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Hmm...Maybe this is why McCain strongly opposes net neutrality
A few days ago, John McCain introduced a bill to kill net neutrality. Today the Center for Responsive Politics (Opensecrets.org) posts a revealing statistic that should leave little doubt as to why McCain chose that path:
Opensecrets.org (10-28-09): No current member of Congress has received more money from AT&T, Verizon, telephone utility companies or telecom services and equipment companies than McCain. Together, AT&T and Verizon have contributed $733,450 to the senator (including for his 2008 presidential campaign) since 1989, while the industries have given him a combined $1.9 million in that time.
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Here's a link to another article on the same subject.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/174211/fcc_votes_for_net_neutrality_mccain_wants_to_stop_them.html
October 28, 2009 9:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think the republicans like the increased activism that the internet supports either.
I believe controlling access is almost as important as controlling/limiting access.
October 28, 2009 11:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
My sentiments exactly. The Repubs would so like to control the content of free speech on the "internets" just as every other avenue of public speech is controlled by the powers that be. I am reminded of "free speech zones" and shudder.
October 29, 2009 1:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry that should have read I believe controlling/limiting access is almost as important as increasing profits/hoarding wealth in that top 1%
October 29, 2009 3:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Our politicians, repubs and dems alike, hate the idea that we might have access to the truth.
Why else would they tell us so many lies?
October 29, 2009 11:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of course the internet also facilitates untruths just a easily. Look at all of the anti-immunization Jenny McCarthy crap.
There's lots of proof to show that mumps can lead to complications that kill a small percentage of kids and not a drop of proof that it can cause autism. None. But still the myth proliferates on-line until it gets legitimacy.
Sorry about the OT, its just that your comment got me thinkin'.... ;)
October 29, 2009 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not really OT: the right wing blogs and radio get punked, with some not backing down (see Limbaugh).
October 29, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it is about sales, too. If a business can pay up-front to get faster speeds, and get to the head of the back on google-search results, they can also sell things better and faster. My guess is that extraordinary potential profits outweighs limiting thought or access to indie-journalism, but that is another major potential for blowback, which subject may play a huge role in the future.
And come on, now; John just thinks those telcom companies need to get a return on their investments! And government should stay otta the way!
October 29, 2009 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
" No current member of Congress has received more money from AT&T, Verizon, telephone utility companies or telecom services and equipment companies than McCain."
Interesting. But sometimes people do the right thing for the wrong reasons. Net neutrality is another regulation we don't need. Let the market work itself out.
October 29, 2009 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
AT&T is both sneaky and deceptive in ripping off their customers, not surprising they have a found a soulmate in McCain.
October 29, 2009 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain obviously doesn't appreciate the power the NET holds over its loyal users. Apparently he knows little about the bottom-line contribution the NET makes to the GDP if he's so willing to start screwing with it. He's about to have a sh*t storm delivered to his door. I would think there exist some innovative hackers who could make McCain's life a living hell if he chooses to pursue this legislative intervention seriously. It would be interesting to see a powerful Senate taken out with 'ones and zeros.'
October 29, 2009 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
The hacker idea gave me the serious giggles, Parrot.
October 29, 2009 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was laughing my a** off as I typed it.
Seriously, I look at Iran's unsuccessful attempt to cut access by it's citizens to the web. The state's effort to wrench control of the social fabric was completely unsuccessful. Spontaneous - not coordinated - 'denial of service' attacks emerged, complete with "how-to" instructions that delivered an undeniable defeat to that government. McCain may ultimately win with some form of legislation, but he will make some really smart people, his avowed enemies.
October 29, 2009 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do we need net neutrality rules?
October 29, 2009 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know. Who coined the phrase "net neutrality?"
October 29, 2009 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I couldn't leave my own question unanswered: Apparently the man's name is Professor Wu. Here's a quote:
Professor Wu on March 11, 2008:
October 29, 2009 7:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you don't know, then I'm not sure why you are critical of McCain's position on the issue.
October 29, 2009 7:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Allow me to interview the Senator and assess his Internet connection.. like thousands, does he run a company from his home? I'd like to talk to the Senator about his experiences on the WWW that led him to his present point-of-view...that which made him an over-night expert on the subject.
October 29, 2009 8:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
So you've gone from not knowing anything about the topic to now being able to criticize McCain's perspective?
I don't think it's relevant whether or not he runs a company from his home.
No one is saying that he is an "over-night" expert on the subject but he's allowed to have a perspective. Same way that Pelosi can have an opinion on healthcare without being a doctor or an insurance provider. If you want to criticize it I would expect that you'd have a reason for doing so. Not even knowing what the issue is about makes it hard for you to pass judgement.
October 29, 2009 10:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry the link does not work. Try this: http://precursorblog.com/node/683
October 29, 2009 8:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
And this: http://www.law.columbia.edu/media_inquiries/news_events/2009/september2009/netneutrality
October 29, 2009 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
And this: http://www.law.columbia.edu/media_inquiries/news_events/2009/september2009/netneutrality
October 29, 2009 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink