Michael Wilson

The ESRB has determined its method for an App rating system.  The plan has support from Microsoft, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon among others.  Notably, Apple and Google are not supporting the move.  

It doesn’t take an industry expert to realize that without the support of the operating systems developers, the entire plan is a bit foolish.  Generally speaking, I am against censorship. My favorite quote regarding censorship being:

“Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.”

- Henry Gates

More importantly, Apple and Google already have methods in place for suggesting maturity level for certain apps and don’t see a need to have formal ratings.

The web needs to continue to be a free place.  The more that censors creep into different aspects, the closer we get to a day when “family values” groups and the government look to limit and control the way we experience it.  Standing up for the freedom of the web is a required position if it is to continue to grow.

I, like many, have grown increasingly disappointed in what American politics have become. Every decision seems to be made for gain rather than on principle.  

The most frustrating of all political dynamics is that of “returning to a better time”.  Nothing annoys me more than a party or leadership which does little other than harp on about how things were different and better when they were kids.  There is no “simpler time” ahead.  There is never any going back.  

What I want, and what America needs to be successful in the future, is 2 (or hopefully more) parties each with different visions for the future.  Let the American people chose between different approaches on how to move forward.  Give us 2 approaches to: becoming energy independent, creating jobs, building American infrastructure.  Give us something to strive for and something positive to grow towards.  People respond to positivity and right now there is little other than mud slinging.  If things don’t change, I don’t see a way for America to ever climb its way back to being the great country it once was.

I frequently think of the greek proverb that says:

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit under”

If only Washington would consider the thought as well.