Call me cynical, but this feels like a PR move, sound and fury, signifying, well…not much.
The State Department announced plans Tuesday to step up a campaign to combat efforts by foreign governments to restrict use of the Internet.
At a news conference, Josette Shiner, a top State Department trade expert, called the Internet “the greatest purveyor of news and information in history” but said too often the flow is blocked by government censors.
Shiner announced the formation of a task force that will consider, among other issues, the foreign policy aspects of Internet freedom, including the use of technology to restrict access to political content.
I also wrote about this today. I think it’s a stunt. I mean give me a break, what about all the American rights they’re treading on left and right without regard? Uhh yeah.
I also wrote about this today. I think it’s a stunt. I mean give me a break, what about all the American rights they’re treading on left and right without regard? Uhh yeah.
Isn’t this kind of announcement counter-productive to the complex negotiations and subtle influencing that have to occur to make a real difference?
“We are going to change the way you think! Now will you please let us talk to you? Please? … Oh go on we won’t harm you!”
Call me a Cynical Realist (and nonpartisan unlike most around here), but isn’t that how democratic government is supposed to work. Oh Sh*t people care about this, maybe we should try to a) accomplish something the electorate cares about or b) look like we are trying to accomplish something the electorate cares about.
Sing it with me: “PR Pile On! PR Pile On!”
— Stuart