The grind of effective government in action is rarely publicized to any great degree. However, I would argue these are the seminal steps that some 100 years into the future, find their way into historical text, looking back on tiny ho-hum that materialized into the game changer.
In the midst of all the sexy headlines and ideological tug of war, I would like to highlight this tiny little fledgling. Buried in the depths of the pulp and the pablum of another dead tree, there was this headline: FCC Hails Plan To Bring Technology To 5 Neighborhoods.
From the Chicago Sun-Times, Dec. 21, 2009 -
Wireless Internet access along a 26-block stretch of 63rd Street. Free refurbished computers as an incentive to complete technology training. Family NetCenters and Community Craig’s Lists to support local businesses.
Five months after designating four impoverished Chicago neighborhoods as "digital excellence demonstration communities," Mayor Daley on Monday added a fifth neighborhood to the list and put some meat on the bone.
The plan to flood Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Pilsen and the latest addition, Humboldt Park, with technology was hailed by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski as a model for the nation.
It is important to understand, the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago is as rife with terrorism as any city in Iraq or Afghanistan. The fight for this "lost" neighborhood is just as harrowing and critical as the fight for any line in any stump speech given by any presidential candidate. This is a fight I have witnessed first hand in my own life. When I think of being progressive, this is the fight that dominates my conscious. This may very well be my game changer, equivalent to opening a free university under the elevated train tracks of 63rd street. The article continues;
"As we develop the national broadband plan in Washington, we’re paying a lot of attention to the smart actions being taken in cities like Chicago," Genachowski said.
snip
In addition to flooding the five neighborhoods with technology, Chicago has now applied for $110 million worth of federal grants to cover the expense of laying fiber to underserved communities.
If the city gets even a portion of that money, the pipe being installed along 63rd Street to bring free broadband to area businesses could be dramatically expanded.
Did you hear that " A national broadband plan" being developed; Our government at work for us. No fanfare. No chest-thumping. No one is a sell-out or a demon, No one is a messiah or a hero. Just on the grind.
This small thing might one day prove to be as important as "The Public Option", "Public Plan" or whatever other campaign sloganeering that fades into the ether of time. This is when I'm most proud to call myself a progressive.
http://www.suntimes.com/...