WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama this morning delivered his first major speech on our national recovery, pledging to “put the American Dream within reach of the American people.” A major component of this plan, according to Obama, is “expanding broadband lines across America” to give everyone the chance to get online.

Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press, made the following statement:

“Millions of people trapped on the wrong side of the digital divide are being deprived of a better education, good jobs and full participation in our democracy. We can turn this economic crisis into an opportunity by getting everyone connected to the Internet.

“Nearly half of U.S. households still don’t have a high-speed Internet connection. And without a massive public investment, we’ll keep falling behind the rest of the world and failing to close the digital divide. We need to focus on buildouts, not bailouts, to put people back to work so that all Americans can realize Obama’s American Dream. It’s not only about enrichment but engagement. Connecting everyone to the Internet is a down payment on a better democracy.

“The Internet organizing that paved Obama’s way to Washington has transformed 21st-century politics. But that movement doesn’t end at the doorstep of the White House. In 2009, it’s time to ensure that every American has access to a fast, open and affordable Internet.”

Read Free Press’ detailed plan: Down Payment on Our Digital Future: Stimulus Policies for the 21st-Century Economy

For more information, visit http://www.freepress.net/ or http://www.internetforeveryone.org/

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