Internet struggles are international

I mentioned earlier that the UN has been talking about forming a group to take over 'ruling' the Internet. Well, remember how many problems we've had in the US over that question (who's in charge, who gets paid, who's responsible, etc?)? Imagine those questions now on the lips of every single country in the world!

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good idea for all the countries that are interested to be able to give their input and have a voice in what happens but I do think it would be a good idea for countries that have already ironed out some of the problems with both the technology and the surrounding societal and cultural implications to help lay the groundwork. I also realize that this means there is a strong chance that whatever is done will favor the countries who are already in the lead but I'm no genius - I have no good resolution to that dilemma.

I think the important thing to remember is that the Internet is (for now anyway) truly helpful to people who have access to the technology (computers) and who understand how accessing all the information can benefit them. Truthfully, there are many countries and many peoples who need our help to survive - they have more basic needs than being able to view the latests sports scores. It's going to be interesting to see how developing countries balance their government's desire to be more technologically advanced with their people's need to have food, shelter, water, medical care, and other basic necessities.

That's a real question - how do you help a developing country address its most basic needs without leaving them so far behind in other areas? That particular question is played out so obviously on many levels within the US it isn't funny. How do you help your poorest and least educated citizens address their basic needs but still help them take advatange of more advanced aspects of society?