Net neutrality: Stupid is as stupid does

[Renew Deal]

John McCain, arguably the most nontechnical of all U.S. Senators (which is quite a feat), has officially thrown his hat into the anti-Net neutrality ring and introduced a bill similar to the amendment sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey-Hutchinson a few weeks ago. This bill would essentially remove the FCC's control over network carriers and ISPs, preventing any form of Net neutrality regulation, and in keeping with the trend of titling bills the exact opposite of their intent, it's called the "Internet Freedom Act". Like Bailey-Hutchinson's amendment, it flies in the face of common sense and the service of government for the people.

In fact, the arguments against Net neutrality are so ridiculous as to be funny -- if those spouting them weren't so serious.

Take, for instance, this quote from Barbara Esbin, senior fellow at the Progress and Freedom Foundation:

I remain concerned ... that the FCC is poised to take intrusive action into a well-functioning Internet ecosystem without either the demonstrated need or clear legal authority to do so. I know of no empirical evidence suggesting that the openness of the Internet that we all value is under threat today, or is likely to be under threat tomorrow. In the absence of evidence of market failure or demonstrable consumer harms, the costs of government intervention are more likely to outweigh the benefits.

This is basically the same thing as saying that you shouldn't apply the brakes on your car until you've already driven over the cliff. You shouldn't worry about the fellow pointing a gun at your head because he hasn't shot you yet. Even better, you shouldn't go to the doctor until you're dead. And yes, Ms. Esbin, there have been many examples of ISPs interfering with network traffic. They backed down when they were caught, but their frameworks for blocking certain traffic are ready for action at the drop of a hat.

But that hasn't stopped quite a few people from declaring this an attempt by the government to control our lives. If you can stomach it, check out http://gawker.com/5387076/glenn-beck-net-neutrality-is-marxist-plot">this clip of Glenn Beck telling us Net neutrality is the work of the evil socialist empire. Let me be crystal clear: Not a single statement in that clip has any factual basis whatsoever. In fact, he's arguing in favor of Net neutrality without even realizing it. If Beck, Esbin, and McCain, et al seriously believe what they're saying, may God have mercy on their souls.
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http://www.infoworld.com/d/hardware/net-neutrality-stupid-stupid-does-179

Glenn Beck: Net Neutrality Is Marxist Plot
http://gawker.com/5387076/glenn-beck-net-neutrality-is-marxist-plot

Beck through the looking glass: smears net neutrality as a Marxist plot to take over the Internet
http://mediamatters.org/research/200910210026

[Enthusiast]

1. Preserve the internet!

Kick and recommend this thread!

[Blue State Blues]

2. kicking for that marvelous series of tubes, the internets.

[Uncle Joe]

3. McCain and Hutchinson are traitors to the American Peoples' First Amendment Rights,

they would sell you out to corporate supremacy.

Beck is a bought and paid for corporate media prostitute, he doesn't give a damn about democracy or the people.

[AdHocSolver]

4. The end of Net Neutrality would be the end of progressive politics and the end of democracy.

That is the REAL reason the right wing wants to end net neutrality. Web sites like DU and DailyKos would be priced out of existence.

Wake up, folks.

K and R.

[wroberts189]

6. +1 and also knr to the OP. nt

[The Wizard]

5. Generally speaking

Republicans support legislation that's bad for democracy and bad for the American people. Their allegiance is to their corporate masters and fascist ideology.