Eric Schwartz

Protect democracy of Internet

Net Neutrality is important to protect free speech, equal opportunity and economic innovation in America. Since the FCC removed this basic protection in 2005, the top executives of phone and cable companies have stated their intention to become the Internet's gatekeepers and to discriminate against Web sites that don't pay their added tolls.

I use the Internet to communicate with students, colleagues, and to stay better informed about the world around me. I stay on top of current affairs through the Internet. Why should this vital civic tool be hijacked by large companies for profit.

The fundamental change proposed by large cable companies would end the open Internet as we know it. It would damage my ability to connect with others, share information and participate in our 21st century democracy and economy. The FCC must ensure that broadband providers do not block, interfere with or discriminate against any lawful Internet traffic based on its ownership, source or destination.