Today, we celebrate the first glorious anniversary of the Information Purification Directives. We have created, for the first time in all history, a garden of pure ideology. Where each worker may bloom secure from the pests of any contradictory truths. Our Unification of Thoughts is more powerful a weapon than any fleet or army on earth. We are one people, with one will, one resolve, one cause. Our enemies shall talk themselves to death and we will bury them with their own confusion. We shall prevail!

These were the words spoken in what has been called “the greatest commercial in television history.” Apple aired this spot just once, during Super Bowl XVIII. Two days later, the future of personal computing was transformed forever.

In many ways, this quote is eerily reminiscent of today’s situation, with a major manufacturer of PC operating systems promising frightening levels of corporate control through digital rights management. I’m frightened that in a few years, Apple’s 20 year-old advertising tactic may manifest itself into reality, potentially stifling the electronic communications that have become mainstream in society and setting the exchange of knowledge back almost 100 years.

If you’re in the market for a new computer, may I humbly suggest considering a Mac? Unlike most of the shopping links on this site, I’m not taking a commission on anything you may buy from Steve Jobs and company. I truly think that the only way to prevent an upcoming digital dark age is to invest in technology that isn’t crippled…at least for now.

So, happy birthday Apple, and here’s to another 20.