John Edwards has joined the growing list of presidential candidates to voice their support for Net Neutrality. “We need Net Neutrality,” Edwards told Howard University students in a recent audience Q&A.

“Information vehicles like YouTube, the Internet at large, blogging, video blogging, all these things are ways for democracy to flourish. They’re ways for ordinary Americans to participate in the process,” he said.

Watch Edwards in Action

“There’s a debate going in America right now about something called Net Neutrality, which goes to this very issue,” he said. “I am a strong believer in Net Neutrality. I believe it is enormously important.”

Edwards added:

“This goes to the heart and soul of democracy. Because, if Democracy is going to work in this country, then we want people to be well informed and we want a wide variety of diverse voices to be heard. And that’s what is at issue with these media conglomerates … We really have to stay on top of this because what we see flourishing at the grassroots can be stomped on if we’re not careful.”

Edwards joins other prominent candidates (Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson) and potential ones (Al Gore) among those who have come out for this basic principle of Internet freedom.

As the presidential campaigns kick into higher gear expect to hear Net Neutrality discussed more and more along the trail.

The Internet has become a cornerstone for any well-functioning democracy. It’s critical that candidates share their views on keeping it open for political ideas and grassroots participation.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 at 7:21 am and is filed under Uncategorized.-->