Hands Off Our Internet!

Under the guise of preserving the internet for free enterprise and free expression, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is moving to regulate the internet by reclassifying it as a public utility. The more than 300 pages of new regulations will affect every aspect of the internet for both business and personal usage.

Although the FCC is supposed to be an independent agency, Wisconsin Sen. Johnson is concerned about the influence the White House may be having on policy making. Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai aired his concerns at a press conference, stating that the proposal includes heavy-handed regulations.

"President Obama's plan marks a monumental shift toward government control of the Internet. It gives the FCC the power to micromanage virtually every aspect of how the internet works. The plan explicity opens the door to billions of dollars in new taxes on broadband...These new taxes will mean higher prices for consumers and more hidden fees that they have to pay."

Additionally, according to Commissioner Pai, Americans will have fewer broadband choices, as it will slow network speed and expansion, reduce Internet service provider competition and encroach on small businesses with burdensome regulations which will push them out of the market.

The FCC is being accused of catering to Obama's proposals which he put forth last year.
http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/06/republican-fcc-commissioner-slams-obamas-332-page-plan-to-regulate-the-internet/
http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2015/02/09/republican-fcc-member-warns-net-neutrality-is-not-neutral/

Additionally, the Democrat faction of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) voted last week on whether to limit and regulate political speech on the Internet from sources such as YouTube, blogs and websites like TheDrudgeReport. The vote split down party lines, with 3 Democrats voting for the proposal, and 3 Republicans voting against. FEC Vice Chair Ann Ravel promises to push for new provisions next year, a clear reversal for the FEC which has always protected online political speech.
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/10/192454-fec-democrats-move-regulate-internet-political-speech/

Between the FCC and the FEC, these threats to have a government controlled Internet will undoubtedly have  a major impact on the daily lives of consumers, both personally and commercially. The administration's desire to levy more taxes, limit choices, impose new regulations will take a once free and open means of communication and enterprise, and hand it over to fascistic bureacrats. And, this administration's desire to closely monitor free speech will surely challenge our First Amendment rights.

Under the cloak of secrecy, the plan will not be made public until after the Commission has voted on it on February 26th. But we don't have to sit and take it. Here are a few websites you can go to for taking action - sign a a petition, make phonecalls, email your representatives. Don't let the government limit our freedoms!
http://www.savetheinternet.com/sti-home
http://www.freedomworks.org/content/battle-internet-freedom-not-over
http://www.dontbreakthe.net/?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mcp