I’ve talked about the attack on Net Neutrality a lot lately, and the FCC just opened up an email specifically for letters about this very subject.

Openinternet@fcc.gov

Here is my letter. Feel free to copy and send it, or edit it as you like.

To the FCC:

The internet has been one of the most inspiring places for people to create and develop new technology, new businesses, and reach more people then ever before.

Bands can now sell their music directly to their customers. Authors are now making a living off writing, not just a pittance. Film and game designers are collaborating from many countries. Businesses are expanding, and new businesses are developing, all because of the web.

In the modern USA it is nearly impossible to get a job without access to the internet. Many companies do not accept applications unless you go to their website. You can’t get bills from some companies unless you have an email. Even ordering a pizza is sometimes difficult unless you are online.

Just think what this world would be like without the internet. How much progress would be undone? How many people would be out of work, or forced to commute again? How much business would be slowed because people had to travel from one end of the globe to another?

The internet should be classified as a common carrier, just as the phone was decades ago. ISP’s should be held accountable for the billions they took in to upgrade services then never held up their end of the agreement.

If we want our country to grow and thrive we need a free and open internet. We need it out from under the monopoly that has been crushing it for so long. We need an updated infrastructure that will let technology bloom like it never has before.

Once the government decided to create the international highway system, and that led to the biggest boom in our economy, ever. We had jobs, and those jobs allowed people to buy more, create more, and go farther. If the ISP’s aren’t willing to do the same thing with our internet, then the government should. It would show the people that our government is for the people again, not just for big business.