Free the Net

I was much interested in Arun Mehta's Commentary on "freedom" of the Internet ("Radio Free Usenet," July). My daughter is in Croatia, my sister is in Tennessee, and I am in Atlanta, and we all communicate through E-mail transmitted via the Internet. And now I can send messages to Mr. Mehta in India. He was correct that the old U.S.S.R. had to choose between the benefits of PC technology and the risk of losing control over information. The world is racing ahead toward a global system, and yet some people are still in the dark ages.

Shelia Perkins
Atlanta, GA

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Mehta's assessment of the Usenet system. I am particularly concerned about the threat posed to Usenet by the ignorant and misguided efforts of some members of the U.S. legislative bodies.

Richie Trenthem
Memphis, TN
trenthem@rhodes.edu

I want to thank Arun Mehta for his Commentary. I share his concerns about the Exon amendment in particular and Net censorship in general.

Dave Parker
dlparker@dlpinc00.com

Eighty-six U.S. Senators voted to approve a legislative measure that could make people liable for statements they make in E-mail messages that would be protected in a conventional letter. Senator Hatch (R-Utah) characterized the proceedings as "a game, to see who can be the most against pornography and obscenity. It's a political exercise."--Arun Mehta