Why does the FCC and Government Hate the idea of a free Internet? [View all]

[Armstead]

I'm not a conspiracy theorist. But I must say it is immensely depressing and angering that the FCC, the Courts and the f'in Congress want to kill something good.

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/04/24

Unless Defeated, New FCC Rules Will Put 'Stake in Internet's Heart'
Critics of the new rules say that this could be the moment the internet as we know it will die if the people do not rise to its defense
- Jon Queally, staff writer

The death of net neutrality—which has governed the equal treatment of content since the internet was created—will create, say critics, a tiered internet that allows major internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon to cut special and lucrative deals with content providers who can afford to pay for special "fast lanes." The result will be an internet that will incentivize slower traffic by ISPs and the creation of privatized, corporate-controlled "toll-roads" that will come to dominate a once fair and free environment.

“If it goes forward, this capitulation will represent Washington at its worst.” —Todd O’Boyle, Common Cause

As reported by various outlets, the new rules have been circulated by FCC chairman Tom Wheeler to the other members of the commission and will be officially announced on Thursday.

"With this proposal, the FCC is aiding and abetting the largest ISPs in their efforts to destroy the open Internet," said Craig Aaron, president of the media advocacy group Free Press. "Giving ISPs the green light to implement pay-for-priority schemes will be a disaster for startups, nonprofits and everyday Internet users who cannot afford these unnecessary tolls. These users will all be pushed onto the Internet dirt road, while deep pocketed Internet companies enjoy the benefits of the newly created fast lanes." .....
MORE