Maria jumps in the pool for Net Neutrality!

No comment from me, except to say, good for her! Quoted directly from her email (with fundraising shtuff removed):

Dear Switzer,

I believe that the Internet should stay democratic, access to online information should be open, and no online speech should be more "free" than any other. In short, I believe in net neutrality. Yesterday I was asked to vote my convictions - and I voted to protect net neutrality.

The Senate Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, voted yesterday on a large telecommunications bill that included language endangering net neutrality. I co-sponsored an amendment to the legislation that would preserve net neutrality, but we could not get enough votes to make sure that language was included in the bill.

Because I believe we must protect a free and open Internet, and because the amendment that would have done so was defeated, I voted against passing the entire bill out of committee. But we are in the minority and we lost the vote. Now this bill goes to the floor.

I need you to join me now. We must tell my Senate colleagues we will fight for the principle of nondiscrimination on the Internet.

Sign the petition now.

Net neutrality is a simple concept - it has enabled equal access to the Internet to spread ideas, develop commerce, and build movements online without financial discrimination from the companies controlling the Internet.

But now special interests are asking Congress to end the openness and freedom that built the Internet. Large telecommunication companies want to create a two-tiered Internet, divided between those who will pay top dollar to guarantee their online content gets priority over those who can't pay.

I am committed to vote against any telecommunications bill that did not include a provision or amendment to ensure the continuation of net neutrality. Yesterday I did just that. But the fight isn't over - and I need you to decide which side of this issue you are on.

Sign the petition to protect the Internet now.

Here in the Pacific Northwest we value innovation and creativity. We believe in the power of free enterprise. I am going to continue the fight to make sure the Internet stays free and open for all Americans and I hope you'll join me.

Thank you,

 

Maria Cantwell