The Government Regulates the Internet and Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal

Today the FCC voted 3-2 to adopt net neutrality rules, although on a more moderate scale than initially proposed. More moderate means big cable and DSL providers will be prohibited from slowing or blocking websites, and prohibited from engaging in "unreasonable" discrimination of online traffic. Wireless networks, on the other hand, have more of a free hand on discriminating content. This is yet another government interference in commerce and will likely result in a bevy of "unintended consequences" and some bad judgments on what is "unreasonable". Yes, I know a lot of technically savvy young people support this concept, but it limits potential new innovations. Whether this FCC ruling will be overturned by Congress has yet to be seen. However, prospects are hopeful: On June 8, 2006, Congress rejected an amendment that mandated net neutrality on a 152-269 vote, which included 58 Democrats siding with Republicans, and a lot of these were not the stereotypical Blue Dogs either. A lot of the opposition came from members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Only 11 Republicans supported net neutrality. Whether the 2006 proposal is similar enough to this decision to get the same Democrats to vote to overturn the ruling is the mystery here, and whether Obama will bother to veto Congress's rejection is yet another mystery.

Oh and by the way, in another turn of events Congress voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy last week on a 250-175 vote. This is actually a liberal policy I support. Frankly the evidence is slim that the impact of ditching "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be disastrous and all the policy did was force a personal decision in the name of others' comfort. I think enough people in the military are comfortable with people going out of the closet provided it doesn't cause a disruption in the functionality and efficiency of the military. For those who might have reservations about this, think of it this way: What if the military's best general was gay? Would you end his military career and let that talent go to waste? This is what can happen with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".