Grand Emperor Steven Stockwell graced us with his soothing presence again this week, although I was a little distracted trying to arrange a dastardly little video prank that I kind of felt bad about interrupting his lecture with but it was funny so I don't feel that guilty... I forgot where I was going with this.
Unfortunately he was discussing politics and its relationship with the internet, and coupled with my less than zero percent interest in politics it resulted in a peculiar hour of ungodly-early proportions. (that doesn't have the same impact coming from an atheist, does it?)
Nevertheless, he covered two basic relationships the internets and the politics share, that is:
- CyberPolitics; the politics of the internet, decided largely by the Internet Society and ICANN, and
- eDemocracy; the internet's contribution to and influence on politics in the real world.
The internet has provided a much-needed side window beside the previously firmly-closed door into the world of politics for the general public that allows them to now voice their opinions and views on the political stage and brought politicians and voters into an almost even playing field. (Although considering what most politicians are like, this isn't necessarily a good thing.)
Censorship has always been an issue in democratic societies; where is the line drawn, how far can a government go to preserve the safety of its people without infringing on their rights.
Although these topics do not particularly interest me, I still found it quite informative and have come to the conclusion that anything sounds better when spoken in Mr. Stockwell's smooth baritone.
