Kenneth M. O’Brien
Back in 1973, while a State Legislator, I proposed that the State of Massachusetts fund the development of what I termed “A Statewide Information Utility.”
In 1976-77 I expanded the idea to “A National Information Utility” as part of an application for a White House Fellowship. Having reached the Regional Finalist stage, I was interviewed by a panel of judges. Among them was the late Ella Grasso, then Governor of Connecticut. Her damning critique at the time was. “You don’t really believe that people will read books and magazines on a TV screen, do you?”
Over the years I have seen the concept expand, leading to the Internet we have today.
My deepest regret, however, was that it never truly developed into the universal, free, educational medium that I had envisioned.
Over the years I have seen the concept expand, leading to the Internet we have today.
My deepest regret, however, was that it never truly developed into the universal, free, educational medium that I had envisioned.
