SavetheInternet.com coalition supporters have been busy this August tracking down their senators and speaking up for Internet freedom at public events.

Sean, in Hawaii, asked Sen. Daniel Akaka if he would support Net Neutrality. In front of a live audience and countless television viewers, the Senator responded with a resounding “Yes!” Akaka had been previously undeclared on the issue.

In Paragould, Ark., Sen. Blanche Lincoln discussed Net Neutrality with her constituents after SavetheInternet.com supporters raised the issue at a recent lunch reception. “I want to make sure if you live on a county road or in a town with less than 20,000 people, you can get on the Internet,” Lincoln said. “I don’t want anyone at a disadvantage to get on the Internet.”

Earlier this week, Juan, from BlueJersey.com caught up with Sen. New Jersey Senator Robert Menedez at a town hall meeting and reports that the senator, who was previously undeclared on the issue, came out in favor of Net Neutrality.

Senator Conrad Burns from Montana (pictured right), is still towing the phone and cable company line in the Net Neutrality fight. When confronted by coalition supporters at a picnic in Fort Missoula, he claimed he was for a “free Internet” but that the Net Neutrality bill contained some provisions that would be damaging to his constituents. One wonders if he’s referring to the good people of Montana or telecom lobbyists?

Burns’ anti-neutrality comments come from a senator who has received more than $210,000 in campaign contributions this cycle from the telecom/technology sector, according to a report this week in the National Journal’s Technology Daily. In that category, Burns is second only to Sen. George Allen of Virginia, who received $260,132 in campaign contributions from the likes of AT&T, Comcast, BellSouth and Verizon.

If you believe in a free and open Internet, let your senator know. Senators are typically at home in August and often hold public events such as town hall meetings or listening sessions. We need to show up for these meetings and tell them how important Net Neutrality is to all of us.

Take a few minutes to check your senator’s Web site or make a phone call and find out where your senator will be this August. Tell us what you find out.

If you plan to attend a public meeting, go to our state-by-state Senate Action Guide for tools and resources that will help you speak up for Internet freedom.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 16th, 2006 at 11:39 am and is filed under Uncategorized.-->