The Internet as we know it is facing a serious threat. There’s a debate heating up in Washington, DC on something called “net neutrality” – and it’s a debate that’s so important Google is asking you to get involved. We’re asking you to take action to protect Internet freedom.
In the next few days, the House of Representatives is going to vote on a bill that would fundamentally alter the Internet. That bill, and one that may come up for a key vote in the Senate in the next few weeks, would give the big phone and cable companies the power to pick and choose what you will be able to see and do on the Internet.
Today the Internet is an information highway where anybody – no matter how large or small, how traditional or unconventional – has equal access. But the phone and cable monopolies, who control almost all Internet access, want the power to choose who gets access to high-speed lanes and whose content gets seen first and fastest. They want to build a two-tiered system and block the on-ramps for those who can’t pay.
Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight. Please call your representative (202-224-3121) and let your voice be heard.
Thanks for your time, your concern and your support.
Eric Schmidt, CEO
1984!
Anybody know what we Canadians can do? Just contact our members of Parliament? Does anybody know if it has even come up in our system?
(yes… we have the “Internets” up in Canada)
yeah… this is possibly the most important thing that has come up regarding the internet since a couple of computers were wired together at Berkley University way back in the day.
canadians need not worry, as the legislation will only effect those in the US… and I doubt the canadians would ever even consider something like this… as they tend to like freedom even more than money (unlike another nation a bit further south)
With Bush and the Republicans in control Big Business will get its way. They don’t give a rats ass about the citizens, unless the citizen is a CEO of a big corp. We’re screwed.
Another outstanding website that is dedicated to preserving Net Neutrality is: http://www.savetheinternet.com
If Candadians love freedom so much why do they hand so many thing over to socialist government programs?
G-Spank, Democrats are also responsible. All politicians are to blame.
I’m sure your gay lover, Bill Gates, has something to do with it as well.
http://www.savetheinternet.com
I second the greatness of this site. Everyone please visit, and sign the petition/ letter to your senators.
Flame on…..
Will check it out. Suspicious. When things get a yellow belly, gutless coward Lib look-and-feel, I don’t trust it. Loudmouth ‘Entitlement Gen’ Libs whose father was missing in action and grew up to be America haters and irresponsible cry baby never-stand-for-anything, never-fight-for-anything except their own selfishness are losers.
Socialism is not freedom – I suggest you visit “Candadia” and check it out…
Grow Up – is that so?
Grow Up sounds like a loser to me. A Fox News taping, Rush-loving, O’Reilly licking, Hannity blowing loser on cocaine, to be specific.
MDN, you’re a day late to the party. That bulletin went out this morning. The House voted down Net Neutrality this afternoon. Meanwhile, somewhere in Washington, Skeletor, the Grinch, Mr. Burns, and Dick Cheney are toasting yet another victory over traditional American values like freedom, equality and democracy.
The Realist: … and I doubt the canadians would ever even consider something like this… as they tend to like freedom even more than money (unlike another nation a bit further south)
Boy, are you off base or what? Both Canadians and Americans live under the illusion of freedom. They both believe they are democracies. Wrong — the USA is actually a republic. Canada is actually still a Crown colony – just renamed to make it more palatable. They both suffer from tyranical governments who over-tax and over-regulate the citizens.
Ever heard of the term “civil servant”? Governments in both countries are supposed to serve the citizens, not rule them!
Soon, under NAFTA, Canada, the USA and Mexico will be one economy with a single currency (analogous to the Euro). Doubt it? You’re watching it happen!
MW word: “hospital” Just because Canada has cheaper hospitals, don’t think for a minute it isn’t more socialistic!
Grow Up:
Here’s a tip: Do what your handle suggests.
Who’s the moron the introduced this legislation. Sad thing, but as they say: Money talks and BS walks, not just in America but everywhere where little low-lives get greedy…. its human nature
Eric.
From Cnet
Of the 421 House members who participated in the vote that took place around 6:30 p.m. PT, the vast majority of Net neutrality supporters were Democrats. Republicans represented most of the opposition.
Guys, look I’m an Australian and I can’t participate in the petition, but will you all stop trying to score political points and focus on trying to keep the net for what it’s actually meant to be, a means for accessing and exchanging information. MDN has gone for the big picture and so should you. Would you please avoid politics on this one occasion. America is meant to be the land of the free. Please keep it that way and get involved.
As noted, the House vote is over and Net Neutrality lost (3 to 1). The debate over the issue now moves to the US Senate where the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will vote on its version of the act in late June. So, there is still time. The Senate is likely to be more favorable to the concept of net neutrality, but MDN, Google, eBay, Amazon etc., who favor it, will need to mount their mail campaign before the last minute this time.
“Will check it out. Suspicious. When things get a yellow belly, gutless coward Lib look-and-feel, I don’t trust it. Loudmouth ‘Entitlement Gen’ Libs whose father was missing in action and grew up to be America haters and irresponsible cry baby never-stand-for-anything, never-fight-for-anything except their own selfishness are losers.”
why do I get the feeling that this guy is in a rubber room somewhere typing with his tongue?
All I see that this legislation does is change the franchising requirements for the new players in the provider market. While there is certainly the potential for skullduggery here, it certainly does not mandate that only rich people can use the internet.
As for “blocking the on-ramps for people who can’t pay”, brother, the on-ramps already are blocked for people who can’t pay. I pay upwards of $50/month to Comcast for high-speed access here in Virginia, and Comcast has NO COMPETITION AT ALL.
There are disturbing potential ramifications here, but I’d be willing to at least entertain thoughts of the new provisions if it would remove Comcast’s throbbing member from my ass.
I guess Google got religion on ethics AFTER they gave the PRC that digital hummer over search results this earlier this year.
to those confused about what the legislation does:
Comcast could say that Google.com can only be accessed by its costumers who pay the most. If you have just the basic package, you will be blocked from google.