e-doublespeak? i-resist!

A recurring theme throughout the Conservative Leadership Conference in Reno, NV, was the Orwellian tendency of the political left in our culture to distort our language to serve their goals; that insidious “ministry of truth,” better known as “political correctness,” has spread to the internet.

On Saturday Morning, I spoke to Scott Cleland (later on a “Government and the Internet” panel, pictured here. Scott is on the far-right - no pun intended). Cleland, of Precursor, explained the “information commons,” movement (a.k.a., “internet freedom,” “open access,” “open source,” “copy-left,” “digital freedom,”) is the prevailing idea that there should be no intellectual property - any and all digital knowledge should be open and available for the common good.

Cleland warned that we especially need to be aware of Google, explaining, “Al Gore is the senior advisor to Google, and Nancy Pelosi and Ed Markey are its biggest patrons.” While Scott conceded that it might be difficult to avoid Google altogether, he said that we definitely need to “keep an eye,” on the company, to “keep them honest.”

The future of the “progressive” internet? Scott Cleland said to look out for something ominously referred to as “Truth Predictor Software,” which will allow the online borg to almost immediately determine whether 2+2=5.

One way conservative political activists have found to resist assimilation is through internet radio. The panel pictured here talked at length about the effectiveness of this medium. Brian Wilson, of Clear Channel didn’t seem to be a fan. He asked how much good it was to have 50 million blogs, vlogs, podcasts, talk-radio programs, etc…., if we don’t DO anything? He said, “Bring out the pitchforks and torches; I’m ready for the revolution!” (I believe he’s supporting Ron Paul in the Republican primary…?) Wilson, who dominated the discussion portion of the panel also said that the best compliment he could receive as a main-stream radio talk-show host is “I don’t agree with everything you say, but at least you make me think.”

Andrea Shea-King, who has been involved in both main-stream and internet radio respectfully disagreed with Wilson, saying, “This is the future of radio - like it or not.” The panel agreed that promoting and networking are key to the success of conservative blogging and networking.

I had an opportunity to sit down and do my first podcast ever with Ed Morrissey (”Captain Ed” of Captain’s Quarters, pictured above, also on the far-right. Still, no pun intended), hosted by John McJunkin of Avalon Podcasting. We hope to have that available with more from Captain Ed in a few days.

Update: Speaking of the “Ministry of Truth,” check this out, on LGF: Britain’s Orwellian Problem

FHK’s CLC ‘07 Archive