The Internet's Long War

THE INTERNET'S LONG WAR
[SOURCE: TomPaine, AUTHOR: Dawn Holian, Common Cause]
[Commentary] Telephone and cable companies would like to transform our Internet from a medium that allows people to connect to one another, engage in debate, and learn about the world into little more than a portal to sell goods and transmit television programs, films and games. And they’re likely to get their way unless Congress acts. On Thursday, the House Judiciary will be voting on a key piece of legislation to protect the Internet we know it, an Internet that is in jeopardy because of recent decisions by federal regulators. Why is Common Cause so concerned about a seemingly obscure telecommunications issue? Because we care about the potential of the Internet to spur citizen engagement in their democracy. We know how democratic discourse has benefited from this technological marvel. In 2004, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 63 million Americans went online for political news. An estimated seven million individuals asked for e-mail updates from candidates, and four million donated money online to parties and campaigns. That involvement is only growing. Millions of citizens access information from advocacy web sites ranging from Amnesty International to the National Rifle Association. And e-activists are transforming the way citizens communicate with their elected officials and have their opinions heard on the most pressing issues of the day. But this Renaissance will be cut short if access to the Internet is determined by corporations more interested in selling goods and entertainment than in encouraging democratic discourse. The Internet Freedom and Non-Discrimination Act is critical to protecting our digital future.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/05/24/the_internets_long_war.php

* Consumer Groups: Network Neutrality Is an Antitrust Issue
http://www.freepress.net/press/release.php?id=137

* Pending Internet neutrality legislation is vital to preserving independent Web content and expression
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/3883948.html

* House Judiciary Committee Mark-up Today
http://judiciary.house.gov/markup.aspx?ID=132