Why the FCC will probably ignore the public on network neutrality

[dlf]

• Source : http://www.vox.com/2014/10/5/6905369/fcc-public-comment-broken
• Quote  from article:

Seeta Peña Gangadharan is a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute (OTI).

The flood of responses was "unprecedented."  Since the early 20^th century, agencies like the Federal Communications Commission have asked the public for comments before making big decisions. But in the past few months, the Commission received a deluge for one particular proceeding that could change the Internet as we know it.

The decision in question is on the fate of network neutrality - the idea that Internet Service Providers and the government should treat all data and traffic on the Internet the same.

citizens largely failed to sway the three Republican commissioners who wanted to relax ownership rules

The question is — will the FCC tally but otherwise ignore citizens' concerns? Or will it engage with the public and address those worries head on?

If history is any indication, everyday citizens will likely continue to have weak influence at the agency. But understanding why citizens continue to have a weak influence points to a much larger tension between federal agencies and the public — and one that we must address if we want our agencies to help restore trust in government and strengthen their civic purpose.

 

Well were screwed . . . . vive la revolution? 

[Askew]

Like putting pieces of paper in the wailing wall.

[minimalist]

When they delayed the decision I knew we were fucked.  What is there to delay with such a public outcry?  Oh right, they're just lubing it up a little more before they stick it up our collective asses.  They've got to ease it in.  

[qwertywarrior]

rather wait and see

[bob345]

We all knew this would happen. Money speaks louder than words when it comes to the government.

[Sidiox]

Like putting pieces of paper in the wailing wall.

Welcome back Askew

 

I am just happy I live in the Netherlands, I don't see my gov screwing me over 

[Misanthrope]

That's OK, well not really but once major US based corporations decide or threaten to leave the US they'll change their tune very quickly

[Tagiau]

If it passes, maybe companies will be smart, and move their stuff here to canada, and maybe we can actually have good internet. 

[MonkeyFace]

When I read or hear "FCC", I just bust out laughing thanks to John Oliver. 

[Hulk]

Just a question- I thought America was supposed to be democratic- a government for the people, by the people, and of the people. Doesn't ignoring the public sort of defeat its purpose?

 

I am not fluent enough to be suggesting America on its policies, but why not employ someone who will really do something for the people instead?

[The_Strict_Nein]

Just a question- I thought America was supposed to be democratic- a government for the people, by the people, and of the people. Doesn't ignoring the public sort of defeat its purpose?

I am not fluent enough to be suggesting America on its policies, but why not employ someone who will really do something for the people instead?

Now you understand democracy perfectly.

[AndThenThereWas1]

The Constitution they learned says “for the corporations, by the corporations”. Did you really expect them to disobey the corporations that hired them?

[zanduh]

I lost track of this

 

when is an actual DECISION being made?

[dragosudeki]

Just a question- I thought America was supposed to be democratic- a government for the people, by the people, and of the people. Doesn't ignoring the public sort of defeat its purpose?

 

I am not fluent enough to be suggesting America on its policies, but why not employ someone who will really do something for the people instead?

Democracy is just a mask. I think we have a higher organization making decisions for us, and everything is just pieces to a larger plan. Or I just listen to too many conspiracy theorists....

[mr moose]

From the outside the US appears to be one giant Corporate dictatorship masquerading as a democracy.   The blatant payment for favorable government policy is proof.  It's no wonder demonstrations that fight for social justice causes tend to end up violent or criminal, they are fighting an untouchable dictatorship-like institution and face a perceived oppression. 

[Techhog]

I told you guys it was pointless.

[TAK]

.

[Umair]

That's OK, well not really but once major US based corporations decide or threaten to leave the US they'll change their tune very quickly

These corporations aren't like tents.  They can't just go ahead and move, though they have other means of getting what they want.

 

The article is very pessimistic.  I wouldn't get my hopes up, but I would have hope nonetheless that "fast" lanes don't become a thing.  Rest assured, public opinion is NOT like this:

 

[AlexGoesHigh]

That's OK, well not really but once major US based corporations decide or threaten to leave the US they'll change their tune very quickly

That's true but these are isp their business is literally connecting land line to provide a service and they don't have no where to go, if it wasn't by the amount of money they have they would be at the fcc mercy, if the fcc wasn't a organization full of incompetence to begin with

[Mooshi]

Major ISPs will always be complete shit. What we really need is more municipal fiber to take place. Chattanooga, TN got massive boosts once they got local gigabit internet and the more this BS goes on, the more incentive communities have to give these giants the finger. 

[Misanthrope]

That's true but these are isp their business is literally connecting land line to provide a service and they don't have no where to go, if it wasn't by the amount of money they have they would be at the fcc mercy, if the fcc wasn't a organization full of incompetence to begin with

For American customers, yes. But if they run data servers going to AND from America it means they can potentially be doubily ducked. It would make more sense to move those data centers elsewhere so at least international customers aren't slowed down.

[Trik'Stari]

I honestly hope they wake the fuck up and don't do this shit.

 

So sick of the government thinking it has the right to just do whatever the hell it wants instead of following public opinion...you know, like it's supposed to? Why the hell do we claim to be a democracy anymore?

[Builder]

Just a question- I thought America was supposed to be democratic- a government for the people, by the people, and of the people. Doesn't ignoring the public sort of defeat its purpose?

 

I am not fluent enough to be suggesting America on its policies, but why not employ someone who will really do something for the people instead?

Everyone that actually wants to do something for the people here is immediately labeled as a socialist/communist and ridiculed until the public hates them. There's so much stigma around it I'm not sure we'll ever see another populist campaign from the left again.

 

Democracy is just a mask. I think we have a higher organization making decisions for us, and everything is just pieces to a larger plan. Or I just listen to too many conspiracy theorists....

It's the second one.

 

I honestly hope they wake the fuck up and don't do this shit.

 

So sick of the government thinking it has the right to just do whatever the hell it wants instead of following public opinion...you know, like it's supposed to? Why the hell do we claim to be a democracy anymore?

Yeah the FCC is sort of a piece of shit...but that's only because it's in the pocket of the corporations. I think contrary to what we may believe that the majority of the US doesn't have an opinion on net neutrality and as a result doesn't care. Coincidentally the people who argue for net neutrality do tend to be at least left-leaning though.

[Mister Snow]

Everyone that actually wants to do something for the people here is immediately labeled as a socialist/communist and ridiculed until the public hates them. There's so much stigma around it I'm not sure we'll ever see another populist campaign from the left again.

 

It's the second one.

 

Yeah the FCC is sort of a piece of shit...but that's only because it's in the pocket of the corporations. I think contrary to what we may believe that the majority of the US doesn't have an opinion on net neutrality and as a result doesn't care. Coincidentally the people who argue for net neutrality do tend to be at least left-leaning though.

Can you please explain to me why do people living in America have so much hate for communism? Do they even know what is the ultimate goal of socialist society? I understand that there are some bad examples from the past because it was not done right but the final stage of socialist society is utopia while capitalism benefits only minority of the people who rise to the top and they exploit the working class for their own agenda. 

[DigitalHermit]

Depends on how much money it earns them imo...