AN AMUSING TIMELINE OF TECHNOLOGY

[The telegraph] binds together by a vital cord all the nations of the
earth.  It is impossible that old prejudices and hostilities should
longer exist, while such an instrument has been created for an exchange
of thought between all the nations of the earth.
Charles Briggs and Augustus Maverick, 1858    (02)

[It is] inconceivable that we should allow so great a possibility for
service and for news and for entertainment and education as radio...
to be drowned in advertising chatter or used for commercial purposes.
Herbert Hoover, 1922    (03)

Television drama of high caliber, produced by first-rate artists, will
materially raise the level of dramatic taste of the American nation.
David Sarnoff, 1941    (04)

Cable television will create great access to information; it will also
greatly assist self-identity, democratic processes, educational
environments, and community cohesion.
Barry Schwartz, 1973    (05)

Our new ways of communicating through the internet will entertain as well as inform.  More importantly, they will educate, promote democracy, and save lives.
Al Gore, 1994    (06)