Staying the Course: Trusting the U.S. With the Internet, Not the U.N.

October 4, 2005

Well, it seems there are some who didn't care for a recent contribution to this space in which I stated that the U.S. should retain control of the Internet rather than handing it over to the U.N.

"Keep the Internet under the control of the U.S., which has given the world almost all of the technological advancements that people on this planet take for granted," I wrote. "Or, turn it over to an organization that gave us the oil-for-food scandal? The choice couldn't be more clear."

I was accused by one respondent of disrespect and ignorance who stated that I should "shut up or come up with some well-based arguments instead."

Another stated that America has contributed very little to the world's technological advancement for a country of its size and economic power.

In response I offer one name: Thomas Edison.

Eliminate his contribution from the world and we're all living just as our great-great grandparents did. No, thanks.

I remain unshaken in the belief that the U.S. must retain control of the Internet and not let an organization as corrupt and inept as the U.N. take over. And when it comes to questioning American ingenuity, remember Mr. Edison and try to think of what type of world we would have without his contributions. It would in no way resemble our current reality.

By Glenn J. Kalinoski, Executive Editor, Customer Inter@ction Solutions