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Imagine this:
You log onto your computer, pull up your web browser, and try to visit Fire Dog Lake. Except that typing in the URL gets you a curt message that this site is not available through your internet service provider unless you pay extra to your ISP.
You try to visit an open-source software site, but your ISP (which is in the for-profit software biz) blocks you from seeing it.
You're trying to do research on your ISP's business dealings, but your ISP blocks you from visiting a website that describes them in detail.
Sound far-fetched? Guess what -- it's already happening:
- In 2004, North Carolina ISP Madison River blocked their DSL customers from using any rival Web-based phone service.
- In 2005, Canada's telephone giant Telus blocked customers from visiting a Web site sympathetic to the Telecommunications Workers Union during a contentious labor dispute.
- Shaw, a major Canadian cable, internet, and telephone service company, intentionally downgrades the "quality and reliability" of competing Internet-phone services that their customers might choose -- driving customers to their own phone services not through better services, but by rigging the marketplace.
- In April, Time Warner's AOL blocked all emails that mentioned www.dearaol.com -- an advocacy campaign opposing the company's pay-to-send e-mail scheme.
So how do we stop this? By speaking up and spreading the word.
We speak up to the FCC and let them know we want to preserve and protect Net Neutrality, the guiding principle of the Internet from its very beginnings. [UPDATE: And we make sure Congress knows what we want, too.]
We spread the word by letting family and friends know what's at stake, and writing letters to the editor and getting on radio and TV call-in shows.
We have five days after today to make our voices heard -- five days to preserve our Internet freedoms. You know what to do.
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zed
foist?
drive by zed…couldn’t resist!
glad to see this!
OK. I will re-post and send the link to friends.
quick-draw TexB!
jayt @ 6
Just happened upon it.
I think Cheney may be in for a bad day…
http://www.legitgov.org/dc_mad.....90707.html
traffic on that site is going to go crazy…
Phoenix Woman!
Christy,
This is your State:
W.Va. suspends shows, sales after avian flu found in Va.
oh cool, my FB icon showed up :-)
http://www.firedoglake.com/200.....ent-808604
is where I posted previously about avian flu in Christy’s neighboring State of Virginia.
Added my comment this afternoon asking the FCC what they are afraid of.
althespook @ 8
Yes, indeedy. :-)
LoudounLib @ 11
you look pretty in blue
Hi Phoenix Woman!
dakine01 @ 13
Thanks very muchly!
Prof @ 12
And an update from neighboring Virginia: VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF ANIMAL AND FOOD INDUSTRY SERVICES STATE VETERINARIAN’S OFFICE
I am confused. Again.
I thought we just fought this battle with the house and/or senate. So, the FCC was the organization we should have been watching out for?
Or is my memory totally gone?
Don’t answer that last question.
Hi Friends!
PW — are you on fb?? Suspect you have many friend-wannabes in this here live audience.
Here is the facebook group for Defend Net Neutrality.
Huff Post has a link to the DC Madam’s release of her lists but the linky no worky. Anyone seen the lists yet and if so please provide link. Tanks!
Mary McCurnin @ 18
I believe your memory was serving you correctly. We did fight it in congress earlier but we are also having to fight the FCC as well. The FCC head just a couple of weeks ago declared that Net Neutrality was not an issue she cared about and that the “marketplace” needed to sort it out.
Just not something with any import that she needed to concern herself with. Nothing to see here. Move along. Nothing to see here.
The linked petition doesn’t work. You can’t chose a state or a Mr. Miss or Mrs. and both are required.
Noting when this is fixed would be appreciated. S
TexB @ 20
done!
newspaperbrat @ 22
The link @ 8 works
http://www.legitgov.org/dc_mad…..90707.html
newspaperbrat @ 21
I posted the link to CLG but the problem is the lists are gif files, big ones, scans of her phone bills, literally. No names, addresses, etc. so the CLG people are frantically recoding the gif to jpg and then doing the reverse lookup on the names and addresses. talk about staff work! the site says that as soon as they get the various names and stuff for a list they’ll post it.
here is linky again:
http://www.legitgov.org/dc_mad.....90707.html
Elliott @ 24
ditto!
Even JibJab’s getting into the act:
http://www.jibjab.com/view/167710
oddmommy @ 19
I’ve tried fb’ing but it doesn’t like my name. ;-(
Phoenix Woman @ 29
You can be PW Firedoglake
althespook @ 8
Just another reason why the corpos want to be able to control our internet axis.
Prof @ 10
Do not panic.
Prof @ 17
Sorry to be a PITA about this, but if anyone wants to keep abreast of the latest outbreak of avian influenza in turkeys (Virginia), FluTrackers.com has a thread on it.
Every mom-and-pop online business in America should be advocating for Net Neutrality. Just walked with the spaniels past a church sign that included its website…will traffic to “liberal” Protestant churches be slow-laned for the Robertson/Dobson or Opus Dei crowd?
This is a Net Neutrality issue. It is an economic issue. It is a government control of religion issue. It is a First Amendment issue. A Second Amendment issue. A….democracy issue.
The marketplace has shown itself untrustworthy and incapable of handling the keys to the car, much less “rules of the road.” We don’t need the Internet Enronized or Big Oiled.
I think Bush and Gates threw Dicky C. under the bus today.
Why was this meeting with Jewish community leaders not covered by the MSM
http://www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/node/2158
Mary McCurnin @ 18
Remember the name Senator Mark Lieber-lovin’ Pryor (D-AR) mentioned by PW earlier this afternoon? IIRC, Last December on cspan during a commerce committee hearing he said he thought it was a good idea to slice up the internet in four, five, or six pieces for military and industry use.. He was rather flip about it as if he were discussing how to slice up a pizza with the kids..
His mind is made up and I have never read one media question directed towards him on the issue nor has he responded to my or others direct letters asking him about the issue.
He will use internet porn as the fear based reason for regulating the internet (it’s one of his favorite issues in mailings to constituents).. watch for others to pull out the old Tipper - Lieberman maneuvers on this issue any day now.
RevDeb @ 31
Hmmmm. Just one page in each PDF, not the full records that the page promises. Maybe some FDLer needs to volunteer some pro bono time on web-posting to the DC Madam.
Prof @ 38
maybe it will take a bj to get Cheney impeached
I’m so freaking sick and tired of having to fight these guys every freaking day.
TexB @ 31
the damn thing’s so inconsistent. It took Odd A. Mommy, and a number of other fdl folk with rather, uh, unconventional names.
Maybe it depends on who’s at the switch at the time…..? Maybe we could slip the guard a $__…..???
(I do not recall saying that)
Does anyone besides me feel like we as a country are driving along at 100 mph, straight towards a cliff face, and no one actually has the wheel?
There are so many issues rushing to a head right now that I don’t know what we can address in time, much less how. That joker in the driver’s seat just keeps it glued to the floor, and is determined to drive through the cliff.
Prof @ 38
We don’t really know that Cheney was involved. I’ve heard no valid evidence to that effect.
Um, what happens in 5 days vis net neutrality?
RevDeb @ 31
I’m formulating a theory about “soft fascism” which uses non-legal means to effectively control dissent in a country. Here is how this is currently being worked on the internet (and net neut regrettably has only a small part of it..)
1) No mailing lists without paying thousands of dollars each mailing. The Soft Fascism reason on this is ch*ld pr0n sp*m; you have to go with a “trusted email provider” who charges .025 cent per email, probably with a 500 a month waiver for individual accounts.” non-trusted email MAY get delivered, but in fact will be caught in spam traps and thus not get through. This is happening now.
2) Make bloggers liable for any libel, slander, etc. in COMMENTS on their blogs. And then extend the liability to the ISP’s who host the blogs. Poof, no more comments cause nobody’s gonna take that risk. Then make bloggers themselves liable to slander, etc suits. Push that back to the ISP’s. Poof, no more blogs except for those run by big media combines who can afford the lawyers to defend them. Bye Bye Blogosphere.
3) No file sharing. Gee, we all know how that is working out, don’t we? RIAA? Napster? Right. And ATT is now, on its own, monitoring all binary files for “copyrighted content” that are sent over HTTP or FTP links. Guess how easily that could slide into effective censorship. “What, that file was a pdf about health care? looked like “harrison ford meets will smith in lethal weapon 99″ to me!”
4) no unmonitored chat or IM at a public web nexus (like facebook). S*x**l Pr*d*t*rs, y’know. And push the libel and slander liabilities into the public chat and IM arena.
I work this biz every day and I see this crap being carefully worked out by the same cold, cruel minds that gave us Chimpy and Darth. If they have their way, the internet will be nothing more than an interactive shopping mall, msm firehose, and dating service.
Only the email thing is currently being started (along with the obnoxious ATT thing, which is gonna get hit in court real fast.) But we must not think that just having free, fast pipes is enough. Regrettably, these rethug slimes are like drug resistant staph aureus, they get EVERYWHERE, and we have to be the vancomycin that kills them.
LS @ 32
Of course.
But what about “do not prepare”?
It is certainly true that avian flu in turkeys is not avian flu in humans. And this is probably not H5N1. But H5N1 (the really nasty stuff that is killing 80% of humans that it infects in Indonesia) is now being detected across Europe in the past week.
If and when it genetically mutates or reassorts (exchanges genes with other, highly contagious influenza strains) to become easily transmissible among humans will a pandemic begin. And only if it (or another strain) retains a kill ratio above 1 or 2% will that pandemic cause economic disruption and true “panic.”
But to adopt “do not panic” as a general rule of behavior and response when avian flu of any kind becomes entrenched?
That depends on what “panic” means.
If it includes buying up to 3 months of supplies in order to be able to stay at home in case the grid goes down, or in case the bumbling idiots in charge fail to close the schools, then a little low-level panic might not be a bad thing. Better panic-preparation now than panic-disaster later.
“Do not panic” is fine advice if it means don’t go rioting in the streets. But a little low-level panic in terms of local government officials actually planning how to close schools in the event of a pandemic, high-death avian flu might well be in order right now.
Because somnolence, not panic, is the current pschological state of most officials. And citizens.
LS @ 35
why, LS? what happened?
“As it happens, Vonage customers were the victims of the only case of interference yet to draw FCC action — the blocking of its phone service last year by Madison River Communications, a small North Carolina ISP. The FCC fined Madison River $15,000.”
Hey PW, you’ve tracked me down. They used to be Mebtel. I used to write Moron-tel on the checks to them, they were so frustrating to deal with. It’s a great town; no cell towers allowed; therefore we can’t even go with cell phones for sevice.
The feds explained to me that it wasn’t a monopoly because Bell South also served the State. Huh? What choice do I have? None.
prof @46
okay, what does “the grid goes down” mean in practice? do I need three months of gasoline for my generator? 3 months of fresh water cause the tap will be contaminated. 3 months of food I can see as long as its canned or dryed, but what about fresh fruit and meats? I actually get my dad’s meds (and mine) in 3 month allotments so that’s cool. (Doesn’t need insulin fortunately).
Do I need a shotgun and three months of shells to keep the people who DIDN’T prepare away?
This is not snark, I believe you! I know far too well how biowar scenarios work, and avian flu pandemic is just mother nature’s way of saying, “You wanna wreck my ecosystem? well, i can do some biowar too!”. But my preps were for a different age and I need realistic guidance for now.
Shadowstalker @ 42
You got it..and as best I can tell, the only group that will benefit from the wreck are the theocrats.
From 2005:
NEW YORK - Al Gore may have been lampooned for taking credit in the Internet’s development, but organizers of the Webby Awards for online achievements don’t find it funny at all.
In part to “set the record straight,” they will give Gore a lifetime achievement award for three decades of contributions to the Internet, said Tiffany Shlain, the awards’ founder and chairwoman.
“It’s just one of those instances someone did amazing work for three decades as congressman, senator and vice president and it got spun around into this political mess,” Shlain said.
But after joining Congress eight years later, he promoted high-speed telecommunications for economic growth and supported funding increases for the then-fledging network, according to the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which presents the annual awards.
He popularized the term “information superhighway” as vice president.
Gore for President.
Sadly, the premise of this post is very much mistaken…
In 2004, North Carolina ISP Madison River blocked their DSL customers from using any rival Web-based phone service.
I’ll note that the FCC nailed MadRiv for this because it violated extant regulations, which is why that body and the FTC don’t think there is a need for legislative remedies. They already have the necessary power.
althespook @ 47
The MSM has been harping on impeachment all day, as well as a lot of anti-war rhetoric…seems like talking points - probably orginating from the Bush side - I think Gates is finally getting through to Shrub. I think there really is a major rift going on in the WH. I haven’t heard that kind of drumbeat for years. Somethin’s up. Somethin’ big.
update from CLG:
Breaking: ‘DC Madam’ Phone Records –By Lori Price, Citizens For Legitimate Government, 16:36 EDT 09 Jul 2007 Note: The page is under construction! Phone records from 22 January 2006 - 22 August 2006 have been posted. Updated! 22 January 2005 - 22 December 2005 have been posted. Names & places file to be uploaded shortly!
the last line is a significant change from an hour ago.
Um, what happens to net neutrality in 5 days? PW tells me I know what to do, but I really don’t know what to do, because I have no idea who is going to do what in 5 days.
althespook @ 47
The MSM has been harping on impeachment all day, as well as a lot of anti-war rhetoric…seems like talking points - probably orginating from the Bush side - I think Gates is finally getting through to Shrub. I think there really is a major rift going on in the WH. I haven’t heard that kind of drumbeat for years. Somethin’s up. Somethin’ big.Prof @ 46
There are many variations of avian flu. This article does not reference “the” avian flu that hit Asia.
Avian Flu article about the turkey farms in Pennsylvania.
LS @ 53
oh yes. If I can stop being hounded by idiots, I’ll get my bloody blog post done. It is now my opinion that BushCo DIDN’T do Polonium on the Potomac to scare Cheney off Iran but for another reason I’m detailing that needs careful proof. But the bottom line is we’re running for kurdistan and kuwait, fast as can be once the political cover is in place. Remember the famous quote about Carter’s last tv appearance as the russian missiles come over the pole. “Y’all are on your own! G’nite!”. Well, that is what i suspect is about to be told to the iraqis. reasons for this will be part of the next post. Please take note of the massing of 140,000 troops on the turkish border with kurdish iraq but not crossing, and karlosivitch roveski’s big speech today saying “Iraq won’t be a factor in the 08 races.” Yep, there’s a sea change coming.
Look folks, there are all kinds of news events brewing in DC this week, and it is typical to have some “scary” event hit the news to distract us. Don’t panic. Stay centered. Don’t get distracted….now, back to American Idol…
oddmommy @ 41
I registered with facebook with my real name, and the reg on FDL lets me still use my screen name. If you’re worried about using your real name for anything, I wouldn’t bother. They’ve got it anyway (you can’t be an ISP without promising to tell the gov’t everything you know and keep quiet about it; one or two librarians have spoken up, but they’re not in it for the money - your ISP is.)
LS @ 59
Paula Abdul will be arrested for non-drunk driving and sent immediately to jail. media will cover it 24/7.
NTodd @ 52
Thing is, in 2005 the FCC decided it was going to take away that power, but the implementation has been delayed (so far).
the ramifications are worse then is imagined and even the progressives have missed some of the inevitable affects;
suppose you have a successful site, making some revenue and doing OK with it, you’ve nurtured the site, coddled your membership and they are loyal
anyone with money is simply going to pay the service providers to choke your site so their site which they’ve modeled after yours gets the action
think google here…why on earth would a service provider give google the same bandwidth as their own personal search engine?
firedoglake?…history, it will never load, you want political conversation?…sorry, you’re going to the captains quaters or you’re going nowhere
on line banking?
nope, the only one that will load will be the one that the provider wants you to use
the ramifications have not even yet been imagined…not even by me
this is pretty bad stuff going on here
althespook @ 61
Or, someone’s getting abdulucted as we speak!
Gates yesterday canceled his 4 country latin america trip scheduled for this week. Didn’t list countries or purpose. Said he was staying to review Iraq progress report due to congress on the 15th.
perris @ 63
one point that I’ve wondered about is the various laws involving postal type mail, as in not interfering with. also restraint of trade, which used to be a biggie. i could see that sort of crap going straight to court via ROT. perhaps an FDL lawyer with more knowledge could add something?
From the FAQ at SaveTheInternet.com:
perris @ 63
Didn’t one of the Bush Administration guys get a job as head of Google…not Ari Fleisher, but the other guy…am I hallucinating???
LS @ 64
bad BAD LS. making an old man spew his club soda on the monitor…
LS @ 68
Oh yeah….Dan Senor….
SunnyNobility @ 65
Considering that the report will show the Iraqi government met none of Shrub’s January benchmarks, Gates and Condi probably cancelled their trips to spin the report, not to write or review it. (h/t John Warner for 411 on Condi’s cancelled trip)
LS @ 70
And notice what happened to “don’t be evil” right about then….
: www.savetheinternet.com/tellafriend.php
I copied this from my email for those that wanted some clarification.
TeddySanFran @ 71
Testable prediction time! I predict that failure to meet the benchmarks will be used as the reason to begin withdrawal! Chimpy will make a big deal of it.
althespook @ 49
Hey Al, get a load of this!
Not biowar, but applicable.
althespook @ 69
Just watch it Alfred…I have my handy dandy water gun ready that shuts up my cockatoo when she persists in Ack, Ack, Ack….wakes up the whole dang neighborhood!!!! I’m ready for ‘em…I practice “make my day”….”bring it on” in the mirror every morning….”Draw”…I even wear my Annie Oakley boots while I’m practicing…just to be sure…
I_M_bobo @ 55
The FCC stops taking public comments.
althespook @ 49
Yes to all of the above. You can download a pandemic flu preparation guide here.
GordonM @ 75
wow, thanks! have had similar ideas for some time but never worked on it professionally (I retired in the late 1990’s). striking similarities, aren’t there? (sneaks downstairs to check survivalist bunker…)
althespook @ 49
Yes.
Details are plentiful at Pandemic Preparedness Guides
hey perris=
show about les paul this week on pbs.
american masters.
Don’t forget the duct tape from Wal-Mart.
LS @ 76
That reminds me of the Chirp Wars. My oldest son had a parrot, a big one, who liked to get his way by saying “CHIRP” until he was pleased. My poor son tried everything short of killing the bird to stop this behavior. It ignored water, being caged in the spare room, ghod knows what. Eventually, losing it at 3 am, my son took the bird into the shower and ran it full blast on him and the bird for some minutes, apparently this didn’t harm the bird but was supposed to make his point about inappropriate behavior.
As they emerged, soaking wet (he was still in his pajamas), the bird calmly turned to him and said. “CHIRP!”
They ended up giving the bird to some friends in Oregon.
althespook @ 74
I’ll take that prediction and raise you a SURGE.
Chimp will declare the Iraqi Green Zone Government *this* close, and in need of more time and protection. He’ll propose taking our force to 200,000 through the end of 2007.
althespook @ 66
Doing that, too. Time magazine got to rewrite the rules on bulk rate postage. Guess what? Even The Nation doesn’t have a large enough mailing to qualify for low rates. All restaurants now are Taco Bell.
Prof @ 80
thanks much.
LS @ 82
Make that from Target, K-Mart, Sears or CostCo.
althespook @ 74
Bada Bing…and in some months, close to the election..he will produce his friend, Ole Binny, you watch.