The notion of shifting morality has bothered me for some time. The internet has really accelerated the discussion. When we were working on our internet startup and online media and video in particular, was a zero-billion dollar industry, the “land grab” by the flashy Hollywood mogul puppies was my first personal experience. These guys did not “own” any of what had been freely and generously given by thousands who had put millions of hours of effort and world-class knowledge into something very special – the internet.

Sure, there has been some funding by the government, universities and the research departments of a few far-sighted corporations. But individuals contributed so much more, beyond what they were paid to do, because they believed in the benefits that would be available to everyone anywhere, anytime – a true global society.

Then these media tycoons come in, using money that they have helped themselves to, buy up the politicians and make rules that benefit only themselves. Worse – this is all about their excessive personal financial gain at the expense of everyone one else. Some of the smartest, kindest intellectual giants are being exploited. Many of the neediest populations on the face of the earth are denied access to resources that were intended to lift them from hunger, poverty and illiteracy. Makes me very angry…

A New York Times article by David Pogue suggests that kids today are ‘differently moral’. Whose side is this guy on? Not mine – that’s for sure. As always, Stephen Downes offers insight about what’s wrong with the picture presented in the NYT article. He concludes his analysis …

Children do not have some fundamentally different morality. Rather, they see – while adults, for some reason, are blind – that the game is shifting, that some very self-centered and greedy people are trying to change the rules. The children – who have no stake in this sudden ‘ownership society’ – are not fooled. We shouldn’t be either.

So, tell me again who’s morality is shifting? Thankfully, I don’t think it is the kids’…