Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Democrat Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel yesterday made a very good point.
Rosenworcel: Delay Vote on Net Neutrality Rules
Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has asked FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to delay his planned May 15 vote on a draft of new network neutrality rules by at least a month….
“His proposal has unleashed a torrent of public response. Tens of thousands of e-mails, hundreds of calls, commentary all across the Internet….
“We need to respect that input and we need time for that input. So while I recognize the urgency to move ahead and develop rules with dispatch, I think the greater urgency comes in giving the American public opportunity to speak right now, before we head down this road.
“I believe that rushing headlong into a rulemaking next week fails to respect the public response to his proposal.”
She pointed out that the seven-day quiet period before the vote begins May 8. “That means we no longer accept public comment. I think it’s a mistake to cut off public debate right now as we head into consideration of the Chairman’s proposal. So again, at a minimum, we should delay the onset of our Sunshine rules.”
So as of today, the FCC stops listening to what we have to say. And Commissioner Rosenworcel thankfully wants to continue listening.
Chairman Wheeler, sadly, remains impervious.
An FCC source speaking on background said the vote would go on as planned….
Commissioner Rosenworcel’s impression and instincts are exactly right. And there’s a way she can get the appropriate delay – by voting “No” next Thursday.
Her Nay – combined with the likely Nays of the two Republican Commissioners – would be a majority three and stave off Net Neutrality’s imposition.
Would that mean Net Neutrality is dead and gone? Of course not – its proponents are relentless.
Government-Imposed Net Neutrality: Twice-Bitten, Not Shy About a Third Try
It’s Groundhog Day – Again: Government Taking Third Stab at Net Neutrality Power Grab
Why Can’t the Government Take No for an Answer?
A Key Ingredient in the Left’s Wins: Persistence
What it would mean is We the People would have more time to weigh in on this huge government infliction on 1/6th of our nation’s economy.
Which is just what Commissioner Rosenworcel rightly wants.
Her No vote would give us that.
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