Reality check on network neutrality rhetoric

Network neutrality is a government takeover of the Internet and a threat to online freedom. Or it’s the best way to stop cable companies from breaking websites and creating an online world of haves and have-nots. The escalating fight over the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules is sprouting a classic feature of Washington political battles -- bombastic rhetoric designed to stir up partisan passions.

Both supporters and opponents of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal have turned to dramatic language to shape the debate, painting ominous pictures about the future of the Internet and turning a wonky regulatory issue into a full-blown DC brawl. The messaging war reflects the stakes involved, with the agency poised to enact the biggest change to broadband policy in years. But the overheated slogans don’t always stand up to scrutiny -- and often obscure, rather than illuminate, the issues at hand.

Here’s a look at some of the sensationalized arguments from both sides...