Last night I cleared US Immigration in the Montreal airport. I was the only traveler in the hall. The immigration officer was about thirty-five.

IO: What’s that button on your jacket?

Me: It’s for OneWebDay

IO: What’s that?

Me: It’s like Earth Day for the Web. It celebrates the value of the Web.

IO: Like free speech?

Me: (Getting nervous about where this is going) Yes, that’s one important value of the Web.

IO: The Internet is great for free speech.

Me: Absolutely. But now there are threats that might limit it.

IO: Limit free speech on the Net?

Me: Well, track and identify people by what they write, which, especially in other countries, could be used to crack down on dissidents.

IO: (stamping my papers) Ok, you’re all set. Keep the Internet free.

Me: A whole bunch of people are working on it. Thanks.

This was a charming conversation, and it’s great to have a face emerge from a bureaucratic process. But I have to wonder: If my button had said “Out of Iraq!” or “Legalize pot!” or “Impeach Bush!,” would the conversation have felt so innocent? [Tags: OneWebDay]

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