Byron Dorgan: “Let me finish this discussion by adding another point. There is a book titled ``Distance is Dead.'' The book describes…”

“Let me finish this discussion by adding another point. There is a book titled ``Distance is Dead.'' The book describes the information revolution. From almost anyplace you are a click away from anywhere. In North Dakota, we are a click away from the Hudson River. We are as close to Manhattan as the Hudson River with telecommunication and new technologies. But that is only the case if you have the buildout of broadband, if you have the capability to allow people to use this Internet in the way that most urban areas are able to do it. We have in rural areas--I have mentioned my hometown--much that others aspire to recreate in our country: strong schools, good neighbors, great places to raise kids. We have a lot of things that make these small towns in rural areas wonderful places to live. But we need jobs there. We need economic opportunity development there. If distance is dead, then opportunity is born in rural areas with information technology. If we are a click away from anywhere, if we are a nanosecond away by clicking a mouse and providing information anywhere, any time, then we have opportunities to attract businesses and create jobs in these wonderful areas of America's heartland. But if we do not have the buildout of the infrastructure, if you do not have similar opportunities with broadband development in rural areas, then you have what is called a digital divide.”