Lets say that we have a special interest group or non-profit organization with sufficient funds and motivation to launch it's own series of communication satellites (can be done for $20,000 US a pop), and that these satellites (more then $20,000 but the price is dropping) were capable of providing wireless, unrestricted, internet access anywhere in the world...naturally there are a large number of groups, organizations, businesses, and governments that would do everything in their power to prevent it from happening.

Part of my research leads me to study countries like Iran and North Korea, and their attitude and relationship with the media and internet specifically...in addition to phone and cable companies, organizations like the NSA in the United States, political figures, etc. each with their own agenda and special interest...most with a desire to maintain the status quo..or at least assume some measure of control over it on an on-going basis. I also look to oil and automobile companies and their inter-relationship in keeping the internal-combustion engine alive...in their case for the sake of profit and keeping their share-holders and pension fund holders happy.

On the flip-side: Lets say that you as an individual don't want to complain too loudly as you own stock in a variety of energy companies, including big oil...and like many people you plan to retire someday...so while others whine about the price of gas, you can look at your IRA or RRSP (depending which side of the 49th you live on) and smile. So...how do I reconcile my social conscience (assuming I have one) with my own long term financial needs (assuming I have those) ? I had this debate this morning with a friend who is currently studying law at a Canadian University. She takes a more pragmatic view (as she must)...as single mother with student loans...and must make these choices for herself and presumably for her clients in the near future. It's worth mentioning that we originally met in a first-year philosophy class and after a heated debate that ended with our Professor asking her to leave the room, managed to become and remain friends (she got an A in the course, I got a B). In fairness, she provided the oil company-retirement fund analogy, and with the amount of feedback she's provided I may have to give her a writing credit when the book is published (although she has zero interest in becoming the next John/Jane Grisham).

Feedback and opinions welcomed...