the creation of dependence

 I realize I'm old and a bit behind the times. Yesterday on the news there was a human interest story. It was a plea that every child in America should have access to the internet at home. It included a vignette of a child, sitting in the back seat of an SUV, with a laptop, in a McDonalds' parking lot. The voice was saying how concerned this child was about this homework assignment, it had to be completed, the implication being, it was vital. Naturally this child was depicted as of "Latin" descent and by extension, underprivileged. Yes, his parents drive a 40,000 dollar SUV, he has a 1000 dollar laptop and was dressed nicely but no home internet. Being that old person that I am, I just questioned, why not go to the library? They have free internet access there. Problem solved. Then I thought, why are schools even giving assignments that can only be completed by using the internet? Could it be that is part of the problem?

 This isn't the first time I've heard about this proposal to provide free internet services to "low income" homes. Thing being, nothing is free. And you tell me they wouldn't insist upon the fastest, the fiber optics cables and unlimited access, you know, to be fair. I did maintenance for a section eight housing unit some years ago. They were provided with free basic cable television and a color tv! The justification being, they needed entertainment. Yes I suppose they did, they weren't working and the days are long, especially after drinking a few beers. I thought then, there are books in the library, free to check out, that should be enough to keep you entertained. Maybe even learn something! 

 Has the internet become a necessity? Or the better question is, should the internet be a necessity? In my way of thinking the answer is a resounding, no. The internet is a wonderful thing no denying that, a great tool and can provide almost unlimited entertainment and distractions. It has become vital in our banking and billing systems. My issue is, what happens when that crashes? And it does crash we all know that. 

  Hackers, what used to be called spies in the old days, are the greatest threat to all of that. City governments have been held hostage until they paid up. Educational systems have been attacked as well. Apparently, according to the story I watched, internet access is now a requirement to complete your assignments in elementary school. I wonder just what that assignment would be? Is it something that can't be found in the card catalogue, using the Dewey decimal system? Oh, that's right, I forgot. You have to use a computer to look up a book these days. Just what happens when that computer goes down? The library is closed. 

  I wonder if anyone has considered that if the government is providing that internet service, the government is also controlling that as well. The creation of dependence is essential to establishing control. It's the oldest play in the book for the acquisition of power. Control the water, the food supply, the medical system, and the movement of people and you control those people. Once that is established all you need to do is provide some entertainment and distractions to keep the people happy. The "games" in that famous coliseum served that purpose. 

 What is being provided today? "Free" stuff mostly. I get the same as everyone else. Barring that, the government will provide me with an affordable alternative. The internet is becoming the life blood of America and the world. I'm thinking we should at least teach our children how to survive without that. That should be the basic education provided, a foundation based in using their own thoughts and intellect in solving the problems. The internet should only be a tool not a necessity. It certainly should not be required to complete your assignments in elementary school.