Cross-posted from the New Internationalist Tech blog

Internet freedom has become a critical component of functional democracies. Global events like the election in Iran highlight the important role that both Internet freedom and press freedom play in maintaining the balance of power between people and politics. 

Joseph E. Stiglitz wrote in his book Globalization and its discontents :

“We have come to take it for granted the important role that an informed and free press has in reining in even our democratically elected governments: any mischief, any minor indiscretion, any favoritism, is subject to scrutiny, and public pressure works powerfully.”

And, should that book be published today, no doubt Stiglitz would note that “an informed and free press” is threatened in all countries, not just Iran, when Internet freedom is undermined. 

This message brought to you by SaveOurNet.ca. Please take a moment to send your comments to the CRTC by February 16th, 2009:

With your assistance, we have helped propel Net Neutrality from
an obscure issue into a national effort to secure open and equal
access to the Internet for all Canadians. NOW is the time to let
the CRTC know where YOU stand on Internet freedom:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/n7qAbqF1iPFM/

Web of Change alumnus and friend to all freedom fighters — Matt Thompson — was nominated for a Webby award yesterday for his fantastic work on the SavetheInternet.com viral video (The Webby awards are like the Oscars of the Internet). He’s a super-deserving and hardworking producer and you should really consider taking 10 minutes right now to support him: go register and then go vote here and here.

Matt says “We never would have been nominated if it weren’t for the efforts of Internet activists, bloggers, videomakers and citizens across the country. Winning a Webby would be a great recognition for those efforts – and help drive new traffic and media attention to our campaign. So please cast your vote – and ask friends to vote as well!”

Matt’s also trying to lure Melanie and I up to Montreal for some birding this spring, and no one can wax poetic about Montreal like Matt can:

The weather is FINALLY getting nice. Soon the streets will be alive with sexy French girls and boys, drinking frivolously on patios scented with the air of maple-dripped swallows and hummingbirds! And the rare triple-toed horndecker is native to Parc Lafontaine, near our apartment! You guys will have to come and bring your binoculars! We’ll pack a picnic full of figs and Cheval Blanc with lemon! What say ye?

Don’t you just want to power up the eco-car and head right on up there?

I sure do!