The internet may change for the worst

[John Pannozzi]

from http://www.freepress.net/press-relea...public-servant

WASHINGTON — On Thursday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a pair of amendments to a massive bill that would slash the federal budget. One amendment, introduced by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), would prevent the Federal Communications Commission from enforcing rules it enacted in December to protect Internet users from discrimination online.

The other amendment, put forward by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), would cut off the salary of Mark Lloyd, the agency’s chief diversity officer. Lloyd works in the FCC’s Office of the General Counsel to help the agency expand media opportunities for women, people of color, small businesses and those living in rural areas.

Craig Aaron, managing director of Free Press Action Fund, made the following statement:

“The message from the new House leadership is clear: Unchecked corporate power and rampant discrimination are their priorities. The amendments passed tonight are an outrageous overreach. The anti-Net Neutrality measure would leave Internet users without any recourse if their phone or cable company decided to block their access to Web sites or applications for any reason -- because they don’t like someone’s political views, because they don’t want any real competition or, well, just because.

“Mark Lloyd, a respected civil rights activist and historian, is the victim of a Fox News-fueled conspiracy theory that has no basis in reality. For the House of Representatives to target a public servant for abuse based on the incoherent ranting of Glenn Beck is appalling and absurd. Anyone who believes the media should strive to represent the diversity of this country should be nauseated by this disgraceful attack.

“The Senate and President Obama should reject this bill and these amendments out of hand. We need forward-looking policies and serious policymakers to create jobs, spur innovation and help us compete with the rest of the world. We don’t need cheap political stunts and more giveaways to the biggest and most powerful corporations.”

[Xav]

The internet is not going to change it's going to be the same as it always was.

[Spitfire]

All they're going to do is push business to providers that offer high speed and aren't run by douche bags. I'm already looking into dumping Comcast because they choke my connection when I use Netflix. This is just adding more BS to the pile. The internet has gone unchecked for so long I'm surprised these actions are just being taken now.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by Xav

The internet is not going to change it's going to be the same as it always was.

I sure hope so.

[PizzaPower]

i read the article but i dont understand

[Ninja Turtles 25 Years]

If they get rid of those internet job applications with those really stupid personality quizes (agree/disagree/strongly agree/strongly disagree/most-least likely), and go back to the pen-paper job apps, I'll be fine with that change. Same thing with other things that Internet is job killing that could put things back in business: post office (being killed by emails and bill collecting), again the job applications with personality tests (they're making it harder to get anywhere) talking online instead of with our voices. I'm OK if they want to change those; it wouldn't be for the worst but for the better.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Enjoy your wild west. It's about to end. And good luck ditching Comcast when there are no alternatives in most of their service areas... unless you like dial-up.

[The Stryker]

Hasn't this been 'about to happen' for like 3 years now?