The Success of Information Revolution

At the heart of the US Constitution is the right to free speech, where citizens can voice opinions and debate issues without any fear of retaliation from the government. In addition, other rights such as the pursuit of happiness and a minimum level of protection from the government are listed in the Constitution. I feel these basic rights and values are further strengthened through the information revolution. America's democratic ideology and individualized society benefiting the whole, is seemingly more prominent in the information age than in any previous era.

Never before has then there been a medium where the common man has had as much say as a national newspaper. Nearly anyone with an Internet account can make a web page and voice his or her opinions on such trivial things as yesterday's television show or such important things as upcoming elections and national security. With the vast information available to the common man, people are bound together by a network of computers and cables creating a type of nervous system for the country. With a representative government such as the United States', a basic goal of the top officials should be to dispense important information to the people and allow debate of issues. Until now, television has been the choice medium to accommodate this, however now with the Internet, voices can be heard on both sides of the cable. As those on the Internet read the issues, they can gather their own opinions and write back to officials explaining their views and points of concern. In this respect, the information revolution helps support free speech and government representation. The information revolution keeps citizens informed on all issues of importance from the weather to medication warnings, leading to a slightly more convenient and easier life.

The powerful computers and inexpensive connectivity, common in the information age, help accelerate globalized business and finance leading to stronger wealthier nations, including the United States. E-commerce, as it is so called, makes it easier for consumers to find the best prices and buy items without the hassle of lines. With healthy economies and happy consumers, the pursuit of happiness is easier to come by. The integration of the world's economy through the information revolution has created new standards for global opportunities.

Issues of security also come up regarding the protection of the US citizens against other nations and the protection of the US government against US citizens. The United States military enacted the "revolution in military affairs" based on sophisticated electronic surveillance and electronically guided munitions. The author of the article constantly refers to protection has "transparency". With the information age, cameras and microphones can be planted in very small places allowing the surveillance of suspicious activity. The revolution in military affairs, enabled by the new military technologies, requires profound changes in the U.S. military doctrine and in organizational structure to make use of their potential. This technology has allowed the average person to see what goes on behind the scenes in battle. For instance, during Operation Desert Storm, CNN viewers around the world watched smart bombs seeking targets in the streets of Baghdad, the Iraqi capital. What they did not see was the attack on Iraq's communications infrastructure or the U.S. integrated command and control system. The technological advances allow the government to protect the people of the United States to a higher degree, thus giving safety to the public.

In my opinion, the information revolution greatly strengthens and emphasizes basic American values. Technology makes life more convenient, easier, and safer. This era is one of the greatest, in fact, giving Americans more say in political issues and a profound sense of individuality.