24/01/04

Protest Websites

Lance Broughton

LewisNews

There are hundreds of thousands so called ‘protest’ websites around the world. They highlight business scandals, political corruption and senseless wars. They also expose underhand dealings from all levels of society. The ruling elite hate them because they use the Bill of Rights Act, and most civilised countries have one, to fly in the face of official misrepresentations. The mainstream politically compliant media treat them with contempt and the operators and writers snubbed. Some unthinking ISP operators even refuse to host ‘protest’ sites. However, it has been my experience that most are run by mature people who have seen the standards of honesty, decency and their childhood teachings, subjugated in the name of power, profit and globalization. They know the world changes but sagaciously insist that commonsense still has a large part to play. Being anti establishment, the have one thing in common no matter what language they speak. They all suffer from poverty. Being honest and sticking to time proven standards automatically ensures they live on the bones of their ass. It seems to be standard procedure in a world where lies and corruption are rapidly becoming the modus operandi of many governments.

They go out of their way to learn how to build and operate a website (not easy) and spend a minimum of 14 hours a day updated stories from around the world. Many have travelled extensively and served their respective countries with distinction. None wish any harm to anyone. Too old to physically protest and risk arrest, they use the only sensible means available to them. The modern Internet fit the bill precisely. But somehow or other the Internet is the electronic bain of politicians and the itchy fingered corporations that are collapsing like dominos and costing the trusting public their jobs and life savings.

Using a simple phone line they cast their net far and wide. They broadcast on computer airways and run chat rooms and talk-backs. They provide news services from faraway countries and actively encourage freedom of expression.

It might seem strange but all countries have the same human nature based problems. Mainly greed and political arrogance. This is to be expected because the only things that really changes from country to country, is the culture, the language and the street signs. Be it primitive tribe in Borneo or sophisticated urban sprawl in the US, the kids still have to be fed and educated. Somebody has to supply the money required for the survival of future generations. Local, national taxes and living expenses soak up more than 100% of income. Servitude by credit card pays the rest. Debt, bureaucrats and war are the only growth industry. How many factories have closed near you? And where have all the 1960's flowers gone?

Tis my considered opinion that ‘protest’ websites are the conscience of modern society. They provide an outlet to discuss politically denied honesty and decency. They are the backbone of the community and an articulate vent for life’s frustrations.

Rarely do they receive funding from public sources and struggle to survive by their own efforts. It’s their pension funds that pays the ISP and purchases computer bits and pieces that keep us informed of world events at the click of a mouse. It’s their skills that enable us to publish our opinions worldwide. It is they who are hounded by arrogant authorities bent on silencing alternative opinions. I seriously think they deserve a little consideration to enable them to keep publishing.

Their continual investment in time and money is the only bastion of free press left in the world today. Their survival is essential for authentic democracy to come through this disquieting period of George Orwell style abuse of privilege and power.