Pamela Gross

The internet is my lifeline

Net Neutrality is essential to 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.

This fundamental change 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.

I am a person with severe systemic lupus who is often home in bed. With the internet I am still able to be a very active member of the world community despite the fatigue and pain from my chronic illness. The internet allows me to do a lot of activist volunteer work as well as keep in touch with friends. Without it I would be very isolated and not of much use to society.

I do not think the giant corporations who want to act as internet gatekeepers have my best interests at heart. Living on a small disability income, I can't imagine my having any influence over what they decide to do with their billions of dollars. Please keep the internet neutral and fair to people like me.