and everybody else

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/102/patents.html

I have frankly lost all faith in the United States from a technological view.

The cable-telecom duopoly is charging 500% more for 80% less service.
The cable-telecom duopoly now wants to charge websites to use "their" pipes.
Software patents have long been out of hand and the gov't has ignored them.
Microsoft has most hardware vendors in its back pocket. To rebel against them -- be it right or wrong -- is to come under a political lynchmob from politicians M$ has in its back pocket as well. See how the guy that suggested Massachusetts should switch to OpenDocument format (which THEY SHOULD) came under fire professionally and personally from M$ and their politicians.
Washington looks hopelessly lost in regards to technology... and the DMCA is proof of that.
The RIAA/MPAA are continued to allow to operate under monopoly status... screw the artists... and then sue the consumer for fair use.
The spiraling out of control DRM is another issue Washington has completely and totally ignored.


The Internet should be treated like a utility in this country... just like electricity and water. Plug into the wall... get the utility. It should be regulated in a similar fashion as well.

I am glad my future job is internet and thus globally based ... because if not I would move to another country to protect my professional tool set and consumer rights.

Barring drastic change; America is doomed to fall into the technological basement as a function of gross political incompetence as well as failing math/science teaching within the educational system as a whole.