This year, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is scheduled to formally issue a series of official Internet use and governance policy decisions/rulings in regards to a general set of principles commonly referred to as; Net Neutrality.
These decisions/rulings have gravity and consequence beyond the dominion in which these actions by these actors are conceived. More wisdom, more humility, and more simplicity are necessary than what these few individuals can grasp unless they truly realize that at its heart, the central issue is; human freedom. Net neutrality is the culmination of that kind of freedom… a freedom that defines morality, ethics, and the means by which mankind will “be…” as communicators, collaborators, and co-inhabitants of a world in which our technological platform might develop/proliferate in the collective future of the planet. Such is the nature and scale of the communications system of systems and human connection we call… the Internet. Therefore, such is the scale of the task of making these rulings. To do these actions right, the FCC’s thinking and process will take great insight and great principle. Those FCC deciders will need to look beyond the ordinary and to elevate themselves to the domain of ideals and truth. And, we as constituents of these decisions should challenge the FCC to find that place, that voice within themselves, that set of American values that stem from the likes of Franklin and Jefferson and Payne. And together, we need to take the responsibility for a future which will leave that which is that best shining truth of what humankind needs to be.
As 2010 begins, and from the obvious passion I have for this issue, I have decided to investigate Net Neutrality and report my findings here using a series of posts. I anticipate this becoming my little soapbox. Please, please afford me all the patience you can muster by allowing me this space and continuing to subscribe/read this and all my other (perhaps more desirable) stuff. I am cognizant of how tiresome this type of concentrated “voicing” can become, so I will temper and edit myself as much as I can. If however, you find that you have any kind of voice to bring here, please, please make my efforts more rich by speaking up. Lurkers… now’s the time to let it out!
With that, I will begin by offering a link - reference to the Main FCC website and its sister site; OpenInternet.gov as well as its less freedom/more technically oriented sibling; Broadband.gov In these sites you will find a wealth of information regarding the government’s positions on many of the issues that both directly and indirectly deal of New Neutrality.
I will also introduce an organization called “The Electronic Frontier Foundation” (EFF). The EFF is a legal organization that deals with issues where free speech and technology intersect. The Net Neutrality page provides a bit of background information that may prove valuable in future investigation.
I look forward to digging deep into the very important issue with whomever will listen/contribute.