[The telegraph] binds together by a vital cord all the nations of the earth. It is impossible that old prejudices and hostilities should longer exist, while such an instrument has been created for an exchange of thought between all the nations of the earth.
*Charles Briggs and Augustus Maverick, 1858*
[It is] inconceivable that we should allow so great a possibility for service and for news and for entertainment and education [as radio] ... to be drowned in advertising chatter or used for commercial purposes.
*Herbert Hoover, 1922*
Television drama of high caliber, produced by first-rate artists, will materially raise the level of dramatic taste of the American nation.
*David Sarnoff, 1941*
Cable [television] will create great access to information; it will also greatly assist self-identity, democratic processes, educational environments, and community cohesion.
*Barry Schwartz, 1973*
Our new ways of communicating [the Internet] will entertain as well as inform. More importantly, they will educate, promote democracy, and save lives.
*Al Gore, 1994*
props to David Brin, who has more to say (and says it more fairly) in his post.
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2 comments:
There are two sides to every coin.
I was thinking more in terms of this: that things rarely go as planned, especially when your plan is filled with a combination of noble ideas and commerce. Capitalism may be successful, but it is rarely elegant or even pretty. When a profit is the most important thing, look for the lowest common denominator to at least prevail, if not overwhelm.
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