Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Why the FCC Will Probably Ignore the Public On Network Neutrality

Posted by samzenpus on from the ignoring-you-is-easy dept.

walterbyrd writes The rulemaking process does not function like a popular democracy. In other words, you can't expect that the comment you submit opposing a particular regulation will function like a vote. Rulemaking is more akin to a court proceeding. Changes require systematic, reliable evidence, not emotional expressions . . . In the wake of more than 3 million comments in the present open Internet proceeding-which at first blush appear overwhelmingly in favor of network neutrality-the current Commission is poised to make history in two ways: its decision on net neutrality, and its acknowledgment of public perspectives. It can continue to shrink the comments of ordinary Americans to a summary count and thank-you for their participation. Or, it can opt for a different path.

2 of 336 comments (clear)

  1. Fortunately... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The FCC does not regulate torches and pitchforks.

  2. I have two things to say about this. by mark_reh · · Score: 4, Interesting

    1) Thank God they don't pay attention to most public comments. Can you imagine the magnitude of the disaster that would result from a California style of mob-rule in Washington? We definitely DON'T need THAT.

    2) They pay far too much attention to their corporate sponsors instead of doing what they are paid to do- use their brains and think about how to give us the best possible services. It's no surprise that the Republicans have a major hand in screwing us all, after all, their platform includes denial of science.