Indeed, the novelty of the issues, and the speed by which the Internet is evolving, provides independent proof that this effort is very important. Political leaders are also struggling now to understand the Internet and its impacts. In sum, articulate introduction to the public policy issues posed by the emergence and growth of the Internet is much needed, will be welcomed during the election cycle, and will form a solid basis for new policies when the next president and the next Congress take office in January 2001. When we're talking about the future of the Internet, it helps to remember where this revolutionary technology started. Today, the Internet delivers words, sound, and pictures to millions of people throughout the world, around the clock.
People conduct many-sided conversations in cyberspace.
This is what distinguishes the Internet from all other media. Cyberspace connects people-not computers, not pieces of wire or flickering screens, but people. And that's the real reason for thinking and analyzing these policy issues, and doing our level best to resolve them in a way that is beneficial for all of us. When we can communicate instantaneously and easily as though we were sitting next to each other instead of thousands of miles away, I believe we'll have a chance to solve most conflicts and misunderstandings before they begin.