Sometimes, the comedians capture it best. This week, Jon Stewart discussed net neutrality and efforts by John McCain to limit free speech on the Internet through a new bill with an Orwellian name, the so-called "Internet Freedom Act."
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-26-2009/from-here-to-neutrality
Net neutrality means a free and open internet and the freedom to choose what content you read and what applications you use. Net neutrality represents the status quo since the inception of the Internet until in 2005 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determined that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were not subject to non-discrimination provisions under the common carriers provision of Title II of the Communications Act.
Our concern? Without net neutrality, there are no protections against censorship and content discrimination by ISPs.
The FCC under Obama appears to be reversing course in a very positive direction. On October 22, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Net Neutrality:
http://www.savetheinternet.com/blog/09/10/22/historic-day-net-neutrality
This is an example of work that reaps the benefits long after it happens. In 2007, the ACLU of MAINE worked with a broad coalition to pass a resolution in the Maine State Legislature in support of net neutrality.
http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/6/12/163155/842
It's wonderful to see the federal fruits of our labor two years later. Public comments on the new rules are due January 14. The ACLU of MAINE and ACLU will be weighing in support of the new rules.