More net neutrality things

Net Neutrality. It's quite the loaded topic in some circles. Some people want to cut off the internet totally to some areas (Trump). Others want to make it metered, whether you are on a wired or wireless connection. Others want to filter what content is available to people.

There are books that get banned from libraries (1984, Farenheit 451, To Kill a Mocking Bird). Theoretically what is being proposed now could impact author's jobs, and YOUR freedom of speech and freedom of press.

Where I live, beyond the cable line and where I can only get Hughesnet Satellite because there is literally no line of site from other providers I know what it is like to be throttled and to have to pay extra. For now I am at least guaranteed the ability to browse the internet and email when my son's gaming and Youtubing has sucked up all of our data. It makes it a bit harder to work for my webtesting client, as during those periods work takes longer because of how much longer it takes pages to load. I have to pay $9 per 3 gb of extra data, which does not last long at all in my household.

Now imagine that things everywhere became pay as you go. Imagine that some sites you would have to pay ADDITIONAL for to access. Imagine paying that on top of your news site subscription. This could happen if people do not stay aware.

Internet now is a utility. Jobs send you online to fill out applications to work. Schools and colleges send you online to turn in work and do your research. Their libraries aren't always open when you are off of work to do your homework and research your papers. Banking is sliding more and more online now. As an example of that, there is now only one open branch of my bank in my county, and if you are far away the only options to deposit your check or cash are via internet connected phone (checks) or the one other ATM.

Imagine a world where you can't afford to do that job application because you're unemployed and there is no where near you that is able to provide that internet access. Imagine going to your news site and having an additional fee. Imagine clicking like on something and suddenly the next day you are having to pay more, simply because you got involved in a discussion about politics. We could slide down the slippery slope all the way to North Korea and Old China. We could let fear rule us.

Or, we could stand up and demand net neutrality, and accept what comes with not being sheeple, accept the irritations and lessons and freedom of being able to discuss religion, politics, read books, and all of the wonderful things available to us. Don't take my word for what could happen. Go out and read what they are trying to push through.

July 12 is a day of action. I will let you look at a site. After looking, please, please, please go find for yourselves the texts that are before our Senators and Representatives (who are NOT our leaders, read that Constitution too!).