As if we needed further proof that losing net neutrality is a horrible thing, the Republicans have now started to voice their discontent. This is further proof that everyone needs to be paying very close attention in the coming weeks because our online freedoms are at stake.
THEY MUST BE STOPPED
If the FCC repeals net neutrality, internet service providers will be able to control what you see and how you see it. People who can pay more money will be able to access faster internet speeds, while the rest of us are just left behind.
Now, even GOP lawmakers are joining in the voices raised in alarm.
Republican Representative Mike Coffman from Colorado is the first member of the party to call for the FCC to delay its vote to repeal net neutrality. Coffman wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, according to The Denver Post.
In the letter Coffman wrote that repealing net neutrality “may well have significant unanticipated negative consequences.”
Coffman has not said whether or not he supports net neutrality, but at least he is concerned enough to join the Democrats in asking for a delay.
The decision “should be resolved by the people’s elected representatives, those who choose the direction of government – and those whom the American people can hold accountable for that choice,” wrote Coffman.
NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
The vote is currently scheduled to take place tomorrow. Republicans are expected to vote along party lines and repeal the Obama era protections that kept the internet open to everyone. But it isn’t too late.
39 Senators have urged Pai to call off this “reckless” proposal to eliminate the regulations.
There is a campaign running on Facebook and other social media started by John Oliver. Here’s what you do:
- Go to gofccyourself.com (Thank you, John Oliver, for locating the shortcut)
- Click on the 17-108 link
- Find and click on +express (this one took me a few minutes to find. On my laptop it was on the left side of the page near the top.)
- After you fill in your name you have to hit the ENTER key for it to record your name (this can be tricky, it will show your name in a highlighted box once done correctly)
- In the comment section write “I strongly support net neutrality backed by Title 2 oversight of ISPs.”
- Click to review then submit
Whatever you do, please know that taking no action isn’t an option this time.
Feature Image via Youtube
