Democratic Senator puts ISPs on notice: "think twice" before screwing up Net Neutrality

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden has put ISPs on notice that he's going to do everything he can to preserve Net Neutrality, telling ISPs to "think twice" before they start to corrupt the connections they provide to their customers.

Wyden delivered his ultimatum at a Computer & Communications Industry Association conference in DC, where he cast the entire network neutrality debate in terms of a legislative compromise. Years ago, Congress began protecting ISPs from the twin threats of regulation and taxation; in return, ISPs were expected to deliver an unimpeded connection to the Internet. A move away from a neutral 'Net would undermine the "very philosophical underpinnings of what we fought for for the last 15 years," according to Wyden. If that happens, he sees no reason for Congress to continue sheltering ISPs.

Link

[#1 posted by Jefffurry , May 6, 2008 10:53 PM]

That's Ron Wyden (D-OR), who I am quite proud to say is my Senator! He does lots of good stuff.

[#2 posted by astrochimp , May 6, 2008 11:19 PM]

"That's Ron Wyden (D-OR), who I am quite proud to say is my Senator! He does lots of good stuff."

Actually, I have reason to believe that Joe Widen is the hybrid clone of Joe Biden and Ron Wyden.

[#3 posted by LSK , May 7, 2008 3:52 AM]

I don't mind sites preaching hate speech. They're fun to make fun of.

[#4 posted by dculberson , May 7, 2008 8:00 AM]

A senator said something that makes sense! That's so awesome it boggles the mind.

[#5 posted by TJIC , May 7, 2008 12:58 PM]

Congress began protecting ISPs from the twin threats of regulation and taxation

What external enemy was going to inflict these threats ?

Oh, that's right ... there was no external threat! Congress was "protecting" ISPs from ... itself!

(and, of course, other levels of the government)

When the Mafia offers this level of service, it's called a "protection racket".

I'm not exactly holding my breath for the day when the government comes to my business and makes me an offer I can't refuse ... all I have to do to avoid taxes and regulations aimed at emptying my wallet is to run my business exactly the way they tell me to.

Wonderful.

[#6 posted by Agit , May 7, 2008 4:44 PM]

GO RON!!!!
Yet another reason why I love living in Oregon.

[#7 posted by Lord Peter , May 7, 2008 8:07 PM]

@ #5

Yeah, because it's not like the government ever used our tax money to do something useful like develop the internet...oh, wait :(