Net Neutrality Opponent Calls Out Net Neutrality Proponent

[Commentary] As a longtime Democrat, it concerns me greatly when our side of the aisle starts sounding just like the Tea Party.

Democrats are supposed to be the party of jobs. On technology issues, we're supposed to be working constructively with labor, with the creative classes (artists, musicians, songwriters, film makers) to build a digital economy that creates jobs and economic well-being. But, just like the Tea Party, we're in danger of being hijacked by an angry and vocal minority so convinced of the absolute piety of their niche cause that they'll demonize anyone (including fellow Democrats) who get in their way. Against a backdrop of anemic U.S. economic growth and continued high unemployment, the net neutrality one-notes at Free Press have hijacked what should be our broader economic agenda. They continue to suck up all of the oxygen inside the beltway over an issue that very few Americans care about or have ever paid any attention to.

[Carnes is President, Songwriters Guild of America]