Obama administration has moved quietly to cede control of the Web from the United States to foreign powers. (Iran, independent)

[nononsenseguy]

Internet users: A must read. What is this President thinking? Where are his loyalties?

Newsmax - Obama Surrendering Internet to Foreign Powers

The Internet is an American invention. It is critical to freedom, liberty, and even our national security. Why would a President of the United States take steps to turn it over to foreign bodies? This is crazy.

Obama is dangerous to our security, and should be removed from office. He is not acting in the best interests of the United States. What else will he do to harm us?

[harborlady]

Whats this? Conservatives and libertarians having second thoughts about deregulation, privatization and 'free market' policies?

[TheViking85]

Well.. That was by far the most skewed representation of truth I've ever read somewhere that claims to deliver news, but ok, I'll indulge you.

The Internet has evolved at an explosive rate the last 15 years, just in the last 5-8, we've seen a development I doubt many could foresee. The Internet has turned into a powerful tool, one used mainly for entertainment, information etc, but also as a tool fro freedom, Iranian protesters arranged demonstrations on Twitter, through their phones, same thing's happened other places too.
The access to almost all information can be an amazing aid for people in third world countries, which is why aid groups (and governments) have projects to supply simple, sturdy computers, to third world schools, to aid education, the only real solution to end poverty and famine.
The technology caters to less fortunate aspects as well, child pornography rings have grown, Identity theft is a crime, if not invented with the Internet, then exploded with it's evolution. And you have people, putting out information and pictures of themselves they might regret later.
In this day and age, you have to also consider this: Will I be ok with this surfacing on the Internet?

You can easily see the power and liberties connected with the Internet, for the most part, it's a great tool for enlightenment, education, and bringing the world closer together. People now have friends, not only in their home town, but in Russia, Senegal, Brazil, England France etc etc as well.

A tool this great should indeed not be under any one countries control, it should be monitored by an international organization where no one country ever gets too much say. This technology is too precious to waste.

And lastly, I don't see how a move from American to International control in any way weakens Americas defense, do enlighten me if you can.

[nononsenseguy]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

Well.. That was by far the most skewed representation of truth I've ever read somewhere that claims to deliver news, but ok, I'll indulge you.

The Internet has evolved at an explosive rate the last 15 years, just in the last 5-8, we've seen a development I doubt many could foresee. The Internet has turned into a powerful tool, one used mainly for entertainment, information etc, but also as a tool fro freedom, Iranian protesters arranged demonstrations on Twitter, through their phones, same thing's happened other places too.
The access to almost all information can be an amazing aid for people in third world countries, which is why aid groups (and governments) have projects to supply simple, sturdy computers, to third world schools, to aid education, the only real solution to end poverty and famine.
The technology caters to less fortunate aspects as well, child pornography rings have grown, Identity theft is a crime, if not invented with the Internet, then exploded with it's evolution. And you have people, putting out information and pictures of themselves they might regret later.
In this day and age, you have to also consider this: Will I be ok with this surfacing on the Internet?

You can easily see the power and liberties connected with the Internet, for the most part, it's a great tool for enlightenment, education, and bringing the world closer together. People now have friends, not only in their home town, but in Russia, Senegal, Brazil, England France etc etc as well.

A tool this great should indeed not be under any one countries control, it should be monitored by an international organization where no one country ever gets too much say. This technology is too precious to waste.

And lastly, I don't see how a move from American to International control in any way weakens Americas defense, do enlighten me if you can.

I couldn't disagree more. There is no reason for us to relinquish any part of it to the control of any international body. Much of what you say is true; however, your assesment of the effect of such a move is very short sited. The Internet works just fine as it is, under U.S. control. There is simply no need for what he is doing.

Sorry, but I agree with the writer of the article.

Finally, what does your opinion of NewsMax have to do with anything? Did you just throw that in for effect? What's your favorite source for news; Huffington Post? Media Matters?

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by nononsenseguy

I couldn't disagree more. There is no reason for us to relenquish any part of it to the control of any international body.

Sorry, but I agree with the writer of the article.

Finally, what does your opinion of NewsMax have to do with anything? Did you just throw that in for effect? What's your favorite source for news; Huffington Post? Media Matters?

And why is it that something with the impact the Internet has, shouldn't be governed by "everyone" but by a few?

You're free to agree with everyone you want, I'd love to hear why though.

As for Newsmax, I commented on it because it's unfortunate that media outlets that merely presents their view on things, pass it off as news. Be that Newsmax or Huffington Post, I'd never link to any of them and present it as facts, news nor truth. It's someone else's opinion on news, and frankly I prefer making up my own mind.

It's interesting that you automatically assume that I read the opposite simply because I criticize a media outlet like Newsmax, I would've thought it more reasonable to assume I prefer my news as undigested as possible?

I get my news either from the most independent online newspaper in Norway, or if needed in english, I've used The Guardian a few times, but mainly Reuters or AP.

If I want social commentary, I'll make sure it can't be confused as news.

[nononsenseguy]

Originally Posted by harborlady

Whats this? Conservatives and libertarians having second thoughts about deregulation, privatization and 'free market' policies?

What does this have to do with deregulation, privatization, or free market policies?

The responses so far are predictable. Liberals have no problem with the U.S. giving up things to foreign powers. Like giving up the Panama canal, under Carter.

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by nononsenseguy

What does this have to do with deregulation, privatization, or free market policies?

The responses so far are predictable. Liberals have no problem with the U.S. giving up things to foreign powers. Like giving up the Panama canal, under Carter.

The Panama Canal is in a different country, and Carter merely honored a contract entered into when it was built.

That's beside the point though, why don't you respond to my OP with your opinions and where they differ, and why you think that's how it is?

I'm more than happy to engage in a good exchange of opinions on the matter, but not so much if it's merely going to be "You're wrong, this is predictable, you're a Liberal."

If my response was so predictable, you should have some very good rebuttals lined up.

[twinArmageddons]

Wait, you mean the internet SHOULDN'T be a worldwide phenomena?

Seriously, the internet is too big for America to control. Nobody can really exert "control" over the internet. I see no harm whatsoever with this.

[Mr. Joshua]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

And lastly, I don't see how a move from American to International control in any way weakens Americas defense, do enlighten me if you can.

Chasing people around with batons and screaming at them in Pakistani.

Is that what you want for the internet? Because that is what Haiti has received from the UN.

[nononsenseguy]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

And why is it that something with the impact the Internet has, shouldn't be governed by "everyone" but by a few?

You're free to agree with everyone you want, I'd love to hear why though.

As for Newsmax, I commented on it because it's unfortunate that media outlets that merely presents their view on things, pass it off as news. Be that Newsmax or Huffington Post, I'd never link to any of them and present it as facts, news nor truth. It's someone else's opinion on news, and frankly I prefer making up my own mind.

It's interesting that you automatically assume that I read the opposite simply because I criticize a media outlet like Newsmax, I would've thought it more reasonable to assume I prefer my news as undigested as possible?

I get my news either from the most independent online newspaper in Norway, or if needed in english, I've used The Guardian a few times, but mainly Reuters or AP.

If I want social commentary, I'll make sure it can't be confused as news.

Well, since I see you must reside in Norway, that explains why you see nothing wrong with what Obama is doing.

As for NewsMax reporting on this story, it isn't "news" to report some act or decision of the government that could have a huge impact on our communications?

Again, short sited. But, being as how you are from Norway, I doubt you care much about the U.S. anyway. You, and others would rather see the U.S. become like a European socialist country, would you not?

Having lived in a free country all my life, and knowing the blessings of liberty, and what they mean for all humans, I'm not willing to give it up. I dislike people like Obama going around apologizing for America. We do not have anything to apologize for. If it weren't for the U.S., Europe would have quite a different face today. But Americans gave their lives to stop the Hitler war machine, and Americans finally succeeded in the destruction of the Berlin Wall, as well.

We have always stood up for our neighbors, and been a beacon to the rest of the world. We don't need to bow to anyone, as Obama has been going around doing.

What he is doing here is destroying just another piece of our liberty.

I'll say again; we invented the Internet. It was paid for by Americans through taxes, etc. It is our technology. We have freely allowed it to be used by all nations. But I see no reason why we should give up control to any foreign body, who may not (especially the corrupt U.N.) have Americas best interests in mind. It is folly.

Obama is a complete and utter disaster. If America survives this President, it will only be by the Grace of God.