Obama Pledges Universal Broadband

Sen Barack Obama (D-IL) pledged universal high-speed Internet access and doubling the national research and development budget in a speech at Kettering University in Flint. "At a time when technology is shaping our future, we devote a smaller and smaller share of our national resources to research and development," the Illinois senator said. "I'll double federal funding for basic research and make the R&D tax credit permanent. We can ensure that the discoveries of the 21st century happen in America -- in our labs and universities; at places like Kettering and the University of Michigan; Wayne State and Michigan State." As for the Internet, Obama said: "It is unacceptable that here, in the country that invented the Internet, we fell to 15th in the world in broadband deployment. When kids in downtown Flint or rural Iowa can't afford or access high-speed Internet, that sets back America's ability to compete. As president, I will set a simple goal: every American should have the highest speed broadband access -- no matter where you life, or how much money you have. We'll connect schools, libraries and hospitals. And we'll take on special interests to unleash the power of wireless spectrum for our safety and connectivity."
http://www.wwj.com/pages/2421744.php?contentType=4&contentId=2264845