Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Gillian Densmore]

I have to agre with you Tom.
I may be showing my (chronological) age I can vaguely recall sitting with
The Other Densmore sitting infront of a Big Beige box and a little black
box with green and red RunWay lights
We called it Darpanet because CableCo-op of Palo Alto was still putting in
the copper for our neighborhood. In the meen time Apple had let him
telecomute ocassionally using a ISDN line somehow to what became Apple. I
don't know how long it was from that to him being official at Sun.

One day when I asked how the (then) DarpaNet work he sighed yet looked
wonderfully excited and on a whiteboard in the kitchen made little siquigly
lines
and said the company (Sun) he works out now is making that but it started
with these other squigly lines.

I mention this because in the 80s and 90s the reason why private ISPs
florished bosting how there 56.6k Modems etc were teh awesome was because
of government checks and balances. Those ISPs were basically payed by the
feds IIRC to HELP provide service in areas the Feds hadn't gotten to yet,
not to replace what became the Internet.

I'm starting to suspect the quality of internet the US gets compared to
other countries is one piece to a larger set of problems.



On Sat, Jun 13, 2015 at 11:31 PM, Tom Johnson  wrote:

> Nick --
>
> There is a ton of stuff.  Just do a search with the term "open data" and
> also visit sunlightfoundation.com
>
> I can send more links if you wish.
>
> Tom
>
> ===
> Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
> Santa Fe, NM
> SPJ Region 9 Director
> t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
> ===
> On Jun 13, 2015 10:22 PM, "Nick Thompson" 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Tom,
>>
>>
>>
>> Seeing your name I thought the following:  Massachusetts has recently
>> become aware that it has the least transparent government of any state in
>> the union with agencies charging hundreds of dollars to fulfill FOIA
>> requests for the basic knowledge about policies and practices.  Shall I
>> nominate you as the guy to write our Sunshine Rules?  Do you have any
>> proposed sunshine rules I could send in?
>>
>>
>>
>> N
>>
>>
>>
>> Nicholas S. Thompson
>>
>> Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Biology
>>
>> Clark University
>>
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] *On Behalf Of *Tom
>> Johnson
>> *Sent:* Saturday, June 13, 2015 12:57 PM
>> *To:* Friam@redfish. com
>> *Subject:* Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks, Marcus.  I wanted to include that link, but for various good
>> reasons, it didn't get in.
>> Tom
>>
>> ===
>> Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
>> Santa Fe, NM
>> SPJ Region 9 Director
>> t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
>> ===
>>
>> On Jun 13, 2015 8:42 AM, "Marcus Daniels"  wrote:
>>
>>
>> http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html
>>
>>
>>
>> “Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public
>> investment. “
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] *On Behalf Of *Stephen
>> Guerin
>> *Sent:* Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
>> *To:* friam@redfish.com; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
>> *Subject:* [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html
>>
>> *Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future*
>>
>> *Tom Johnson | 0 comments
>> <http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html#user-comment-area>*
>>
>> It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by
>> politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate
>> research before making public declarations.
>>
>> This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of
>> specific legislative influence.
>>
>> That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of
>> the interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico
>> House, wrote about telecommunications policy (“Coul

Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Tom Johnson]

Nick --

There is a ton of stuff.  Just do a search with the term "open data" and
also visit sunlightfoundation.com

I can send more links if you wish.

Tom

===
Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
Santa Fe, NM
SPJ Region 9 Director
t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
===
On Jun 13, 2015 10:22 PM, "Nick Thompson" 
wrote:

> Hi Tom,
>
>
>
> Seeing your name I thought the following:  Massachusetts has recently
> become aware that it has the least transparent government of any state in
> the union with agencies charging hundreds of dollars to fulfill FOIA
> requests for the basic knowledge about policies and practices.  Shall I
> nominate you as the guy to write our Sunshine Rules?  Do you have any
> proposed sunshine rules I could send in?
>
>
>
> N
>
>
>
> Nicholas S. Thompson
>
> Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Biology
>
> Clark University
>
> http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/
>
>
>
> *From:* Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] *On Behalf Of *Tom
> Johnson
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 13, 2015 12:57 PM
> *To:* Friam@redfish. com
> *Subject:* Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
>
>
>
> Thanks, Marcus.  I wanted to include that link, but for various good
> reasons, it didn't get in.
> Tom
>
> ===
> Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
> Santa Fe, NM
> SPJ Region 9 Director
> t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
> ===
>
> On Jun 13, 2015 8:42 AM, "Marcus Daniels"  wrote:
>
>
> http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html
>
>
>
> “Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public
> investment. “
>
>
>
> *From:* Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] *On Behalf Of *Stephen
> Guerin
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
> *To:* friam@redfish.com; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
> *Subject:* [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html
>
> *Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future*
>
> *Tom Johnson | 0 comments
> <http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html#user-comment-area>*
>
> It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by
> politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate
> research before making public declarations.
>
> This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of
> specific legislative influence.
>
> That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of
> the interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico
> House, wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on
> high-tech future,” My View, June 6).
>
> Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the
> Internet, Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom
> to innovate with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this
> move … has fueled the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.
>
> “This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum
> investment and innovation continues,” he said.
>
> First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were
> developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise
> investment. Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital
> providers, but from clever individuals and talented startup teams that
> could possibly do even more if they had access to true broadband at
> affordable prices.
>
> Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying
> higher prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute
> reports: “Data that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates
> that the majority of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international
> peers, paying more money for slower Internet access.” (See
> http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)
>
> Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three
> in Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections —
> all seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s
> inherent in capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity,
> slow speeds and high monthly bills.
>
> Appropriate

Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Nick Thompson]

Hi Tom, 

 

Seeing your name I thought the following:  Massachusetts has recently become 
aware that it has the least transparent government of any state in the union 
with agencies charging hundreds of dollars to fulfill FOIA requests for the 
basic knowledge about policies and practices.  Shall I nominate you as the guy 
to write our Sunshine Rules?  Do you have any proposed sunshine rules I could 
send in? 

 

N

 

Nicholas S. Thompson

Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Biology

Clark University

 <http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/> 
http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/

 

From: Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] On Behalf Of Tom Johnson
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 12:57 PM
To: Friam@redfish. com
Subject: Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

 

Thanks, Marcus.  I wanted to include that link, but for various good reasons, 
it didn't get in.  
Tom

===
Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
Santa Fe, NM 
SPJ Region 9 Director
t...@jtjohnson.com <mailto:t...@jtjohnson.com>505-473-9646
===

On Jun 13, 2015 8:42 AM, "Marcus Daniels" mailto:mar...@snoutfarm.com> > wrote:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html

 

“Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public investment. “

 

From: Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com 
<mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com> ] On Behalf Of Stephen Guerin
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
To: friam@redfish.com <mailto:friam@redfish.com> ; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
Subject: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

 


http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html

Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future

Tom Johnson |  
<http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html#user-comment-area>
 0 comments

It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by 
politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate 
research before making public declarations.

This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of 
specific legislative influence.

That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of the 
interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico House, 
wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on high-tech 
future,” My View, June 6).

Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the Internet, 
Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom to innovate 
with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this move … has fueled 
the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.

“This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum investment 
and innovation continues,” he said.

First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were 
developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise investment. 
Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital providers, but from 
clever individuals and talented startup teams that could possibly do even more 
if they had access to true broadband at affordable prices.

Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying higher 
prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute reports: “Data 
that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates that the majority 
of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international peers, paying more money 
for slower Internet access.” (See  <http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB> 
http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and  <http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa> http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)

Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three in 
Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections — all 
seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s inherent in 
capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity, slow speeds and 
high monthly bills.

Appropriate “regulation” of the Internet would seek collaborative 
government/private enterprise endeavors with the goal of maximizing customer 
benefits (i.e. fiber to the home with maximum digital up and down speeds) at 
minimal cost. Such would be the feedstock for economic, social, educational, 
health and governmental progress in the digital era.

The high-speed, digital train is rapidly leaving stations around the world. New 
Mexico needs political conductors and engineers capable of running that train 
with informed knowledge, insight and vision.

Tom Johnson is co-founder of the Institute for Analytic Journalism in Santa Fe.


=

Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Pamela McCorduck]

Really good, Tom. I heard Susan Crawford give a talk at Harvard last year where 
she talked about what people in Copenhagen get for some very low sum per 
month--$25? It made me squirm with embarrassment, envy, and rage. The City owns 
the network there.

P.


On Jun 13, 2015, at 10:57 AM, Tom Johnson wrote:

> Thanks, Marcus.  I wanted to include that link, but for various good reasons, 
> it didn't get in.  
> Tom
> 
> ===
> Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
> Santa Fe, NM 
> SPJ Region 9 Director
> t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
> ===
> 
> On Jun 13, 2015 8:42 AM, "Marcus Daniels"  wrote:
> http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html
> 
>  
> 
> “Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public investment. 
> “
> 
>  
> 
> From: Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] On Behalf Of Stephen Guerin
> Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
> To: friam@redfish.com; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
> Subject: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
> 
>  
> 
> 
> http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html
> 
> 
> Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future
> 
> Tom Johnson | 0 comments
> 
> It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by 
> politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate 
> research before making public declarations.
> This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of 
> specific legislative influence.
> That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of the 
> interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico House, 
> wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on high-tech 
> future,” My View, June 6).
> Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the 
> Internet, Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom to 
> innovate with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this move … 
> has fueled the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.
> “This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum 
> investment and innovation continues,” he said.
> First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were 
> developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise investment. 
> Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital providers, but 
> from clever individuals and talented startup teams that could possibly do 
> even more if they had access to true broadband at affordable prices.
> Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying 
> higher prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute 
> reports: “Data that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates 
> that the majority of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international 
> peers, paying more money for slower Internet access.” (See 
> http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)
> Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three in 
> Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections — all 
> seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s inherent in 
> capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity, slow speeds and 
> high monthly bills.
> Appropriate “regulation” of the Internet would seek collaborative 
> government/private enterprise endeavors with the goal of maximizing customer 
> benefits (i.e. fiber to the home with maximum digital up and down speeds) at 
> minimal cost. Such would be the feedstock for economic, social, educational, 
> health and governmental progress in the digital era.
> The high-speed, digital train is rapidly leaving stations around the world. 
> New Mexico needs political conductors and engineers capable of running that 
> train with informed knowledge, insight and vision.
> Tom Johnson is co-founder of the Institute for Analytic Journalism in Santa 
> Fe.
> 
> 
> FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
> Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
> to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com
> 
> FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
> Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
> to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com


"As imperceptibly as Grief
The summer lapsed away--"

Emily Dickinson


FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com

Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Tom Johnson]

Thanks, Marcus.  I wanted to include that link, but for various good
reasons, it didn't get in.
Tom

===
Tom Johnson - Inst. for Analytic Journalism
Santa Fe, NM
SPJ Region 9 Director
t...@jtjohnson.com   505-473-9646
===
On Jun 13, 2015 8:42 AM, "Marcus Daniels"  wrote:

>
> http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html
>
>
>
> “Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public
> investment. “
>
>
>
> *From:* Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] *On Behalf Of *Stephen
> Guerin
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
> *To:* friam@redfish.com; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
> *Subject:* [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html
>
>  *Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future*
>
> *Tom Johnson | 0 comments
> <http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html#user-comment-area>*
>
> It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by
> politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate
> research before making public declarations.
>
> This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of
> specific legislative influence.
>
> That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of
> the interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico
> House, wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on
> high-tech future,” My View, June 6).
>
> Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the
> Internet, Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom
> to innovate with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this
> move … has fueled the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.
>
> “This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum
> investment and innovation continues,” he said.
>
> First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were
> developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise
> investment. Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital
> providers, but from clever individuals and talented startup teams that
> could possibly do even more if they had access to true broadband at
> affordable prices.
>
> Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying
> higher prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute
> reports: “Data that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates
> that the majority of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international
> peers, paying more money for slower Internet access.” (See
> http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)
>
> Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three
> in Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections —
> all seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s
> inherent in capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity,
> slow speeds and high monthly bills.
>
> Appropriate “regulation” of the Internet would seek collaborative
> government/private enterprise endeavors with the goal of maximizing
> customer benefits (i.e. fiber to the home with maximum digital up and down
> speeds) at minimal cost. Such would be the feedstock for economic, social,
> educational, health and governmental progress in the digital era.
>
> The high-speed, digital train is rapidly leaving stations around the
> world. New Mexico needs political conductors and engineers capable of
> running that train with *informed* knowledge, insight and vision.
>
> *Tom Johnson is co-founder of the Institute for Analytic Journalism in
> Santa Fe.*
>
> 
> FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
> Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
> to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com
>

FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com

Re: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Marcus Daniels]

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/magazine/what-silicon-valley-can-learn-from-seoul.html

“Much of this was made possible by two decades of enormous public investment. “

From: Friam [mailto:friam-boun...@redfish.com] On Behalf Of Stephen Guerin
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 9:12 AM
To: friam@redfish.com; Wedtech@Redfish. Com
Subject: [FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican


http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html

Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future
Tom Johnson | 0 
comments<http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html#user-comment-area>

It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by 
politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate 
research before making public declarations.

This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of 
specific legislative influence.

That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of the 
interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico House, 
wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on high-tech 
future,” My View, June 6).

Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the Internet, 
Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom to innovate 
with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this move … has fueled 
the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.

“This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum investment 
and innovation continues,” he said.

First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were 
developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise investment. 
Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital providers, but from 
clever individuals and talented startup teams that could possibly do even more 
if they had access to true broadband at affordable prices.

Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying higher 
prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute reports: “Data 
that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates that the majority 
of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international peers, paying more money 
for slower Internet access.” (See http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and 
http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)

Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three in 
Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections — all 
seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s inherent in 
capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity, slow speeds and 
high monthly bills.

Appropriate “regulation” of the Internet would seek collaborative 
government/private enterprise endeavors with the goal of maximizing customer 
benefits (i.e. fiber to the home with maximum digital up and down speeds) at 
minimal cost. Such would be the feedstock for economic, social, educational, 
health and governmental progress in the digital era.

The high-speed, digital train is rapidly leaving stations around the world. New 
Mexico needs political conductors and engineers capable of running that train 
with informed knowledge, insight and vision.

Tom Johnson is co-founder of the Institute for Analytic Journalism in Santa Fe.

FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com

[FRIAM] Tom Johnson's opinion piece in Santa Fe NewMexican

[Stephen Guerin]

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/are-politicians-foreclosing-on-high-tech-future/article_6813cb82-5952-5926-82c9-725ef0a0aecc.html

Are politicians foreclosing on high-tech future

Tom Johnson | 0 comments


It is sad, frustrating and discouraging to read something written by
politicians that demonstrates they apparently have not done appropriate
research before making public declarations.

This is especially so when such an elected official is in a position of
specific legislative influence.

That happened last week when Rep. James Smith of District 22, chairman of
the interim Science, Technology and Telecom Committee in the New Mexico
House, wrote about telecommunications policy (“Could the FCC foreclose on
high-tech future,” My View, June 6).

Addressing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of the
Internet, Smith wrote, “light regulation … gave Internet providers freedom
to innovate with new services and new infrastructure … .” Further, “this
move … has fueled the dramatic expansion of Internet technology in America.

“This symbiotic relationship between minimal regulation and maximum
investment and innovation continues,” he said.

First, remember that the initial Internet concepts and technologies were
developed with taxpayer research dollars, not private enterprise
investment. Second, the “new services” are coming not from the digital
providers, but from clever individuals and talented startup teams that
could possibly do even more if they had access to true broadband at
affordable prices.

Third, research year after year indicates that U.S. citizens are paying
higher prices for slower connectivity. As the Open Technology Institute
reports: “Data that we have collected in the past three years demonstrates
that the majority of U.S. cities surveyed lag behind their international
peers, paying more money for slower Internet access.” (See
http://bit.ly/1FJL1vB and http://bit.ly/1MAlYRa)

Companies providing Internet connectivity — and we really only have three
in Santa Fe, and none providing true high-speed, fiber-optic connections —
all seek to minimize their costs and maximize their revenue. That’s
inherent in capitalism. For customers, that means minimal connectivity,
slow speeds and high monthly bills.

Appropriate “regulation” of the Internet would seek collaborative
government/private enterprise endeavors with the goal of maximizing
customer benefits (i.e. fiber to the home with maximum digital up and down
speeds) at minimal cost. Such would be the feedstock for economic, social,
educational, health and governmental progress in the digital era.

The high-speed, digital train is rapidly leaving stations around the world.
New Mexico needs political conductors and engineers capable of running that
train with *informed* knowledge, insight and vision.


*Tom Johnson is co-founder of the Institute for Analytic Journalism in
Santa Fe.*

FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com