As avid users of the internet, many of us take for granted the idea that we can view anything and all things on the internet AND that it can all be viewed at the same speed. You may not be able to take this idea for granted for much longer. Net neutrality may disappear if Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon get there way.
Net Neutrality Explained
For a 48 second explanation of net neutrality, click on these words and watch this short video.
If you’d rather read something in comic form, which still gives a great explanation of what net neutrality is about as well as shed light on why some Republicans may be against it, read this comic by The Oatmeal (by clicking on these words).
So, Why Would Anyone Be Against It?
As of this writing there are 30 members of Congress and/or the Senate that own shares of Comcast (source: Center for Responsive Politics), 42 members that own shares in AT&T (source: Center for Responsive Politics), and 40 members who own shares in Verizon (source: Center for Responsive Politics).
According to my Business Finance professor this semester (yes, I’m taking a Business Finance class at Washburn), the only people who can legally participate in insider trading are our elected congressmen.
Put yourself in the shoes of an executive of Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon (or an employee or stock holder). You provide internet and data services. BUT, that isn’t all you do (because companies are very diverse now as they grow larger and larger and swallow up smaller companies). Now, you are interested in diverting the attention of the consumers whom you are providing internet for to specific websites, streaming services, etc. that will earn you even more money.
Because after all, you are an extremely wealthy executive of a huge international corporation. And you need more money.
Or, perhaps you aren’t an executive or an employee of Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon, but you receive campaign contributions from them. Then you’ll want to convince the public that net neutrality is a bad idea. In order to do this, you’ll need to give it a bad name. Something that will stick.
How about Obamacare for the Internet?
That will pull the wool over ignorant people’s minds, and make them think net neutrality is a bad thing. Perhaps they trusted one of these five Republicans running for president in 2016: Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, or Rand Paul.
What’s the matter with America? Why do people continue to vote against their interests? Answers can be found reading Thomas Frank’s wonderful book, What’s the Matter with Kasas?
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t a partisan issue. So how can the American public, which has around 76% support for net neutrality according to a Mozilla poll on June 6, 2017, get their way?
If you want to act now, start by informing yourself about the American Anti-Corruption Act and the movement behind it: Represent.US.
Let’s come together as both Republicans and Democrats and begin talking and compromising again, instead of blaming each other like our comfort media tells us to.
Thank you to the free image site Pixaby for the image used in this post.
The Shaw Show 
“Let’s come together as both Republicans and Democrats and begin talking and compromising again, instead of blaming each other like our comfort media tells us to.”
Amen to that. And I’m wondering if there is an honest, good-faith argument to be made *against* net neutrality. If there is, I haven’t found it. But I’m all ears.
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There is if you can really put yourself into the minds of the Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Cox, etc. executives, lobbyists, and politicians whom accept campaign contributions and gifts from their lobbyists.
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