Richard Egenriether

Protect net neutrality!

We have seen folly from the FCC in the years since cable became readily available: what was once to be provided for free is being charged for. The abrogation of the fairness doctrine has distorted editorial content on television and radio, has given radical right-wingers a wedge to destroy public and community radio and television. This has proven to be inherently anti-democratic as is the pursuit of the cable companies goal of acting as web gate keepers.

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.

To allow corporate gate keepers on the web is tantamount to restricting a free press. Don't disgrace your office by allowing this to happen.