This piece takes a look at the so-called Digital Divide, suggesting that it may be something that is instrumental in furthering the expansion of capitalist (consumer) democracy. The article takes in the struggle between the forces of repression (both State and private) and the advocates for Open Access on the Web. It suggests further that the Digital Divide is but the latest maniifestation of this struggle that has gone on since the advent of capitalism, but which took on a new character in the 18th and 19th centuries with the coming of newspapers and widespread literacy. It suggests further that this struggle will never end, as long as capitalism survives, despite the belief by many that the Internet offers the first real opportunity for an uncensored public discourse.

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