ACLU Says Net Neutrality Necessary For Free Speech

eldavojohn writes "The ACLU has recently identified Network Neutrality a key free speech issue and said in a lengthy PDF report: 'Freedom of expression isn't worth much if the forums where people actually make use of it are not themselves free. And the Internet is without doubt the primary place where Americans exercise their right to free expression. It's a newspaper, an entertainment medium, a reference work, a therapist's office, a soapbox, a debating stand. It is the closest thing ever invented to a true "free market" of ideas.' The report then goes on to argue that ISPs have incentive and capability of interfering with internet traffic. And not only that but the argument that it is only 'theoretical' are bogus given they list ten high profile cases of it actually happening. If the ACLU can successfully argue that Net Neutrality is a First Amendment Issue then it might not matter what businesses (who fall on either side of the issue) want the government to do."

Comments

Re:Not again.

[ScentCone]

It is entirely obvious this is a civil rights issue. Not one of race or gender or age, but one of every persons right to expression without oppression from the corporatations obsessetion to controlling this country.

So, just to clarify, here. If I form a publishing company in order to print a newsletter that I will distribute in my neighborhood, I must allow anyone who wants me to print their own communication - no matter what I think of it - to tell me how I should use the pages of my publication? And I must allow, as I walk around the neighborhood dropping off my newsletter, anyone who demands that I also distribute their publication? And if my company starts into the business of delivering one person's publications, I therefore have to deliver anything that anyone else insists that I deliver? This is your take on what the first amendment is about? This is what you think "civil rights" is about - the ability of one person to force another person to do something?

Re:Death by ACLU association.

[operagost]

I often find it ironic how conservative talking heads bash the ACLU as defending "commies and left wing nuts", but when *they* want free expression they're happy to get the ACLU involved to help.

No, they're not. While the ACLU will occasionally defend "conservative" causes, they'll well known for making up their own ideas for what constitute rights. Apparently, you have a right to force a Catholic hospital to perform abortions, for example. It's a little funny, because I thought that the basis of natural rights was that you could do what you want as long as it didn't infringe on someone else's rights. In the ACLU reality, if you're a professional, you apparently don't have a right to refuse to participate in actions you consider unethical.

Re:Death by ACLU association.

[Lord Kano]

The ACLU is a one issue group.

How in the fuck were you moderated as Informative? You're hopelessly misinformed.

You, clearly, haven't so much as visited the ACLU Web site.

This is what the ACLU lists as their "key issues".

• Capital Punishment
• Drug Law Reform
• Free Speech
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Rights
• Immigrant's Rights
• LGBT Rights
• National Security
• Prisoner's Rights
• Racial Justice
• Religion & Belief
• Reproductive Rights
• Technology and Liberty
• Voting Rights
• Women's Rights

In case you weren't paying attention, that's a lot more than "one issue".

Look on their about page.

• "The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country."

Except of course that they don't really mean that. See what they have to say about the Second Amendment.

• "The ACLU interprets the Second Amendment as a collective right. Therefore, we disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision in D.C. v. Heller."

The Supreme Court is the arbiter of what the Constitution means, not the ACLU. They're engaging in political advocacy. It's their right to do that, but it's bullshit to pretend that they really care about constitutional rights when they obviously don't.

They think you have a right to say... whatever stupid, crazy, brilliant, inspired, idiotic, hateful, useful, useless, or wonderful thing you want to say. Period. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum. I can respect that.

Unless what you want to say is a prayer in a public place. The American Nazi party wants to march through Jewish and Black neighborhoods and those douchebags at the ACLU will represent them in court for free. Some woman drowns her kids in her bathtub and the ACLU will mount a legal offensive to spare her the death penalty. Some kid wants to thank God for being class valedictorian, and the ACLU sues him/her.

Fuck the ACLU, fuck them in their hypocritical asses.

LK