How you can help restore Net Neutrality Part 2: Countdown

Well, it's finally happened.

A few days ago, the FCC officially issued the order to have Net Neutrality dismantled, triggering a 60 day period in which Congress can overturn the decision and restore Net Neutrality. There's a bill currently in the Senate from Senator Ed Markey that has the support of all Democrats one one Republican, but still needs one more senator behind it in order to be passed and sent on to the House of Representatives. There's still time to convince a senator to come onboard to help with the issue, and you can help with that.

How? It's easy: call your senator and representative, and tell them to support Markey's measure. The more senators and representatives hear from their constituents, the more they know how much the public wants Net Neutrality to remain in place, and the political consequences if these senators and representatives face if they vote against Net Neutrality. And fear not: the process to call your senators and representatives isn't as intimidating as it sounds. Use this website (or this one for representatives) to find your senators and representatives, and then call them up. You will either get their voice message system or an aide, at which point you can use this script:

"Hello. My name is __________, and I’m a resident of ____________. I'm calling with regards to Senator Ed Markey's measure to overturn the FCC and restore Net Neutrality. Because I believe the internet is a resource that everyone should be able to access and use equally without paying more for additional content, I urge (name of your senator/representative) to support efforts to restore Net Neutrality. Thank you.”

Now, at this point the odds of the bill making it through Congress and being signed into law are remote, due to the Republican party generally being in favor of keeping Net Neutrality repealed, and that the president seems to favor it as well. But there is always a chance, and doing something is better than doing nothing. Adding your voice to this debate is better than staying silent and letting things play out without influencing it, even just a little.

Comments

[Violet Rose in The Rain]

Jesus fucking Christ. Going to remind my American friends about this.

As a side note, having to remind your senators that your civil rights should remain? That's like a hostage situation.