If the FCC’s plan to “protect” net neutrality and rein in the power of greedy corporations is so fantastic, then why haven’t its 332 pages been released for public consumption?
In a vote tomorrow, the Federal Communications Commission is expected to reclassify the Internet as a public utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.
Despite this mammoth change in the function of the web, no Congressional debate took place, no bills were introduced and no legislation was signed. The vast majority of Americans are unaware that this is even taking place since the news networks are offering scant coverage.
The change is being made under a form of “administrative law” in accordance with the Obama administration’s guidance, which claims it has the backing of millions of Americans.
If that’s the case then why can’t we see this amazing plan for Internet utopia? Why has Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler refused to testify before Congress on the issue?
Why has Wheeler failed to properly address concerns voiced by critics, including FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai, one of the few Americans to have seen the 332 page document, that the new rules will hand the feds the power to micromanage, license and censor the Internet and that the plan is a “solution” to a problem that doesn’t exist?
Why is Wheeler channeling Nancy Pelosi’s infamous, “we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it,” rhetoric in refusing to make the rules public?
Why are the vast majority of liberals and tech enthusiasts, who expended enormous amounts of energy fighting against efforts to chill Internet freedoms via SOPA and PIPA, actually endorsing the implementation of the FCC’s regulatory framework without question?
Do they think that an administration which has proven itself to be the most antagonistic in White House history when it comes to whistleblowing and the free flow of information has suddenly had a change of heart?
Do they trust a President who told the nation, “If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan,” not to abuse these powers?