Open Thread: The Far Left's Web Regulation Coup
Today's starter topic: John Fund at the Wall Street Journal has a good look behind the small group of well-funded left-wing activists who were the moving force behind massive government regulations on Internet ISPs that are going to drive prices up for everyone:
The net neutrality vision for government regulation of the Internet began with the work of Robert McChesney, a University of Illinois communications professor who founded the liberal lobby Free Press in 2002. Mr. McChesney's agenda? "At the moment, the battle over network neutrality is not to completely eliminate the telephone and cable companies," he told the website SocialistProject in 2009. "But the ultimate goal is to get rid of the media capitalists in the phone and cable companies and to divest them from control."
A year earlier, Mr. McChesney wrote in the Marxist journal Monthly Review that "any serious effort to reform the media system would have to necessarily be part of a revolutionary program to overthrow the capitalist system itself." Mr. McChesney told me in an interview that some of his comments have been "taken out of context." He acknowledged that he is a socialist and said he was "hesitant to say I'm not a Marxist."
For a man with such radical views, Mr. McChesney and his Free Press group have had astonishing influence. Mr. Genachowski's press secretary at the FCC, Jen Howard, used to handle media relations at Free Press. The FCC's chief diversity officer, Mark Lloyd, co-authored a Free Press report calling for regulation of political talk radio.
- NB Staff's blog
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Comments
It's not too late to undo it...
Submitted by c5then on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 12:04pm.
But we will need to elect many more conservatives to Congress (both the House and especially the Senate) and elect a conservative to the Presidency in 2012. Not just republicans but actual real conservatives.
The plan is not complete yet. They have passed the framework by which they can regulate (meaning control to the liberal/progressives) the internet and electronic "media". Their stated goal of "equal access" for everyone is a sham because everyone already has equal access. What they will do is drive up costs through regulations and fees so that the poor can not afford it and then they will try and control the content.
Madison and Jefferson and Franklin built a Republic - Roberts killed it!
The push begins
Submitted by jon_torlin on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 12:25pm.
It looks like the push is beginning to accellerate the plans for the takeover. The FCC move is the biggest indicator yet, not just the nationalized health care, auto industry and banks. This thing with the DADT is just a diversion.
It's go time.
-Jon
Four Boxes
Submitted by NevadanConservative on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 12:59pm.
The American public can't do anything through the franchise at this time.
What could be done was done in November of 2010, and will continue to in the odd off elections.
So the Soap box and the Ballot box have been used.
Sitting congresscreatures of both Houses are immune to suits, so use of the Jury box is pre-empted.
So... "Go time"?
A highly worried NVCon
PURPLE IS THE NEW BROWN see below link
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/17194/2872764590061034863S600x600Q85.jpg
ditto on worried
Submitted by jon_torlin on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 1:17pm.
Well, it's either fight back or move along like sheep. As you said yourself, can't do anything through the franchise. Even if we could, the franchise is being circumvented, just like the FCC did regardless of the court order and etc.
Sitting back and waiting for normal methods to use under normal circumstances doesn't apply in this case. That's what happened in Germany.
-Jon
impeach early
Submitted by foolnomore on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 12:59pm.
with all the in-bed's and sell-out's,an the last expillager's, we can only hope the sheep, will see what the real fool'z really look like.
Not Logic but interesting
Submitted by Agnostic on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 1:10pm.
Robert McChesney = Socialist @ University of Illinois
Bill Ayers = Radical Socialist (Terrorist) @ University of Illinois
President Obama = Bill Ayers
President Obama @ University of Illinois = Chicago Annenberg Challenge = Bill Ayers @ University of Illinois
MSM = Socialist = No story to pursue
Question about Don't Ask/Don't Tell
Submitted by Bruzilla on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 1:17pm.
I have a question about the repeal of the DA/DT law. I keep hearning about how the repeal of this law allows openly Gay military personnel to stay in the service, but the DA/DT policy was enacted to stop the military from seeking out Gays in the ranks. Before DA/DT was enacted, it was against regulations to serve if you were Gay.
So, wouldn't the repeal of DA/DT just revert the military back to how it was before the law went into effect, i.e., it's still against regulations to be Gay and the military can again seek out Gays and discharge them? If it's not doing that, but actually allowing Gays to serve openly, then there's more in that bill that just repealing DA/DT.
NUTS!
Submitted by ricklail on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 1:31pm.
On this day in 1944 Gen. McAullife, commander of the 101st airborne, used that one word, "NUTS", to tell the German commander at Bastonge to stick it when ask for his surrender. Four days later Patton would relieve the 101st. Accroding to the 101st they didn't need any help. This is where Patton had the division chaplin write a prayer for good weather so they could get air support for the attack.
On this day of all days that bastard in Washington has to go and sign a bill that is sure to be a military forces killer.
When it comes to the Marxist
Submitted by stratman on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 2:09pm.
When it comes to the Marxist in Chief and his bolsheviks, there are no coincidences.
Not just A bastard.
Submitted by Newsbubba on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 2:43pm.
He is a rat bastard Nazi son of a bitch!
When will the lawsuits for reinstatement and backpay start?
Submitted by Red Jeep on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 1:41pm.
Lawsuits by gays kicked out of the military for being queer.
If they do, it will be
Submitted by Odin's Underling on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 4:13pm.
If they do, it will be another sad day in this country. I don't see how they can when the discharged soldier LIED in their response on their enlistment form. Same thing goes for officers as well. Especially at the military academies fully knowing that they lied at some point before attending their respective academy. I don't want our military to be a place for social experimenting, nor do I want the military to be liars such as the ones in elected office.
But see now it's OK that they lied.
Submitted by Red Jeep on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 6:08pm.
Because what was done was unfair to them doncha know.
US Intell Director unaware of London's terrorist bust
Submitted by ThisnThat on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 2:20pm.
James Clapper couldn't even answer the question regarding London's big terrorist bust. The excuse? Well -- there are many excuses, but one of them is that he was working so hard on the START treaty.
So -- dir of Intelligence working on a crap treaty that puts the US behind the eight ball -- and yet ignoring terrorists? Knowing nothing about it? Yeah -- fits right in to the obama administration. Just like the Christmas Day bomber.
And speaking of the START treaty -- Russia has warned us: DO NOT MODIFY ANYTHING IN THIS TREATY, OR ELSE! Gee -- I wonder if they issued this warning for the U.S.'s benefit? Or theirs?
Way to go, US Senate and obama -- negotiating something that Russia believes is ideally suited for them. Makes me feel real secure, here.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Speaking of the START treaty,
Submitted by celator on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 4:55pm.
Speaking of the START treaty, this is the first treaty in our history to be considered during a lame duck session. Obama and his handlers want this treaty passed now now now now now, and not a second later. That hysteria on their part raises huge suspicions about just how destructive to the security of the United States this treaty will be.
Additionally, the Obama adminstration has refused to release the meeting minutes of those who wrote START to the Senate, so that there is no way the Senate can review the background of the development of the treaty, the thought process or any quid pro quo made leading up to the treaty being signed by the president (which was earlier this year). This refusal is also unprecedented
As we know, treaties are not just another piece of legislation which can be modified, cancelled, or otherwise changed. A treaty is "consitutionalised" after signing and ratification, and has the full force of the constitution behind it.
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding." (Article VI, US Constitution)
There is no way this treaty cannot wait until the 112th Congress meets so it can be carefully examined and understood by the Senate before they vote on it. It's another slap in the face to US citizens by Obama.
There are several to thank for this treaty
Submitted by TheHistorian on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 5:26pm.
First on the wall of shame is George Voinovich. He promised to retire, and then stayed and voted like his buddy Sherrod Brown. Thanks, George. Don't know whether you are senile or stupid, but it worked out the same way.
The Boobsey Twins from ME. Thanks, ladies. I hope the kindler, gentler, terrorists spare your state because you voted to hamstring the US with this treaty.
Scott Brown from MA, Lisa Murkowski from AK and Lamar Alexander from TN. Any belief that these three are not liberals? Sure don't believe it now, do you?
Without these six votes, it would not have passed. The country should send them rotten eggs for the next year as thank you notes. Thank you, you miserable pieces of detritus.
Dennis Prager
TheHistorian~
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 6:45pm.
Here are some more Repub senators who sold out:
Thad Cochran, Mississippi
Bob Corker, Tennessee
Mike Crapo, Idaho
Tom Coburn, Oklahoma
Lamar Alexander, Tennessee
Johnny Isakson, Georgia
*** Senator Isakson's Washington and Atlanta offices were flooded with calls of protest from across the state. Did he listen? No. I'm confident that his largely conservative constituents will remember and vote him out next go-around -- Georgians have a long memory for this type of thing.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Another Broken Lock Box
Submitted by stratman on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 2:36pm.
Ohio Supreme Court rules unanimously that state can snatch tobacco funds"In a 7-0 decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Ted Strickland and state lawmakers could legally divert $258 million in funding originally intended for anti-tobacco programs.
The justices ruled that the General Assembly, which had snatched up the money to help balance the state budget last year as part of Strickland's budget proposal, had the constitutional authority to decide how the money would be spent.
[...]
The American Legacy Fund, an anti-smoking group, had sued the state in an attempt to force Strickland and state lawmakers to hand back the money. The group argued that the state had no right to the money because lawmakers had created an "irrevocable" trust and handed the money off as part of the 1998 tobacco settlement.
The $258 million in the state budget was targeted for human services programs such as health care for childlen, adult and child protective services and some optional Medicaid services."
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Someone named "exmentorguy" hits the bullseye with his comment on the story:
On the bright side, at least some lawyers got filthy rich.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!?
Submitted by jon_torlin on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 3:03pm.
A principal at a Mass public school (doesn't say what grade level) sending out permission slips for kids to say the pledge of allegiance??
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/22/massachusetts-school-issues-permiss...
Considering the state, why am I not surprised?
-Jon
Well we now know the Florida
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 3:32pm.
Well we now know the Florida school board shooter is definitely a Democrat liberal, otherwise they would have dogged the story to death with the big bad conservatives.
Easy to figure.
Submitted by Newsbubba on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 6:34pm.
Had he been a gun toting conservative, he would not have missed everyone he shot at.
Liberals can talk, but they can't shoot for shiite.
I now believe Obama's statist coup is going to succeed
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 5:34pm.
I see no way of stopping it now, as we failed to put enough conservative fannies in Congress to stop it, not to mention reverse it.
2012 is going to be too late.
Damn the stoopid sheeple of America, who sat on their fat asses with their stoopid People Magazines, sat transfixed watching American Idol, and allowed their country to be stolen right out from under their noses, in broad daylight, right in front of God and everybody.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
~Great story about our Marines
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 5:58pm.
It's long enough that I put it in a forum so it wouldn't fill the thread. Click on the link to read the rest of it.
Be Proud
On Nov 13, 2010 Lt General John Kelly, USMC gave a speech to the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis , MO. This was 4 days after his son, Lt Robert Kelly, USMC was killed by an IED while on his 3rd Combat tour. During his speech, General Kelly spoke about the dedication and valor of the young men and women who step forward each and every day to protect us. During the speech, he never mentioned the loss of his own son. He closed the speech with the moving account of the last 6 seconds in the lives of 2 young Marines who died with rifles blazing to protect their brother Marines.
"I will leave you with a story about the kind of people they are. About the quality of the steel in their backs. About the kind of dedication they bring to our country while they serve in uniform and forever after as veterans.
Two years ago when I was the Commander of all U.S. and Iraqi forces, in fact, the 22nd of April 2008, two Marine infantry battalions, 1/9 "The Walking Dead," and 2/8 were switching out in Ramadi. One battalion in the closing days of their deployment going home very soon, the other just starting its seven-month combat tour. Two Marines, Corporal Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter, 22 and 20 years old respectively, one from each battalion, were assuming the watch together at the entrance gate of an outpost that contained a makeshift barracks housing 50 Marines. The same broken down ramshackle building was also home to 100 Iraqi police, also my men and our allies in the fight against the terrorists in Ramadi, a city until recently the most dangerous city on earth and owned by Al Qaeda.
I am so pissed off at Johnny Isakson I am spinning...
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 10:03pm.
...on my eyebrows and spitting nails.
Damn, he actually voted for the hideous START treaty!
WTF???
I didn't find out he had voted to help Obama in his quest until about two hours ago. I was so mad I was seeing red, and fired off the following email.
Sorry it is so disjointed, but I was hot.
Still am, too.
Sir:
Since 12:01 pm January 20th, 2009, this nation has been under what can only be described as a Marxist/statist coup.
Since that date, the Obamanistas have outright seized two of our three automakers, 100% the school loan program, 90% of the mortgage industry, a large portion of our financial system, spent this nation into near insolvency, and has done all it can to drive our free-market economy into the ground, and has as of today, seized control of the Internet.
What, exactly, did you think Barack Hussein Obama (who has been associating with communists since his childhood) meant when he said he was going "transform" America?
Did you think he was going to make it even freer and stronger than it was when he took office?
Barack Hussein Obama hates this country with a passion, and aside from the above, has been working to weaken it, not just economically and financially, but militarily as well.
You have now voted to aid him in weakening this nation at a time when our enemies, who have vowed to either convert, subjugate, or kill every man, woman and child in this nation, are nuking up all over the planet.
You, sir, are a disgrace to this state, as well as to this country.
Do the people of Georgia, as well as the American people a favor, and resign.
Do it now, so we can send somebody to Washington who will help to throw a big, hairy monkey wrench into the gears of Obama's coup, not apply grease to those gears, as you have done with your idiotic START vote.
I will not only be voting against you, but actively campaigning for your opponent.
If we had wanted to send someone to Washington to help Obama carry out his plans, we would have sent a democrat.
Instead, we sent you.
Apparently you completely missed the meaning of the mid-term election just past.
Our message was loud and clear: NO MORE RINOs!
-And that is going to mean you, too.
Sincerely,
David H. *******
Vote for the American in November
Applause.
Submitted by Red Jeep on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 10:18pm.
Applause.
You do realize that this will mean
Submitted by Boudin on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 11:41pm.
We will all have to take rotations in some of these offices? Trust me, you dont want me as Dog catcher, I'll catch them all.
~
Submitted by GG_NB on Thu, 12/23/2010 - 2:19pm.
Got the PM~thanks!
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan