Obama's Democracy Stimulus

President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday delivered his first major speech of the new year, pledging to "put the American Dream within reach of the American people."

A core component of Obama's economic recovery plan is "expanding broadband lines across America" to give everyone the chance to get online.

Historically, presidents have turned to public works projects to jolt new life into flagging economies: Lincoln promoted the railroads; Roosevelt erected dams and strung power lines; Eisenhower built the Interstate highways.

The construction alone put thousands to work. And better infrastructure pumped new energy into the private sector, creating many more jobs and countless long-term economic benefits.

Internet is the infrastructure of our time, so it makes sense for Obama to turn special attention to improving this essential technology.

According to a 2007 study by the Brookings Institution, boosting U.S. broadband adoption by 20 percent -- putting America on par with a country like Denmark -- would create 3 million new jobs. But it doesn't end there.

Building better broadband is not a bailout. It's a buildout for better democracy.

Connecting to the Dream

Economic crisis or not, connecting everyone to a fast, open and affordable Internet will better our democracy as a whole. It's something we should have done well before mortgage bankers drove our economy off a cliff, well before the country fell from fourth to 15th in the world in broadband adoption. And it's something we should continue to prioritize well after this crisis is over.

Millions of people trapped on the wrong side of the digital divide are being deprived of a better education, good jobs and full participation in our democracy.

Obama's "American Dream" is a matter not only of enrichment but of engagement.

Last year, millions of people joined social networks, e-mail lists, online fundraisers and forums to support their favorite candidates and topple politics as usual in Washington. Even if you didn't vote for Obama, the Internet organizing that paved his way to the White House has transformed 21st-century politics.

This Internet movement doesn't end for Obama at the doorstep of the White House. As president, Obama needs to roll up his sleeves and work with all of us to ensure that every American has access to a fast, open and affordable Internet.

My colleague S. Derek Turner has created a detailed plan to use $44 billion in broadband stimulus spending that will help us get there. That's the "how." The "why" is really what's most important about this work.

In 2008, the Internet opened the door to a new kind of political power, one that's more diverse, grassroots and decentralized. In 2009, it's time we put that power in the hands of every American.

Comments

[cayuse]

After 40 year in the IT industry I have seen some changes. I currently work from home 280 mile form where my company is located. I use cheap broadband today. If $80 per month (for Internet and TV) for $46/hour (income $6329.60 for 32 hours) This saves the corporation alot of money in office equipment and space. It also saves gas and the enviroinment.

A few years ago we offered our local community participation in the Digital Information Highway. What we found was the city, the school, local business and the government was only interested in what they could get. They were not interested in jobs, education or knowledge.

I know my next job will not be at home, because you cannot rent the office space with all workers working from home. Cities cannot get property tax with workers working from home.

You cannot stop greedy people from being greedy. The do not hire people who do it right, only if they perpetuate their greed

Let it Be. When greed goes up value goes down. It is the FEE market. Not negatism, FACT

[Kassandra]

This AND net neutrality may actually bring democracy to America. Frankly, I'm tired of paying thru the nose to the monopoly that carries my signals.

[AshevilleVoice]

Well said.

"Building better broadband is not a bailout. It's a buildout for better democracy. "

[cayuse]

As would all of the people trained in computer in the last down turn, IEspecially if we hired them instead of East Indians on H1B Visas

Imagine if we trained Americans again, since what they learned before is lost, and gave them not only H1B Visa jobs, but the outsource work going to India today.

[DaCoach]

We all have free radio and television. Yet, somehow, the internet costs Americans billions of dollars every year and is unaffordable to many. Let's improve the speed and make it open for everyone. Just like TV and radio, the advertising can offset the delivery of content.

[hey0there]

radio and tv are wireless.

[DaCoach]

So what. The FCC has regulatory authority and has mismanaged the expansion of access by favoring AT&T, Comcast and Verizon.

[thecanadian]

Good article Tim. Love your line "Building better broadband is not a bailout. It's a buildout for better democracy. "

[Sumocat]

"Economic crisis or not, connecting everyone to a fast, open and affordable Internet will better our democracy as a whole." -- Would have been pushed forward regardless of the economy. Expanded broadband was part of his plan before the economic s*** hit the fan. While Obama shifted tactics to expand broadband access, promoting it as economic stimulus, his strategy remains on course.