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Anti-Net Neutrality Astroturfer Exposed
I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Ever wonder about all those groups claiming Google had a 'search monopoly' (as if there are no other search engines), or worse, coming out against Net Neutrality? CNet has a story about a shady DC lobbying group called LawMedia Group, being paid by Microsoft and Comcast, that is behind many of these attacks. That said, it's a mystery why they weren't able to pay more authoritative groups than the American Corn Growers Association or the League of Rural Voters to weigh in on technical matters. As a computer geek from corn country, I wouldn't solicit their opinion on tractor repair, let alone Internet policy."
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but things like this make me understand a little bit more why someone would become one.
I'm a big tall mofo.
I am just as shocked as you, but I have to wonder "Why do Corporations have the same free speech protections as real people?" It has long been understood that disinformation is a powerful weapon. That's why the US Army has Pysop. Yes, propaganda that is disguised as a grassroots movement or the work of independent experts is disinformation, not advertising. Part of taking in information (like a product review or political statement) is accounting for the source of that information, ie you will consider the words of someone you respect more than words of someone you regard as a fool. So misrepresenting the source of information is a form of disinformation, and disinformation is weapon, weapons are used to control and destroy. Why are corporations allowed to control and destroy things like legislative process and public political awareness? Sure it's subtle damage, but over time it has done much harm to our society.
We are all just people.
Why are corporations allowed to control and destroy things like legislative process and public political awareness?
Can you believe the Simpsons have been on for almost 19 years? That Bart, he's so funny... And the Cubs are still in first place! And that guy...what's his name? He might win 8 gold medals...
Does that answer your question?
What?
I believe that MS is still pro net neutrality. My understanding, and the summary is unhelpful to understanding, is that Microsoft is paying them for their attack on Google and Comcast is paying them for their attack on net neutrality. The same organization is paid for two separate jobs.
Correct. That's what the article is saying. The summary, is, as usual, very useless in regards to representing the actual contents of the TFA. The timeline says it all:
Timeline: Anti-Net neutrality, anti-Google lobbying efforts
February 2008: Email apparently sent to Mel King providing him with text of his pro-Comcast op-ed.
March 2008: Latino IT group sides with Comcast on Net neutrality
May 2008 (PDF): Latino groups ask Justice Department to investigate Google's "search monopoly." Also see press release (PDF).
June 2008: Latino IT group says it has "serious concerns" about a Google-Yahoo advertising deal
June 2008 (PDF): Corn growers ask Congress to investigate Google
IOW, no one is suggesting that Microsoft is anti-net neutrality except perhaps some poster here foaming at the mouth, as usual.
In case anybody isn't paying attention: Net neutrality is in Microsoft's best interests as an OS maker and as one of the Net's top three search engine providers. It is not in Comcast's best interests as they can make money from a lack of net neutrality.
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