2006: The launch of ReSurge.TV

     A new Nevada-based consumer organization targeting telecommunications, media and utility issues.

TOPIC A: LIFE AS TELEVISION

     Like most of the United States, Nevada cable television consumers are victims of a federally-created monopoly. Local governments have been loathe to use their limited power to help their own citizens. Las Vegas area residents, with the exception of Boulder City, were denied public access television services despite the sparkling track record of the Reno-Sparks system (which local consumers saved from extermination in 1990-91). In 2003, Nevada's only municipally-owned cable system, which has been fighting its own workers, made common cause with the Cox (southern Nevada) and Charter (northern Nevada) cable systems to kill pro-consumer legislation. Those cyberchickens are now coming home to rue.

     As the late Sen. Eugene McCarthy, D-Minn., said in a different time and place, "There's nothing left but to take it to the people."

     So here we are at the dawn of a new era of competition which the entrenched cable interests will fight fang and claw — if their conduct here and in other states provides any indication. They have pillaged Nevada ratepayers as they have those in other jurisdictions, so the pattern has become achingly apparent.

     What to do? Organize, organize, organize!

     Get on our mailing list. Volunteer to involve friends and colleagues in your own community by organizing, calling, writing and showing up at public meetings. Officially join the organization with an e-contribution (see above), or via U.S. Mail, see below.

     We need volunteers in every Nevada community for the upcoming clash of the titans. This is important.

     Telecommunications is not just phone calls and cable, it's the way in which your community may prosper in the future — or not.

     The choice will be yours only if you get involved in making the right choices.

     Don't underestimate your own power — Charter Communications refused to provide high speed Internet access to northern Nevada businesses until a Reno citizens committee began to investigate the lapse.

     Be well. Raise hell.

     Andrew Barbano
     Reno, Nevada

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Barbwire column on the depredations of Charter Communications and the Reno City Council wins 2009 Nevada Press Association first-place award

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TOPIC B: DEATH AS A PROFIT CENTER

The campaign against forcibly paid obituaries

Major newspapers now exploit the dead by charging for obituaries, a national epidemic. I have some proposals to impact it, but first I'd like to hear your ideas. Please write me.