Received this e-mail today from U.S. Senator Angus King’s (I. ME) re-election campaign:
Late last year, the Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Pai made the devastating move to repeal net neutrality, a decision that will fundamentally change the internet as we’ve known it and destroy the internet as an open and incredible platform of opportunity, innovation and economic prosperity.
This is terrible for all of us, and it will especially deal a blow to small businesses, startups, content creators and rural Americans, including so many folks in Maine. By turning control of the internet over to a handful of large corporations that own the pipes, internet providers will be able to sell "fast lanes" and preferential access to the highest bidder and will be permitted to discriminate against lawful content. Think of a small business or entrepreneur with an innovative idea trying to compete against corporate money to drive website traffic: The small business and entrepreneur will lose that fight every time.
Right now, we have the signatures we need to force a vote on net neutrality in the Senate – and this could be our last chance to save the open internet.
Will you join a show of force by adding your name?
Please join me in telling Congress to protect net neutrality!
The internet is, hands down, the most vital tool in the 21st-century economy and has unleashed enormous opportunity and social progress over the past 30 years. It has enabled the ability to create a business and economic prosperity regardless of where you live, whether in rural Maine or urban America. Net neutrality makes it possible for startups and small businesses to compete in a global economy, ensures consumers are protected, allows seniors to communicate with their doctors via telemedicine and gives Americans of all backgrounds access to unlimited economic and educational opportunities.
This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. More than 80% of Americans want to keep commonsense, light-touch net neutrality rules in place – and this Senate vote is our chance to speak out for people all across the country.
I co-sponsored the Congressional Review Act resolution to protect net neutrality a few months back, and we are going to continue to fight to make sure the internet remains open and free from discriminatory practices.
Will you stand up for a free and open internet?
Please add your name to tell the Senate to save net neutrality while we can!
Thanks for speaking up here. It means a lot to have you with me on this.
Angus
Click here to add your name.