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Showing Original Post only (View all)FCC head may reject Obama's plan for net neutrality [View all]
Yesterday, President Obama took a strong position on net neutrality by supporting calls to regulate the internet more like a utility. Less than 24 hours later, FCC head Tom Wheeler indicated that he would break from the president's proposed plan, moving in a new direction intended to pacify huge internet providers such as Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon.
The Washington Post reports that Wheeler told a group of internet companies including Google, Yahoo, and Etsy that he favored a more "nuanced" solution than that laid out by Obama. Wheeler's plan would acquiesce to some of the president's demands, but would also kowtow to the demands of huge internet providers.
WHEELER WAS A LOBBYIST FOR WIRELESS COMPANIES LIKE VERIZON
The Washington Post says that Wheeler now thinks Obama's plan something of a hail mary attempt to get young and tech-savvy voters energized to vote for the Democrats is too simplistic. But there have been worries about Wheeler's corporate focus since he was appointed FCC head in 2013. Wheeler spent many years as a lobbyist for large telecom companies while working in Washington for The Wireless Association, America's main wireless lobbying group, Wheeler supported limiting net neutrality policies and argued that the FCC should leave big businesses to do what they wanted in the space. President Obama originally stated that he would not hire lobbyists to his administration, but quickly broke that promise.
According to four sources, Wheeler was reportedly "visibly frustrated" during the meeting, telling attendees that "what you want is what everyone wants: an open internet that doesn't affect your business." Wheeler, a Democrat, said he had to work out how to "split the baby" to keep both sides happy, but also repeatedly stated that he did not answer directly to the US government. Sources report the FCC head repeated "I am an independent agency" multiple times during the meeting.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/12/7200815/fcc-head-tom-wheeler-may-reject-obamas-plan-for-net-neutralityThe Washington Post reports that Wheeler told a group of internet companies including Google, Yahoo, and Etsy that he favored a more "nuanced" solution than that laid out by Obama. Wheeler's plan would acquiesce to some of the president's demands, but would also kowtow to the demands of huge internet providers.
WHEELER WAS A LOBBYIST FOR WIRELESS COMPANIES LIKE VERIZON
The Washington Post says that Wheeler now thinks Obama's plan something of a hail mary attempt to get young and tech-savvy voters energized to vote for the Democrats is too simplistic. But there have been worries about Wheeler's corporate focus since he was appointed FCC head in 2013. Wheeler spent many years as a lobbyist for large telecom companies while working in Washington for The Wireless Association, America's main wireless lobbying group, Wheeler supported limiting net neutrality policies and argued that the FCC should leave big businesses to do what they wanted in the space. President Obama originally stated that he would not hire lobbyists to his administration, but quickly broke that promise.
According to four sources, Wheeler was reportedly "visibly frustrated" during the meeting, telling attendees that "what you want is what everyone wants: an open internet that doesn't affect your business." Wheeler, a Democrat, said he had to work out how to "split the baby" to keep both sides happy, but also repeatedly stated that he did not answer directly to the US government. Sources report the FCC head repeated "I am an independent agency" multiple times during the meeting.
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dang how did this guy ever get on the FCC during a democratic adminstration? oh..never mind nt
msongs
Nov 2014
#1
Gotta love that phrase being repeated all over the teevee/internet: "the president's position."
woo me with science
Nov 2014
#34
Congratulations, Carl Bernstein, you've exposed Barack Obama as a President
True Blue Door
Nov 2014
#63
I think headline is "more nuanced than that," but why miss an opportunity to bash Obama.
Hoyt
Nov 2014
#4
Frankly, they don't give a sh** what the masses want. Their duty is to serve $$$$$'s in
RKP5637
Nov 2014
#55
Gee, maybe this is why the post about Obama's speech concerning Net Neutrality was met with,
djean111
Nov 2014
#9
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/obama-should-fire-his-fcc-chairman-tom-wheeler-106846
belzabubba333
Nov 2014
#24
As I said, the author of that article doesn't know what he/she is talking about.
onenote
Nov 2014
#25
That was not the only point of my Reply 27. And Wheeler should be switched out as chair no matter
merrily
Nov 2014
#50
First, Wheeler loses money. The Chair gets paid more than the other Commissioners.
ieoeja
Nov 2014
#98
i was just showing you were it came from im not disputing what youve said
belzabubba333
Nov 2014
#42
"Nuanced solution," "Compromise," "Negotiate...." I think I know where this is going.
Tatiana
Nov 2014
#11
I have little doubt the Obama is already fully aware of what Wheeler intends to do.
NorthCarolina
Nov 2014
#12
Perfect example of Third Way infiltrators helping the RW destroy democracy and the country. nt
Zorra
Nov 2014
#15
Wheeler does not have to be the Chair, even if he remains on the Commission. The chair is the call
merrily
Nov 2014
#27
Well that says it all and tells anyone all they need to know about Obama latest feel good bs.
SammyWinstonJack
Nov 2014
#84
His name is Copp, I believe. But North Carolina's replies are far, far better than mine.
merrily
Nov 2014
#85
Stop. Demoting Wheeler would do something. It would Obama means what he says, at least a little.
merrily
Nov 2014
#81
Wheeler's resignation would be no loss. Obama has no bona fides on net neutrality.
merrily
Nov 2014
#109
Democrats still control the Senate and Reid did away with super majorities for confirmations.
merrily
Nov 2014
#113
The oligarchy and their purchased administration treat us like blithering idiots.
woo me with science
Nov 2014
#28
Yes, typical. "Obama gets to make a strong, principled statement..."
woo me with science
Nov 2014
#36
Good. We can use the post office to provide cell service to all. We should have bought T-mobile for
grahamhgreen
Nov 2014
#39
don't worry: Comcast and Verizon will write a bill, everyone will have to have a broadband
MisterP
Nov 2014
#53
Perhaps Obama could threaten a Justice Department investigation in to his "independence"...
cascadiance
Nov 2014
#58
Obama can have his cake and eat it too. How convenient for him and the DC DEMS.
blkmusclmachine
Nov 2014
#68
Update November 12th, 3:50PM ET: FCC says that Wheeler's comments were taken out of context and that
w4rma
Nov 2014
#80
We'd be better off without him, or anyone in that position. And why appoint the lobbyist as the top
grahamhgreen
Nov 2014
#104
Good catch. Like Obama may stop it, after waiting Til after the elections to come out with a popular
grahamhgreen
Nov 2014
#112