U.S. Activists Help Egyptians Elude Online Censorship

On Point censorship is my concern this morning Feb.1, 2011. Moderators at On Point commentary pages have been ordered to systematically reject the posts of regular loyal commentators and listeners it appears or seems. The profile of exclusion seems to target left dissidents and especially women. These women devoted a great deal of time enhancing the show and doing side research. They had a social network based there and no other way to contact one another. If cyberspace is limitless it becomes clear that On Point has embraced political and social censorship inthe mistaken belief that will advance the show with wealthy conservatives and Tom Ashbrook’s career. I am dismayed because the exchange on those comment pages seemed more alive and meaningful than what was being broadcast. Tom seems frequently stodgy and apologetic to powerful interests.

When On Point’s behavior is taken in light of the new demand for openess and free thinking exchange it begins to resemble the imperial leadership in Egypt or China. When one considers that European and American telecommunications corporations cooperate with repressive regimes in censorship and the tracking of dissidents one begins to expect that WBUR and On Point are complicitous in parallel behaviors at home. This exclusion seems sophisticated and based upon tracking specific ISP accounts. Is there provider assistance involved? I’m not yet sure.

I would be interested in hearing from persons who see my Point @ beretco.op@hotmail.com.