Todd Rokita (R-IN) thinks Net Neutrality --> FCC censorship

[caraher]

The reply I received from my congresscritter regarding net neutrality is remarkable for its dishonesty:

August 12, 2014

Thank you for contacting me regarding net neutrality. It is good to hear from you.

As you know, on January 14, 2014, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down part of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) net neutrality rules. In particular, the court struck down the specific anti-blocking and nondiscrimination rules of the FCC's 2010 Open Internet Order. In response, on May 15, 2014, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment "on how best to protect and promote an open Internet."
I believe that net neutrality rules restrict Internet freedom. If the FCC is able to manage how Internet service providers run their networks, it also can determine the content that these providers can offer. These regulations hurt Internet companies and prevent them from being able to adapt to consumer demand. This loss of flexibility stifles innovation and ultimately hurts customers.
I believe that consumers are most empowered when providers are allowed to manage their networks. If a customer believes the provider is discriminating against content, that individual can switch providers. However, if the government issues rules managing how content must be delivered, consumers no longer have the option to find something that works better for them. I appreciate your input on this issue. Please be assured I will keep your views in mind as this debate moves forward.
Again, thank you for contacting me, and please stay in touch as I continue fighting for all people so they can build better lives for themselves and their families.

Sincerely,

Todd Rokita
Member of Congress

I'm flabbergasted by the illogic. This is akin to saying that FCC regulations of phone companies means the government controls my phone conversations. And the fantasy that you're going to somehow figure out, say, Comcast is messing with certain packets and indignantly switch to some competitor is singularly implausible.

I'm not sure how to respond to Rokita's office beyond perhaps suggesting they hire smarter interns to write his constituent responses...

[Calista241]

1. The IDEA of net neutrality is a wonderful thing

But the actual proposal is 8 shades of fucked up. With fast lanes, slow lanes, and other unnecessary regulations.

That being said, the letter you got back is clearly bought and paid for by the telcom lobby.

[caraher]

3. I can't say I know the ins and outs of the proposal

But as you suggest, Rokita's reply doesn't seem to be about nuance. It's about "my corporate handlers good, government bad."

[Calista241]

5. And it's not even true.

In many cities / places across the country, you CAN'T switch providers. It's Comcast or no one. Or it's AT&T or no one else.

Net Neutrality, IMO, should be one of the top issues in 2014 and 2016.

[caraher]

6. Right

Though of course, I'd expect their reply would be either that we'd have more competition if only we deregulated more or that this just shows what a dandy job the dominant ISPs are doing in their respective areas...

[rurallib]

2. This from the same party that gave you

"Freedom is about authority. Freedom is about the willingness of every single human being to cede to lawful authority a great deal of discretion about what you do. " ( Giuliani )

[Octafish]

4. ...the same party that wanted to give you Bernie Kerik for Director of Homeland Security...

...but Giuliani's best friend got sent to prison first.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2788428