EDWARD SCHWEIKERT: Computers downfall of free enterprise

I remember in the 1970s Armstrong State College (now Armstrong Atlantic State University) required exit exams to receive your degree. (Since I was a liberal arts major and a short burst writer, I started in my sophomore year and would finish my senior year and graduate.)

The subject I covered was computers and their effects, plus or minus. The report had computers in every home and/or public library in America, where we would vote for federal and state legislative bills, making our elected officials mere figureheads.

I covered two main issues: ID thief and censorship. After some key people read it, I was told to destroy the document before someone discovered it and subjected me to some unpleasant experiences. Computers are here to stay, and I must accept it.

I did not use the words “hackers” and “government-sponsored censorship.” Hacking and government–sponsored propaganda did not or would not occur in America. Censoring public libraries would make them expensive encyclopedias. Who would accept that? Censorship would lead to a position where government would think the public was incapable of independent thinking. Where does censorship end and propaganda begin?

I observed a minor reading a Sport Illustrative Swimsuit edition. How did he obtain the magazine and can the politicians pass laws? My friend looked at me and said, “Boy, are you na