I’ve been hearing about I2, or “Internet 2″ for several years now. Basically, the concept is a revolutionary redesign of the internet and it has been headed up by a consortium of universities, technology leaders, government officials and corporations. Critics fear that this somewhat obscure group could be responsible for regulatory acts over the internet in order to bring about systems of taxation, further surveillance and and greater control exercised over the global internet.

One arm of this has been the Net Neutrality legislation that has recently been discussed by congress. Essentially, net neutrality is the idea behind giving certain precedence to some websites over others, based on the ability of the service provider to pay the proper fees. So, for example, Google could afford to pay for massive usage and get fast speeds - whereas my site would be slow (or completely unavailable) because I am unwilling to pay or can’t afford such usage fees. This is bad stuff for the internet as it will completely favor large corporations and cause smaller, less-popular websites to suffer viewership because of such regulation.

Another branch of this is the technology aspects of Internet 2. There is great question over what this could encompass, however, concern is placed over what technologies would be allowed to exist over such a network. Most people think of the internet as “the web” - but it’s much larger than that. For example, IRC (internet relay chat) is a sub technology, like “the web,” that rides over the internet. Another example might be a voice-over-IP telephone connection. Little is truly known about what Internet 2 might actually look like from the technology perspective.

Now, I’ve been hearing “crying wolf” stories about the regulation of the internet so many times that I’ve almost become numb to it. However, just recently, another alarm has gone off on this front and I feel obliged to reveal it to you. Sources have uncovered what may be leaked information about some of the potential design aspects of this new internet technology, informally termed Internet 2.

Essentially, leaked information suggests that internet service providers may go to a “pay per view” model, as early as 2012, where users are charged based for their internet usage habits. Going even further, the information also suggests that a certain list of “approved sites” would be readily available for anyone to access, however, the millions of *other* websites out there would require pay-per-view type access accounts and/or a more costly tier of service to access them.

There is no doubt that a move like this would radically transform the look, feel and freedom of the internet. Many of the sites and things that we enjoy on the internet could be significantly threatened if a business model like this is allowed to come to fruition.

I’m still waiting for several independent sources to confirm this information and awaiting further investigation to be released, but this latest threat appears to be somewhat credible with the news that has been released so far.

This is bad stuff, folks. Please feel free to watch these videos to get some more information about the subject matter. There are also several web articles out there.

I Power Net Neutrality Analysis:

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Alex Jones Analysis:

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I do have to tell you that now that Ron Paul’s presidential campaign is mostly over for me, at least for me here in Washington and my neighbors in Idaho, it’s nice to actually have spare time to dedicate to such frivolous things as blogging. I’m still considering going to Minneapolis/St. Paul for the Republican National Convention for the Campaign for Liberty rally, but that’s dependent on whether someone can lock down some serious land space nearby for camping and a genuine Ron-Fest.

So, I was cruising the ‘net, getting informed, as I often do…and I found this little gem - a 9/11 truth music video, the first to my knowledge. Gotta say, it’s a little catchy…and considering I mostly detest disco and wish it would just go away forever, it’s been rolling through my head ever since I heard it. You can see my thoughts on the 9/11 truth movement here, if you’re interested.

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Hope you enjoy it.

Something has come to our attention in the US lately…a so-called Trans-National corridor and the formation of what could be called the North American Union (NAU). The mainstream media has largely debunked these ideas as irrelevant conspiracy theories; conjecture by unwarranted kooks. They say the trans-national corridor is simply a highway maintenance project and the NAU, simply unfathomable. Or at least this is what they’d like you to believe.

See, the mainstream media works on the principle that the majority of their viewers will not research the information presented to them…and though this may be true, to a certain degree, I believe we’re in a time where the media is losing their grip on the American people.

After Ron Paul, GOP Presidential candidate, was asked whether he believed in such “conspiracy theories” at the CNN/YouTube debate last month…I took note that many of the organizations involved in said projects changed their public websites and, in one swooping effort, made a point to sweep the idea that there could be a conspiracy under the rug. The word “conspiracy” has been marginalized in our society…it is not often used for it’s true intent; an organized effort towards a common goal. The mainstream media backed this up by running story after story of how kooky people were that believed these things.

Well, I for one am NOT a kook and I’ve seen substantial evidence supporting the existence of such “conspiracies”. This article is by no means a complete documentation of all the available research and you are, of course, encouraged to come to your own conclusions by doing your own research.

As far as the trans-national corridor, you need only watch Canadian television to discover it’s truth:

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Ummmm…wait just a second. What was that? A mid-continent trade corridor, connecting trade markets throughout Canada, the US and Mexico??? Oh, wait, we all know how kooky those Manitoban Legislators are. Who would believe them? Oh, but then there’s the Canamex Corridor Coalition, essentially a lobbyist group for the project, that conveniently removed all mentions of NAFTA from their website after Ron Paul’s debate comments. Oh, wait, and then what’s this…a Mexican company, Cintra Concesiones de Infrastructuras de Transporte, S.A., will be collecting tolls from US citizens that use parts of the freeway?? Hmmmm…looks like there really is a conspiracy.

But what about a North American Union? Lou Dobbs, whom I suppose is a loon too, has reported about it a couple of times. You’d think something like this would be all over the newspapers and television news, but indeed, it wasn’t. Does the question, “Why?” come to mind? There’s a reason for that, too, but it’s outside the scope of this post.

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The phrase “North American Union” is merely a phrase coined to describe similar principles by which the European Union was founded upon, only implemented in North America. It’s precise term is the “Security and Prosperity Partnership” and it’s a formal effort by the countries of North America to create a so-called partnership between the countries.

When one dives deep into the Security and Prosperity Partnership, we find some rather startling facts. While on the surface it might appear like a benign trade agreement…when you realize the scope of the plan and the meaning of their words, it becomes quite apparent that this is an alignment of commerce, military, legislation, regulation and policy. What concerns me most is that neither the Congress or the people voted on this agreement / alignment / union / whatever you call it…it was a private & secret agreement that has been forced down our throats.

The resistance to their plan has been so great, that they’ve taken it upon themselves to put together a myth vs. facts page (archive), where it reads like, “No there is no plan for a NAU,” “No, it won’t infringe on sovereignty,” “No there wasn’t an agreement signed,” no this, no that. It’s quite unimpressive to the inquisitive mind, really. Especially when a click away you can see their latest progress, which clearly shows a discrepancy over many of their supposed “facts” stated on their myths vs. facts page. It’s right out there in the open…an open conspiracy, if you will…that illuminates many additional interests other than just commerce involved in this partnership.

So, it would appear that Ron Paul and the other “kooks” that believe in the existence of this stuff aren’t so crazy after all. We’re just paying attention. I encourage you to look into these things…I believe these issues should be at the forefront of American discussion.

Well, perhaps it’s not the beginning - but some news came out today that should cause each and every one of you to sit up and pay attention.

The US dollar slumped to an all-time low today - never before has the US dollar been worth less since it’s been independently tracked against foreign currencies in 1973. This could be the tipping point for our inevitable economic downward slide…with potential for a much larger magnitude than the economic crisis of the 1930’s.

Read about it on Bloomberg

If you’re not aware, the United States currently spends more than it makes and has to borrow money from foreign nations just to keep the lights on. Our government does this so they can print more money and spend that money into existence. Problem is, each time we create money, we devalue the currency that is all ready in circulation - it’s called inflation. This inflation has been occurring at an unprecedented rate over the last five years due to untempered spending in Washington.

Why the crisis? Well, two reasons. First, this devaluation impacts the desirabilty for investors to back the US dollar as better performing currencies will be a more likely choice for better returns. This means less people will invest in the US dollar, thereby decreasing the money we can create without out-of-control inflation, furthering our inability to pay our bills. Second, with the foreign investment dependence we currently suffer, foreign nations will favor stronger currencies than our faltering dollar. Countries like China have significant reserves of US currency - dumping these in favor of stronger currencies means our debt comes back to bite us like a rabid dog. These two things combined mean that people will start to transition their wealth into other currencies or precious metals, if they’re aware enough to do so. If this sustains and goes supernova, the US economy could come crashing down like a house of cards because of our reliance on these investors.

All I’m waiting for now is the first major bank to crash - at that point, we will have entered an irreversible trend that will catapult the economy towards the floor.  If you don’t think that can happen - you should be learning about the growing number of mortgage defaults, the worldwide housing market crash, imploding hedge funds and systemic risk.

I’ve written about the investing into precious metals and I still advise it as the most sure bet of sustaining the hard times that could be ahead. Gold has rocketed past $800 per ounce, up hundreds of dollars from where it was even months ago. Silver, albeit a more volatile market than gold, has seen recent spikes upwards of 30% from where it was just few short months ago. These precious metals are also inclining at a faster pace against the US dollar than other currencies that are performing better, such as the Canadian dollar.

Speaking of the Canadian dollar, I wrote awhile ago about the Canadian dollar overtaking the US dollar in value. In just a few weeks, we’re now seeing that it’s nearly 8 cents over the dollar, or 8% higher. (Read another, US currency is worth 8% less) Further evidence of our rapid downward spiral. I did a comparison of the Canadian dollar and the US dollar against the Swiss Franc recently in order to prove the anomaly wasn’t just the Canadian dollar performing better than average. The Swiss Franc is widely regarded as one of the most stable, unwavering currencies in the world and is therefore a good choice for comparison of inflationary effects. The graphs showed that, yes, the Canadian dollar was doing better…but by far, the US dollar was declining at a much more rapid pace.

Anyhow…that’s what I have to say for now. Pretty serious stuff, I know…but you need to pay attention to it because it WILL ultimately affect you. If you want to know what you can do, look at who I support - Ron Paul.

If you’ve spent any time on my blog, you’re probably aware of my anti-TV attitude. I’m a little disappointed in myself - I think I’ve found myself giving in to the YouTube kool-aid. Online video is hard to resist once they hook ya’…I can’t even tell you how many YouTube junkies are out there…but I know it’s a LOT. I feel like such a hypocrite. Hell, my blog is plastered with videos…admittedly, a lot of words, too…but still, I’m up to probably somewhere around 20 videos.

It’s times like this that I try to remember why I stopped watching TV in the first place back in 1997. 1) I wanted to explore it as a social experiment. 2) I hate advertising. 3) I found my quality of life and interests improved when not spending so much time watching TV. 4) Television wasn’t that good, anyways.

OK, then I compare those same reasons to YouTube and this is what I came up with. 1) YouTube is an interesting social experiment. 2) Not near as much advertising, but it’s still present. 3) I’ve enjoyed hearing & seeing “people” talk/teach/complain/etc and, in a way, it contributes to my quality of life 4) I’ve found a ton of kewl videos & if I don’t like it, I press the “Back” button and it’s gone.  (I do banish all thee who think dumb is the kewlest thing.  It is NOT kewl to be dumb.)  So, as you can see, I’ve managed to justify every single point. I’m wondering if I’m a hypocrite - to denounce television, yet to watch *television* on YouTube (albeit directed and on-topic) seems a little contradictory.

I don’t really have a problem with motion video - I’ve watched enough movies & documentaries to prove that. My issue is more with the ever increasing level of manipulation that a viewer subjects themselves to. With television, people are presented a “mainstream” that has nearly become the bar to which we live our lives. It’s authority over the average American has taken on unprecedented proportions - it’s almost as if they accept it as reality. When in fact, it is not.

I really don’t get this feeling from YouTube. It’s television clips, sure…but it’s also Vlogs (video blogs), DIY videos, educational videos, amazing video and many other things. Real stuff. You can dive in and really direct your viewing towards specific interests or just click through the vast array of video interconnectedness…and with the size of it, there is a substantial amount to choose from. I don’t feel like there’s some great big hand guiding my thoughts with the bombardment of many common ideas and zippy video editing. It’s just different than TV.

So, I think I’ll keep posting videos to my blog - ’cause hey, I like ‘em. And if I’m a hypocrite, that’s fine. I know enough to veer away from becoming a total YouTube junkie, so you can’t accuse me of that. I’ve also promised myself that I will continue to do text only blog entries as there should be moderation in all things. So, them’s the breaks with me, TV & online video.