Net neutrality is the final remaining frontier to assure our free and democratic society. It is essential for free speech, free enterprise, a democratic society and our ability to access information for making informed decisions. This is not an issue for Democrats or Republicans – it is for all Americans.
What Net Neutrality Really Is…
Most people do not really understand net neutrality and what it would mean if it were to go away. Ending net neutrality means that big companies like Comcast and Century Link who control access to the Internet through monthly fees to customers, will also charge a large fee to businesses, professionals, and organizations who want their website to be available online. Without the “pay to play,” your website speed will be too slow to be of any value. If you think about all the sites this will impact and your lack of ability to get the information you need and want, you will begin to understand the seriousness of ending net neutrality.
In a nutshell, getting rid of net neutrality will lead to the collapse of free enterprise and our democracy by controlling what we see and hear and greatly limiting our access to information.
When people are controlled in this way, it produces a very dangerous environment where fascism threatens our way of life, destroying our freedoms and much more. If you Google the word Fascism, you will get this definition by Wikipedia:
“Fascism is a form of radical authoritarian nationalism, characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and control of industry and commerce, that came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe.”
When we are under the control of the rich and powerful, fascism is a very real threat we must not take lightly. We are already being controlled in many ways that most Americans do not realize.
Ending Net Neutrality will Threaten our Communities and Our Safety. Here’s why.
A free internet gives the little guy struggling to stay in business, a chance to succeed. Small business, professionals, and community organizations depend on a free internet where they don’t have to pay exorbitant amounts of money to connect with their market and accomplish their goals. Unlike big business, most cannot afford to pay for the fast lane and will go out of business.
Small business is the backbone of strong communities. They are already struggling to compete against major corporations. Historically small businesses were responsible for funding many school and non profit programs that help families, students and the community. Most can no longer afford to contribute and many of these vital programs have already closed. Ending net neutrality will further impair the ability of small business to grow and prosper. The end result is that communities suffer.
Ending net neutrality will put most small online retailers out of business. The more successful retailers will be bought out by the big companies who will add to their mega monopolies. But the little retail entrepreneurs will fail.
Small community organizations including churches and nonprofits will suffer. They will also have to pay exorbitant fees to keep their websites available. Think about the impact on organizations who provide so many benefits to their members and the community at large.
A Trickle Down Effect
When people in communities do not have their needs met, they resort to violent behavior – we can expect to see more robberies, home invasions, looting and riots.
We should not be controlled online by special interests and major corporations who can “pay to play.” It is bad enough that this is already the case on TV and the radio. The internet is our one remaining vehicle where we can get access to the information we want and need.
Whether it is political, environmental, service or business related information, net neutrality gives us the freedom to hear both sides of the issues that impact us and make informed decisions. It gives us the freedom to buy from the small retailer. It gives us access to local businesses who provide the products and services we need and want. Just by buying from them, it will help them to stay in business and strengthen our communities. Net neutrality also gives us the freedom to support more of the groups and causes in our communities that we are most passionate about.
Take Action Now
Building a better America demands that we keep net neutrality in place. Ending it will reduce our society to 2 classes consisting of the rich and powerful and the poor. It will threaten our democracy, our communities and our safety. If this is not the kind of society you want for yourself, your family and your community, you need to speak up and make your voice heard.
Call your Senators and Congressmen and call politicians in other states. Also call the FCC. Tell your representatives to keep net neutrality rules in place. Even if you don’t think you have time, think about the consequences of not taking the time. And please share this information with your friends and family.
