COMMUNIST BLOCK

As the Internet and other forms of communication continue to evolve, Americans can take pride in — and should continue to protect — the free access to information that flows across our big fat pipes. Sure, we should be embarrassed by much of that information lately, thanks to the likes of WorldCom, Adelphia, Enron et al. And we should be disturbed about the abuses and concerned with the rumors of war streaming across our networks. But at least we know of them. We are free to communicate, to learn and to make up our own minds. Chinese Web surfers aren't so lucky. Last week, the Chinese government reportedly blocked access to Google search engines in an apparent effort to stem the flow of information just before an upcoming Communist Party Congress. Although there has been no official acknowledgement by the Chinese government that search sites were purposely blocked, a New York-based group called the Committee to Protect Journalists said China routinely blocks foreign news sites and sites promoting dissident views. They also block pornography, which arguably could put them one up on us, but overall, we exist and thrive through the free and unencumbered flow of information — good and bad, favorable and unfavorable, palatable or not. So while I am not proud of the scandalous American corporations named above, I am proud to live in a country that does not hide them.