tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post5716310025567247390..comments2011-04-19T16:06:39.581-05:00Comments on Humanism and Human Rights: Is Internet access a human right?Doctor Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189506916480012553noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post-62702598950419355172011-02-07T20:09:41.255-06:002011-02-07T20:09:41.255-06:00Rush, this is a good post in that deals directly w...Rush, this is a good post in that deals directly with something that we see in everyday life. Granted, we might be the privileged to have the ability to do so, but good job. <br /><br />The fact that the web is, in fact, a public domain, is a good point. The right to the expression of ideas and opinions, however, is not by any stretch of the imagination, a new right. The UDHR actually specifically includes the right to freedom of expression through media. Now, granted, as the world changes, so too does the media through which this expression may arise. But the freedom that exists to openly express opinions and ideas does not change, regardless of the technological advances that our world may create. <br /><br />The problem here does not lie specifically within the blocked internet usage in the Middle East, but rather with this idea of the right to freedom of speech and expression. It absolutely is a fundamental human right, and by cutting off the peoples' access to this form of participation, it is my firm belief that this is a violation of human rights.Stephen D. Spainhourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10034755177624625003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post-77197967694432270962011-02-01T16:40:21.858-06:002011-02-01T16:40:21.858-06:00Rush, I have to agree with Manali. I found this po...Rush, I have to agree with Manali. I found this post very interesting and the thought had never crossed my mind as well. I think the fact that Manali and I both had never considered the rights of internet access just goes to show that we truly take it for granted within the United States. <br /><br />Internet access is a public domain where people express their ideas, share news, and learn more about their country, world, areas of interest etc. To have a government deny the access to these public domains is a complete violation of the peoples rights. It suppresses the people and their free will. It seems like the limitation of outside access would be a way to manipulate the peoples perspectives and guiding their thoughts or opinions a certain way. It is sad in a world that is becoming more and more globalized partially due to the use of technology that a country would limit their communities ability to grow with the rest of the world.C Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494721575408184121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post-27028324750055095082011-01-31T19:56:08.070-06:002011-01-31T19:56:08.070-06:00This is a really interesting post, Rush! I never t...This is a really interesting post, Rush! I never thought of considering having internet access in the category of human rights issues. Like you said, it is a very tricky argument. As we are in a world that is putting an increasing emphasis on technology and bridging the world through the use of the internet I think it might be a basic right to have internet access simply of the basis of staying connected with the world. Maybe we can see Egypt taking away internet access as putting a limitation on their citizens right to communication with global issues and viewpoints. Because the world is more dependent on the internet, not having internet or being cut off from internet access becomes a more central human rights issues in today's global culture.Manalihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04705569791546856423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post-47647382000960383422011-01-31T00:29:32.784-06:002011-01-31T00:29:32.784-06:00As with most claims to positive rights, I find any...As with most claims to positive rights, I find any claim to a "human right to the internet" to be highly dubious. I'm skeptical as to whether access to a particular technology can be viewed as a universal condition for human dignity or fullfillment. The Internet IS significant as a medium for the expression of ideas, and this precisely why the action of the Egyptian government in restricting access is so repugnant. The problem is not that a particular "right to Internet access" has been violated, but the state is stifling freedoms of speech and political participation (and commerce, for that matter).<br /><br />The nation of Bhutan only introduced the Internet (and TV) in 1999; was the government a flagrant violator of human rights prior to this date, purely on that basis?Patrick Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16476715428156290140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5638402958079714573.post-8643306612463646502011-01-31T00:26:36.914-06:002011-01-31T00:26:36.914-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Patrick Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16476715428156290140noreply@blogger.com