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>In response to the discussion about access to Internet and "have and havenots".
 I believe it is just a matter of time before there is more equitable access to
the Internet.  It will soon be available via the TV and Cable and also at
community libraries and other community resources such as Community Health
Centres.

In the mean time ... our efforts should be directed in "speeding up" the more
equitable access to Internet, by supporting and initiating community efforts to
make Internet access available in community settings.  For those involved in
research, their efforts could include proposals to test the use of this medium
in community settings (some work has been done already in this area Nancy
Milio).  Those involved in or with schools, could be advocating for "community
time" on existing computer equipment in schools as they will soon (if not
already) have Internet access.  Those working in community settings and agencies
could also be advocating for "community time" on existing computers which have
Internet access.

More equitable access to the Internet is possible if we call upon the greatest
lesson we learned ... way back in kindergarten ... and "remember to share".

Deb Bang
St. Joseph's Community Health Centre
Consumer Health Information Service
Hamilton, Ontario
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 re Shawn's query, I fear that increasing reliance on the internet as a
> medium of organizing, exciting as I find it to be, will only serve to
> further differentiate the "haves" and "have-nots" in our society, given the
> heavy investment in hardware, software, connection charges involved (not to
> mention investment in education as precursor to it's use as a hp/CD tool).
> Latest figures from Stats Canada indicate only 7% of Canadians are on the
> internet. Like other consumer innovations of advanced capitalism,
> information technology is an incredible boone to a few, while
> systematically excluding the many.
>
> I'm afraid this is something we should be concerned about, rather than
> being entirely seduced by the medium.
>
> Blake Poland
> Behavioural Science
> University of Toronto
> [log in to unmask]
>