[PLUG-TALK] Protect software freedom: Support net neutrality

Rich Shepard rshepard at appl-ecosys.com
Sat Dec 2 13:41:29 UTC 2017


   For those not on the FSF's mail list.

Rich

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2017 19:35:42 -0500
From: Molly de Blanc <info at fsf.org>

*Read online: <https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/take-action-for-net-neutrality>*

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is about to
gut Title II, destroying net neutrality protections. We only have two
weeks to save them. **This is the time to act.**

The FCC wants to ignore what the people are demanding and give large,
corporate Internet service providers (ISPs) what they want instead:
total control of your access to the Internet. These ISPs will [provide
more expensive "fast lanes" for favored online services][1], and
[limit what we can access and when][2]. They will give preference to
large media providers who love Digital Restrictions Management
(DRM). These changes will make building free software projects and
communities harder, perhaps impossible. Under the disastrous FCC
proposal, the Internet and Web as we know it will be destroyed.

[1]: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/11/comcast-quietly-drops-promise-not-to-charge-tolls-for-internet-fast-lanes/
[2]: https://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-portugal-internet-20171127-story.html

We know how much you care about net neutrality. You've been by our
side for years, standing up for a free Web: fighting against DRM and
Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) in Web standards, helped create tools
to support [free JS][3], using your voices, your words. This is your
guide for fighting back: use it and share today.

[3]: https://fsf.org/campaigns/campaigns-summaries#freejs

## Here's what you can do

*If you're not in the US, [let us know your country][4] by updating
  your profile so we can send you more relevant information. In the
  meantime, please also help us spread the word to your contacts in the
  US.*

[4]: https://my.fsf.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=34&reset=1

### Between today and December 13th

#### Tell your friends!

One of the most important things you can do is [tell your friends and
family about net neutrality][5], and urge them to become part of this
fight. While the current attack is on US Internet users, this is a
global issue, too: trends in this country tend to spread all over the
world. Our friends in Portugal already [lack net neutrality
protections][6], so we know what non-neutral Internet looks like, and
it's not good.

[5]: https://lifehacker.com/how-to-explain-why-net-neutrality-matters-to-your-frien-1820768000
[6]: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171030/12364538513/portugal-shows-internet-why-net-neutrality-is-important.shtml

**It's your call**

There are **[five individuals][7]** who will be making the final
decision about Title II -- the closest thing the United States has as
legal protection for net neutrality. Their names are:

       * Ajit Pai (Chairman of the FCC **AGAINST** net neutrality)
       * Brendan Carr (Commissioner **AGAINST** net neutrality)
       * Mignon Clyburn (Commissioner **FOR** net neutrality)
       * Mike O'Rielly (Commissioner **AGAINST** net neutrality)
       * Jessica Rosenworcel (Commissioner **FOR** net neutrality))

[7]: https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-net-neutrality-fcc-20171122-htmlstory.html

Do we really know how they're going to vote? No, but they have all
talked publicly about their opinions.

Between now and December 13th, call the FCC and tell them what you
think. Thank Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel for their support
of net neutrality and beseech Commissioners Carr and O'Rielly to
change their minds.

**Sample script for Clyburn (+1 202-418-2100) and Rosenworcel (+1
   202-418-2400)**

>Hello,

>I am NAME, I live in CITY/STATE. I want to thank you for your
>support of net neutrality and your work with the FCC. I know you'll do
>the right thing and vote in support of our rights and a free Web.

>Thank you.

**Sample script for Carr (+1 202-418-2200) and O'Rielly (+1 202-418-2300)**

>Hello,

>I am NAME, I live in CITY/STATE. I am calling to urge you to vote
>against Chairman Pai's proposals to overthrow the Title II
>classifications that protect net neutrality in the United States. A
>free Web is critical for our future.

>Thank you.

As always, you can call [your congressional representatives][8] and
remind them that you vote and you care about net neutrality, a free
Web, and Title II protections.

[8]: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

### December 7th (through 14th)

All across America, people will be gathering at Verizon stores. The
FSF will [be out in Boston][9], and we hope you'll join us. Not in the
area? There are protests all across the country. ([Read Fight for the
Future's press release][10] about the Verizon protests.)

[9]: https://act.demandprogress.org/event/team-internet/1373
[10]: https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2017-11-21-net-neutrality-protests-to-hit-verizon-stores/

### December 13th

The day before the decision, you can [join a protest][11] **at the FCC
Building** to show your support for net neutrality. This will start at
10:00 EST.

[11]: https://act.demandprogress.org/event/team-internet/1643

### December 14th

This is the day of the vote! Stay tuned.

## Support those fighting for net neutrality

As always, you can show your support for net neutrality by giving to
nonprofits working to protect it. These include:

* [Free Software Foundation][12]
* [Demand Progress][13]
* [Free Press Action Fund][14]
* [Fight for the Future][15]

[12]: https://my.fsf.org/donate?pk_campaign=net_neutrality_email&pk_kwd=Donate
[13]: https://demandprogress.org/
[14]: https://www.freepress.net/
[15]: https://www.fightforthefuture.org/

Cheers,
Molly de Blanc
Campaigns Manager

-- 
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Sent from the Free Software Foundation,

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Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335
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