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| Washington Post: Net Neutrality Wipe-Out Unlikely |
| Friday, 04 March 2011 17:50 |
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Cecilia Kang writes "The chances of Congress wiping out the Internet access rules that prohibit blocking and slowing of Web traffic" are "Pretty low.... the two bills at play -- one that would overturn rules and the other that would withhold appropriations for the agency -- would have to pass a House and Senate vote. And President Obama would have to sign on to the legislation. Obama has expressed his support for the net neutrality rules. And a bill overturning rules in the Democratic-led Senate would face more skepticism." I don't know the dynamics of the Senate-House conferencing on the measures, so have no way of judging this one. What I do remember is Bill Kennard's warning about how things get done in D.C. "There are people I call 'black ninjas.' They work by night and are very, very good." Take that as a compliment, Tom and Jim. Vigilance remains crucial if you care about this issue.
If Kang is right the move has little chance, why are Boehner and Upton constantly talking it up? Democrat Commissioner Timothy Simon reminds us "Money is the mother's milk of politics," speaking in aother context. Boehner's rise to republican House leader owed a great deal to his ability to raise founds. For years, he and several peers have shouted long and loudly whatever AT&T wants promoted. Cicconi's extraordinarily effective stealth operative, Charlie Black, surfaced as a fundraiser for Upton. Perhaps DC news editors will notice the item and stop asking reporters to write more NN stories around politicians and lobbyists repeating things said a thousand times before. |