The FCC is about to axe-murder net neutrality. Don't get mad -- get even

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission will say -- loud and proud – that it is fixing the open-web problem while actually letting it get worse, by providing a so-called "fast lane" for carriers to hike fees on sites trying to reach customers like you and me.

Which, inevitably, would mean you and I start paying more to use those sites -- if we aren't already.

If you live in America and believe in an open Internet, don't waste your time sinking into despair over politicians' betrayals. A little anger wouldn't hurt, but aiming it at the former cable and wireless industry lobbyist Tom Wheeler is pointless. Focus your attention on the people who he works for, and who allegedly work for you.

Start with President Barack Obama, whose unequivocal vow as a candidate to support an open Internet was as empty as so many of his other promises, if not an outright lie. Then:

1. At the local level, push for community broadband networks, owned and operated by the public. (Waiting for Google Fiber? You might as well wait to win the lottery. Google is not your daddy, or your savior.)
2. The telecommunications cartel has frantically worked to get state legislatures to prevent them from existing in the first place. Tell your state legislators that this is an unacceptable intrusion on your community's right to govern itself.
3. Finally, tell your member of the US House of Representatives and your US senators that they have a job to do -- to ensure the future of innovation and free speech in a digital world. In particular, tell them that Internet access is a public utility and should be treated as such.