Looking Into the Crystal Ball...

Re: Shapiro, Andrew L., The Control Revolution: How the Internet is Putting Individuals in charge and Changing the World We Know. 1999.
Chapter 11: "Freedom from Speech," pp. 124-132.Chapter 12: "The Drudge Factor," pp. 133-141.

The world we once knew ten years ago has greatly changed since the introduction of the internet and other new media systems. The internet has not only changed how some people shop or chat, but how people utilize their democratic rights, such as free speech. Without having to stand in front of a million people on a stage, people can now reach an audience of millions and type their views on global or national issues. Simply put, the internet has become a catalyst for those who previously had no outlet to learn and express their views.

The internet has put people in control of their own messages and has given people the opportunity to learn about issues and cultures that they may not otherwise have had the resources to do. It is amazing that someone in rural California can sit down in their living room, flip open their laptop, sign onto their internet browser, and be able to send the president an email, research African countries or even talk live with someone in an overseas country. If our founding fathers knew of our communication capabilities today, I think they would literally turn over in their graves.

We have come a long way in the past ten years - I wonder what the internet will do for us in another ten years??? Maybe virtual 3-d internet chats???