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Trump Administration Wants Net Neutrality Eliminated |
| By
Stephen Lendman |
| Net Neutrality is digital democracy’s holy grail. It’s key to keeping
the Internet free and open, all content accessible without restrictions,
limitations, or discrimination, an online level playing field for everyone.
Trump and his FCC chairman Ajit Pai want what’s vital to all online users eliminated - letting cable and telecommunication companies control, censor and discriminate against them, a deplorable situation vital to stop. Net Neutrality supporters fought back with over two million comments to the FCC, more than five million emails to Congress, tens of thousands of phone calls to congressional members, opposing anything compromising online freedom. Don’t eliminate Net Neutrality protections, they stressed. Airbnb, Amazon, CREDO, eBay, Etsy, Expedia, Facebook, Kickstarter, Mozilla, Netflix, OKCupid, reddit, Soundcloud, Spotify, Tinder, Twitter, Vimeo, Yelp and other companies displayed messages on their sites and platforms, urging users to take action. Advocacy groups for Net Neutrality include the ACLU, the American Library Association, the Center for Media Justice, Color Of Change, Common Cause, Creative Commons, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Greenpeace, NARAL, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, New America, Public Knowledge, Rock the Vote and the Women’s March. EFF posted the following: “We live in an uncompetitive broadband market. That market is dominated by a handful of giant corporations that are being given the keys to shape telecom policy.” “The big internet companies that might challenge them are doing it half-heartedly. And (FCC Chairman) Ajit Pai seems determined to offer up a massive corporate handout without listening to everyday Americans.” “Is this what you want? Does this sound like a path toward better, faster, cheaper internet access? Toward better products and services in a more competitive market?” “…Americans need to demand that our government actually hear our concerns, look at our skyrocketing bills, and make real policy that respects us, instead of watching the staff of an unelected official laugh as he ignores us.” “It sounds like we need to flood the offices of the FCC and Congress with calls and paperwork, demanding to know how giving handouts to huge corporations will help us.” Digital democracy is vital in the fight for other fundamental rights. It’s essential to assure no content is favored over others. Trump and Pai want it eliminated. It’s a defining issue of our time, a First Amendment free expression right essential to preserve. VISIT MY NEW WEB SITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |