The upheaval after Iran's election has proved that the Internet has evolved from being the handiest purveyor of smut and knock-off Jimmy Choos to an instrument that can allow people in Louisville to influence events in Tehran.

This two-part series will focus on what you can do. Read Part 1 to learn how to use Twitter to help ensure Iran has a fair election.

Part 2, Media pressure and circumventing Iran's Internet firewall

Media pressure

With an abundance of dead celebrities and philandering governors, the media will need prodding to focus on a story that will matter long after Jacko and Farrah are still dead and governors are still hypocrites.

Contact Louisville's media outlets and demand they continue to cover the Iran election.

Circumventing Iran's Internet firewall

According to its Web site, Tor "is free software and an open network that helps you defend against a form of network surveillance that threatens personal freedom and privacy, confidential business activities and relationships, and state security known as traffic analysis."

By allowing your computer to run a Tor relay, you can help ensure Iranians (and other dissidents worldwide) have unfiltered Internet access.

One caveat though, I am a tech geek but am having problems configuring my iMac to serve as a Tor relay. Hopefully it will be easier for you.

(Photo: Flickr/@@:@@)