As we look around the world right now, from Wisconsin to the Middle East, and even into Asia, it seems as though the internet is - in part - finally beginning to meet its potential as a force to help oppressed people get their messages out, and to demand just treatment.
Individuals can now reach out and come together with other like-minded people from anywhere. They can take on the forces of despots like those in the Middle East, or wannabe despots like certain Governors here in the U.S.
Sadly, the one force that technology still seems powerless against is that of extreme self introspection - or what we call too much navel gazing.
As we put this commentary together, we look at news sources from all over the world. That includes newspapers from the U.S. like the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the LA Times and more. We also look at some of the more influential overseas sources like the BBC and Al Jazeera English, as well as assorted other sources. We even dig into more hardcore news sources like McClatchy, and more reliable professional writers from blogs like The Huffington Post.
Today, as we look at each of their front pages, online and off, the difference between what the world is talking about and what passes for news in America are very stark - and somewhat sad.
Sure - virtually everyone has at least one story above the fold about what's going on in the Middle East, and most are talking about Libya today. However, to a significant degree, many news sources in America have minimized their coverage of things that are happening beyond U.S. borders that can and do affect us all.
For example, Fox News and some of the right wing TV and radio sources were screaming over the last few days about Iranian Navy ships transiting the Suez Canal on their way to Syria.
Do we know if those ships made it through? Did anything remarkable happen with their passage? If it didn't, why did the price of crude oil shoot up nearly ten percent yesterday?
If you're checking most American news sources, you'll likely have to dig, either into the B, C, or D sections, or several clicks down online, if you want to find the answer. Many of them simply won't have complete information for you.
They'll tell you the score of Podunk State versus Georgetown - and admittedly, we appreciate that, as there is a Georgetown grad among us. They'll also give you dating tips, and tell you what people in America are eating, reading, watching, and listening to. They'll always be willing to share the latest political rumors, and what childish - and usually pointless - slurs the major political parties are throwing around.
What they won't often tell you, unfortunately, is stuff that is truly news.
That's the part that scares us most - and scares the despots in the Middle East and elsewhere too.
Their people are beginning to smell the heady scent of freedom. Their media is growing, and reporting real news.
The nightmare question for Americans is this: why isn't our news media doing the same thing?
