They’re both trying to keep people from freely accessing information. Nicholas Kristof wrote an op-ed in the New York Times earlier this week about China’s attempts to censor the internet so their citizens won’t be able to read about Falun Gong or the Tiennaman Square massacre. Meanwhile, I was just reading an article on the edge about one scientists fight to against the intelligent design movement. But he says:

“What really upset me and really offends me about these people is that they would rather children be ignorant than be exposed to knowledge that might - quote unquote might - weaken their faith. And that attitude of course is the same with the Taliban.

I do believe the greatest threat to our freedom, in a democracy or not in a democracy, is sort of the censorship that controls information. And knowledge, one way or another, breeds freedom. And so for me, to actively promote ignorance is the worst thing you can do.

Information is extremely important to our society and our ability to deal with things in a reasonable way.  Knowledge and  ideas have the power to captivate millions and accomplish incredible things.  It’s scary how much control people are trying to exert over information. With the internet however, it is almost impossible to block information.  Even in China, the best they can do is block a few sites out of millions, they just can’t keep up with all of them.  Free information empowers the people.