm believer in the truth. MSNBC edits to the left. Fox is to the right, but for the most part, O'Reilly is mostly fair- more than can be said for Hannity. He is the king of cut and paste remarks, so anything he is quoted saying, is probably 10% factual.
June 5, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
Google search for "blue gum": http://www.google.com/search?q=blue+g...
First result: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define...
Tell me, BlackReign, were *all* Palestinians dancing in the streets, or just some of them? This quote - "The Palestinian Authority prohibited street celebrations and shows of support for the terrorist attacks on the United States. Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo issued a strict instruction in this matter yesterday. Earlier in the week there were reports that Palestinian police were trying to prevent demonstrations of joy, with limited success." - taken from the article you provided certainly suggests that the majority of Palestinians as well as the Palestinian leadership didn't share in or approve of the celebrations.
We aren't the bad guys now, but I could see how someone could say we were when we sabotaged a democratic government in Iran, put Saddam Hussein in power and used the people of Afghanistan as pawns against the USSR during the Cold War. We might have basically forgotten all of that, and we might neglect to teach our children about it in school, but for the people who we used and manipulated it isn't going to be forgotten so easily.
And really, this isn't an apology tour so much as it is a diplomacy and "hey, we need to put this stuff behind us and work together" tour.
June 5, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Posted by BlackReign on June 5, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. "But if it is a racial slur- please dont explain it to me, I would rather stay naive on this one!"
grunt, I wont click on those links, and if those links do point to sites that define the term as a racial slur, maybe the PnC should delete your post, in case a child or young person were to click on them and thus learn yet another hatefull term.
As to the the "*all* Palestinians" question, did you see me use the word 'all'?
I wonder grunt, is there anything in YOUR heart and mind that this nation has done RIGHT?
June 5, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
"I wonder grunt, is there anything in YOUR heart and mind that this nation has done RIGHT?"
Plenty. I'm just realistic and honest enough to admit that we as a nation aren't perfect. Sorry that I don't live in a make-believe fantasy land. You keep trying to portray me as an America hating leftist Communist whatever other modern evil you can think of, and it just isn't true. Being an honest, responsible and aware citizen isn't being anti-American.
Concerning the links I provided, they are a Google search and a clinical, if well-documented independent dictionary definition. If you choose not to avail yourself of the opportunity to learn, then so be it, but it's disingenuous for you to suggest that information should be censored when you pretend so often to stand up for rights and liberties.
"As to the the "*all* Palestinians" question, did you see me use the word 'all'?"
You didn't say "some" Palestinians, nor did you say "a handful of" Palestinians. You attempted to portray Palestinians - and to a greater extend Middle Eastern Muslims in general - as being antagonistic toward the US and delighting in our suffering based on only a small and very limited example.
We know who the "bad guys" are right now, and they're a very small number of extremists. With the foreign relations tour that President Obama just concluded with the Muslim world in the Middle East, he put forward that we as a nation recognize that not all Muslims are the "bad guys" and that these extremists do just as much harm to the Muslim world as they do to the West, which makes it a shared problem for our peoples to approach together.
June 5, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Posted by ltgrunt on June 4, 2009 at 10:42 p.m.
"The First Amendment protects us from government oppression of free speech. It doesn't prevent a private business like a newspaper from banning people from their private website for having offensive names."
Posted by ltgrunt on June 5, 2009 at 9:23 a.m.
"Concerning the links I provided, ... but it's disingenuous for you to suggest that information should be censored when you pretend so often to stand up for rights and liberties."
So which is it grunt? Is it a private business like a newspaper to have the ability to control content or now that it is your post that has links to an urban dictionary that uses foul and race charged terms, would it be cennsorship of your liberties?
As for the palestinians, I just asked the simple question if you remembered the dancing in the streets, you twisted around to make more than it was for your on deluded reasons. The opinion piece I posted is just that, something to read, to help refresh the memory of the palestinians dancing in the streets.
June 5, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
"So which is it grunt?"
Surely even you should recognize the difference between the deplorable act of censorship and the understandable precaution of changing a username that is most likely designed specifically to alienate, offend and divide other users. The dictionary link I provided teaches, even if it teaches controversial information - for someone so intend on complaining about how people have blinders on and only see things the way they like, such teaching should be admirable. Blue's username does not teach or contribute in any way, it offends, for the sole purpose of offending. Understanding of racial undercurrents and conflicts is furthered by providing the information in that dictionary, whereas no understanding or meaningful interaction is lost if Blue's name is changed to Blue_Skies, for example.
Keeping in mind the classic litmus test of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater, when speech serves no purpose but to do harm, there is an understanding that it infringes on others rights not to hear it. Speech that spreads information - especially which teaches that which we find objectionable, needs to be protected, if for no other reason than that for good people to be aware and well-informed, sometimes they must be privy to ideas which may cause discomfort.
"As for the palestinians, I just asked the simple question if you remembered the dancing in the streets..."
Which you prefaced by asking about the "bad guys." Clearly your intend was to portray Palestinians - and not any specific group, but rather only in the vaguest sense - as "bad guys" who hate America and rally at her misfortunes. Why even bring it up, unless it was your intend to smear Palestinians and mire us in hateful imagery that precludes progress and understanding? Surely a few Germans were happy about the Holocaust - does that mean that we should hate and vilify the German people today?
June 5, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
let's solve the free speech dilemna that we have before us: You can say whatever you want, and I can legally beat the living $@*# out of you for saying it. Problem solved.
Before you morons get bent out of shape, I am kidding. Lighten up.
June 5, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MANDO (anonymous) says...
No home internet access? That's child abuse! Let's dig a little deeper and pay for everyone elses cheese. Speaking of which, I need extended cable, you guys chipping in?
June 5, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
"o" will spend most of his time apologizing and bowing to every strange fish and creature that comes out of the woodwork. Hope and change you can beleive in.
June 5, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
how bout a hobby, Wally? All of this obsession with Obama isn't healthy. How about meeting some of your kindred spirit out for a few cocktails- the daylight might actually do you some good.
June 5, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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