FCC Approves Plan to Regulate Internet

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/21/fcc-poised-pass-network-neutrality-rules/ ^

[Red in Blue PA]

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved a plan to regulate the Internet despite warnings that it could strangle industry investment and damage an economy that is still struggling to recover.

The 3-2 vote fell along partisan lines with Democrats capitalizing on their numerical advantage.

The rules would prohibit phone and cable companies from abusing their control over broadband connections to discriminate against rival content or services, such as Internet phone calls or online video, or play favorites with Web traffic.

Lawmakers in both parties have been arguing for months that Congress, not the Obama administration, should take the lead role in deciding whether and how much to police the web. But despite a brief backing-off earlier in the year, the FCC has pushed ahead with its new regulatory plan.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski secured the three votes needed for approval, despite firm opposition from the two Republicans on the five-member commission.

[Red in Blue PA]

Legislators can ruin ANYTHING!

[devistate one four]

TYRANNY!

[Glenn]

Let the fines commence.

This is all about the money.

[mrmeyer]

The statists ignore the law of unintended consequences at their own peril.

[ClearCase_guy]

The Obama Administration has no interest in stimulating the economy or in creating jobs. Their goal is to hurt American business and weaken the nation.

[Wisconsinlady]

Can Congress overturn this? How does the FCC have this authority?

[RobRoy]

I honestly do not know what is in these regulations, so I don’t really have much of an opinion on this, other than my general opinion that regulations should be few and far between.

[Tzimisce]

We tried it you little people’s way.

And we found out that you say things we ruling elitists don’t agree with.

So we’re going to take your free speech.

When you learn how to use it, then you can have it back.

Now pay your taxes, we need a raise. :)

[RobRoy]

Isn’t the FCC all about airwaves?

[kevinm13]

Defund the FCC.

[Cheerio]

The 112th House should DEFUND the FCC until they repeal this rule. Let’s see how the GOP stands up to unpopular opinions and instead rules on PRINCIPLE.

[Iron Munro]

Another nail in the coffin of the quaint doctrine of “Separation of Powers” as a model of governance.

Obama, like the Supreme Court, has usurped the legislative process and both parties have acquiesced.

[GOPJ]

It’s about power. Power for liberal elites/

[rockrr]

Their goal is the acquisition and consolidation of power.

(another way of saying what you said ;-)

[Theo]

According to this article, the new rules “prohibit phone and cable companies from abusing their control over broadband connections to discriminate against rival content or services, such as Internet phone calls or online video, or play favorites with Web traffic”

How is that a bad thing? Is there more to “net neutrality” than that?

[circlecity]

The Courts have overturned this once and will certainly do so again. The FCC has no jurisdiction or authority to regulate the internet.

[Cheerio]

I keep waiting for the call to come out for TEA PARTY to descend on the District of Corruption. My pitchfork is ready.

[KansasGirl]

Congress should abolish the FCC.

[Cheerio]

The Courts have overturned this once and will certainly do so again.

Oh you mean like the court's decision on offshore drilling in the Gulf??? That worked well - the Kenyan IGNORED IT.

Time to march folks...........

[no-to-illegals]

sigh...Will the next Congress remove funding for the FCC next year? Would zer0 veto the removal of funds next year? What's next? Best not offer up any thoughts? This lame duck is whipping the heck out of the American people. Rush is right...this is scorched earth by this lame duck.