The Real 'Government Takeover Of The Internet'

[Commentary] Next week, the “government takeover of the Internet” meme will be on full display in the U.S. Congress.

People will be able to see what it means when the government goes after vital parts of the Internet with a vengeance. The sad part is the U.S. Congress is largely OK with it. The difference, you see, is that a “government takeover” of the Internet is fine, as long as it is for a good cause. For those members of Congress who wish to give AT&T, Verizon and Comcast/NBC free rein over the Internet, protecting consumers while stimulating competition, creating jobs and promoting innovation is not a good cause. On the other hand, many in Congress believe messing with the essential plumbing of the Internet and removing Web sites is a good cause if done on behalf of Sony, Disney and Comcast/NBC, and the rest of the Big Media crowd. Not that the big entertainment complex doesn't have the ways and means of protecting itself, mind you, but isn't it better if a whole slew of government agencies are out there spending public money on your behalf?