The Australian government is set to impose Chinese-style Internet censorship by enforcing a universal national filter that will block websites deemed “controversial,” as part of a wider agenda to regulate the Internet according to free speech advocates.

A provision whereby Internet users could opt out of the filter by contacting their ISP has been stripped from the legislation, meaning the filter will be universal and mandatory.

When I was in fourth grade, my parents were notified that I was eligible to participate in a program for gifted students called the Major Achievement Program (MAP). Being in the program meant that I had to switch schools and leave the school I had attended since pre-school. Fifth grade was the most intense year of my life. My teacher, Mrs. Hudson, challenged us all and made us all believe that we could be better. She instituted the GPA system and made us calculate them. She made us memorize the “I Have a Dream Speech” as well as other speeches …