Web Cam

Well, for two days in a row, Rosita's web cam has not been live. Yesterday, the computer was freaking out and I had to reboot right before I left the house. And today, I just plain forgot.

Coindentally, I saw a story on the Today show yesterday morning discussing web cams. A young boy had been exploited online through the use of a web cam and was going to Capitol Hill to testify about his experience. An expert who commented on the story likened web cams to guns, and said that if children are in the house, the camera should be under lock and key just like a gun would be.

I have no doubt that if this boy didn't have a web cam, he probably wouldn't have a story to tell. But there is no way I consider my web cam to be as dangerous as a gun. If it were, I would not own one, just as I don't own a gun. Access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection is potentially as dangerous as the addition of a web cam. The thought doesn't cross anyone's mind that if you spend time browsing the web, you are of suspect character. However, purchase a web cam, and watch eyebrows raise.

I want to stand up and shout: Web cam owners unite! Those of us using them for innocent fun need to speak up! I refuse to allow the mainstream to believe this technology is imminently endangering anyone's well being.

There. I'm off my soapbox.