Save the Internet - Maintain Net Neutrality

The internet has proven to be a fertile ground for the citizens of the world, allowing freedom of speech and a place to start even the smallest of businesses. We have all been vastly enriched by the information and opportunities available, from communications to news to online shopping.

One of the prime reasons of the success of the internet is this openness and opportunity. We don't allow telephone companies to determine who we can call or what we can talk about with them, so why should we let our government allow ISPs to determine what content we can offer or access online and make the internet an instrument of big business? Don't let Congress destroy freedom of speech and access on the internet!

Don't confuse a "free internet" for free internet SERVICE. We all pay for internet access through networks. BUT, the INFORMATION available should be unfettered. Big business should not be able to co-opt the internet and use it for themselves alone. They have plenty of opportunities to use it and profit from it without destroying what has been so successful.

Don't kill off freedom, or the goose that keeps laying more golden eggs. Let Congress know how you feel before they vote. Let them know before June 15. Check the Sites for Curious Minds Links on the right column for more information.

Photo of the Day - White Peony

What lush, glorious flowers peonies are. When they grew in our garden in Kansas, the blooms were so large the stocks could barely hold them. The air was fragrant with their scent. Ants love them, so they aren't the best flowers to bring inside, despite their beauty and perfume, but they are gorgeous to photograph.

Thoughts on Rain

It's been a long drought. I don't think we've had any rain since March. We've been spared the fires in Georgia, northern Florida, and California, but several days the air has been thick with smoke that has blown south to us. Even the weather is relative. There can be too much of a good thing. We've had comfortable, beautiful weather, but our plants and water supplies are suffering.

So, here came Tropical Storm Barry, ironically right on schedule the first day of hurricane season, and brought us the perfect, gentle, many-hour rain. Some places got the downpour and flooded streets, but we were the grateful recipients of the best rainfall. We hope the fires have been quenched and the overworked firefighters will at last get a rest.

People greeted each other with thanks for the rain instead of complaints about it.

Maybe in a month, when we have the daily downpours and have to rush to shut down and unplug our computers to be safe from the lightning strikes, when we have hurricane warnings, we'll be less enthused about rain, but for today, we are thankful.