FCC Commissioner Blasts Verizon On Net Neutrality

destinyland writes "FCC chairman Julius Genachowski says that net neutrality rules 'will happen,' promising the FCC 'will make sure that we get the rules right... to make sure that what we do maximizes innovation and investment across the ecosystem.' But the same week, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps announced that the public should not stand for deals 'that exchange Internet freedom for bloated profits,' mocking the tiered-data plans of the 'Verizon-Google gaggle' and accusing them of wanting 'gated communities for the affluent.' Speaking at a New Mexico hearing, the commissioner warned the audience against proposals that would 'vastly diminish' the Internet's importance, blasting 'special interests and gatekeepers and toll-booth collectors who will short-circuit what this great new technology can do for our country.' (The text of his speech is available as a PDF file at FCC.gov.) He concludes by acknowledging that 'you can't blame companies for seeking to protect their own interests. But you can blame policy-makers if we let them get away with it!'"

Comments

Re:Oh boy

[smpoole7]

"Have you ever seen a left-winger on a fox news show?"

Happens all the time. As a general rule, if they are a thoughtful, well-reasoned liberal, they are allowed to talk. The only time they're "shouted down," as you say, is when they continue to dodge questions, repeat talking points and emit endless spin. But just for the record, the same treatment is given to conservatives who dodge and spin. Those who are "elites" (both liberal and conservative) aren't used to this nowadays. They think they should be allowed to sit and spin and spout the Party Line without being closely questioned. When they are closely questioned, they don't like it.

(Speaking from experience. You would not BELIEVE how snobbish many of these people are nowadays. They view you and I as the unwashed, uneducated masses, and travel in entourages that look like something a rock star would have.)

One lady in particular -- can't remember her name to save my life, sorry! -- has been on Fox a couple of times recently. She's a well-known, self-proclaimed liberal talk show host, and I actually enjoy listening to her. I may not agree with her, but she makes me think. I *like* a well-reasoned argument.

Glenn Beck, now .. . .. (cough, cough) . .. . well, he's .. .. Glenn Beck. We won't go there; I'll just concede on that one. :)

"The REAL question is, why are you watching the big news services? You realize they're nothing more than fear, polarization, and embellishment, packaged to sell advertisements...right?"

Sure. They're businesses. They attract viewers/listeners/readers and sell advertising to make a profit. You target it to your listeners/viewers/readers. That's how it works.