Reply #22: I agree that we do, in_deed, need a new 'paper of record.' And,

[understandinglife]

... I think we need to have that "paper of record" be as distributed as possible to avoid all the attempts that might well emerge to disrupt keeping citizens from the primary data, as well as, analysis and opinion.

I take your comment, very seriously, as you likely expected I would.

What I envision is a combination of a constantly expanding and distributed electronic archive - everything from 'memory sticks' to larger storage devices - being maintained by individuals as well as institutions (separate from governments). And, an expanding commitment of all those participating to be diligent in backing up the information they are personally most interested (including printed archives), be it studies of coal reserves in Montana or rights abuses in Darfur or the deployment (and ominous implications) of BlackwaterUSA mercenaries in New Orleans or ...

In other words, we must become our 'paper of record' or we will become ever more impoverished in our ability to access facts, discuss and analyze those facts, and exert policy direction and accountability on those we authorize (and pay) to be our legal representatives in conducting the tasks of government.


Peace.