Computers & Our Way

Computers And The American Way

By Roy D. Follendore III

March 23, 2002

Computers systems and communications networks are not inert political issues supporting an arbitrary existence. They are also tools for the powerful which must be controlled. Governments operate through policies and classified projects, not conspiracies. These polices are generally announced, often discovered if kept secret, highly coordinated and are rarely rogue and independent decisions. Policies don't just pop out of a magicians hat. They are very expensive to manufacture. Cybersecurity policy is a part of American policies just as the justifications for Carnivore and Echelon. The L.A. Times last year reported that work on one such new satellite project cost $25 billion and involves 20,000 people over two decades in California alone. "This is a scale and scope that dwarfs the Manhattan Project." Well none of this is new news. The control of computers systems and communications are part of power of globalization. Some think that the emerging new policies of Cybersecurity are simply the protection of the American Way from terrorism.

The American Way is an interesting statement. The American view is often different from the view of others. For better or worse, the American Way is often seen by others as an American Manifest Destiny of world wide economic and political influence. Observe the issues of Globalization. What exactly is Globalization? It is often described as a "New World Order" not "The American Way." But if so, then who will be in charge of this New World Order? Now where and when in history have we heard these words before? When you think of the answer you will understand the reasons why I dislike the choice of the term "Homeland Security." Maybe Margaret Thatcher was shut up for speaking the truth.

No one can doubt that American influence takes place far beyond the borders of the United States, so maybe Globalization is the American Way. Well, so what you say could be more American than to Americanize the planet and resources? Ask yourself what is at stake and what are the influencing factors of Globalization? This may not be a religious crusade but it is none the less a crusade, and at least of a historical magnitude greater than the capture and control of some holy land.

Survival and success of the human race is should not be played as a zero sum game. There are distinct security advantages to diversified cultures and control. Globalization is not at all understood, and yet we all seem to be barreling down the path to embrace it. Something appears to be wrong with this process. Where is the open and free debate? Someone is making the decisions and pulling the strings to push the idea of Globalization. Who is it? We had better know more before we decide to turn over control of free speech to potential entities who consider themselves beyond the Constitution.

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