Senior Government and Economics Project, Acalanes High School
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Blog Post #9: Final Infographic
Works Cited:
Bode, Karl. “FCC Boss Ajit Pai's Own Agency Is Investigating Him For Potential Corruption.”Motherboard, Motherboard, 15 Feb. 2018, motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/mb53jn/fcc-inspector-general-investigation-ajit-pai-corruption.
Brodkin, Jon. “State Attorneys General Line up to Sue FCC over Net Neutrality Repeal.” Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Dec. 2017, arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/12/state-attorneys-general-line-up-to-sue-fcc-over-net-neutrality-repeal/.
Fiegerman, Seth. “Net Neutrality Set to End on June 11.” CNNMoney, Cable News Network, 10 May 2018, money.cnn.com/2018/05/10/technology/net-neutrality-end-date/index.html.
Lilly, Paul. “Survey Finds Vast Majority of Americans Are Clueless about Net Neutrality.”Pcgamer, PC Gamer THE GLOBAL AUTHORITY ON PC GAMES, 18 Aug. 2017, www.pcgamer.com/survey-finds-vast-majority-of-americans-are-clueless-about-net-neutrality/.
Neidig, Harper. “Poll: 83 Percent of Voters Support Keeping FCC's Net Neutrality Rules.”TheHill, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2017, thehill.com/policy/technology/364528-poll-83-percent-of-voters-support-keeping-fccs-net-neutrality-rules.
“Net Neutrality.” American Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Union, www.aclu.org/issues/free-speech/internet-speech/net-neutrality.
Reardon, Marguerite. “California Net Neutrality Bill Survives First Test.” CNET, CNET, 18 Apr. 2018, www.cnet.com/news/california-net-neutrality-bill-survives-first-vote/.
Romano, Aja. “The FCC Asked for Net Neutrality Opinions, Then Rejected Most of Them.”Vox, Vox, 1 Dec. 2017, www.vox.com/technology/2017/12/1/16715274/fcc-net-neutrality-spambots-comments-pew.
Singel, Ryan. “If the FCC Kills Net Neutrality, Expect Fewer Great Startups.” Wired, Conde Nast, 12 Dec. 2017, www.wired.com/story/expect-fewer-great-startups-if-the-fcc-kills-net-neutrality/.
Sottek, T.C. “The 265 Members of Congress Who Sold You out to ISPs, and How Much It Cost to Buy Them.” The Verge, The Verge, 29 Mar. 2017, www.theverge.com/2017/3/29/15100620/congress-fcc-isp-web-browsing-privacy-fire-sale.
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Blog Post #8: Civic Action Assessment of Issue
1. As a citizen of Lafayette I feel that is extremely important my voice is heard. Although individually I may not feel like I have much of an effect by many individuals with similar stances teaming up we can be heard. I am starting to become more informed when it comes to many topics and as I am more informed and concerned with political issues I need to be an activist to make sure that I am heard.
2. In this class I have learned the many ways that we, as Lafayette citizens, are responsible for the future of our town. This doesn’t just begin and end with voting but in many other ways also. PACs, interest groups, and in many other manners.
3. Yes. My generation is the generation that is consumed by technology and surrounded by it and for that reason we know it better than anyone else. This just proves the point that we should be the ones leading the fight to protect net neutrality. The open internet is so intertwined with out everyday life that without it our daily routine would be completely different
4. -
5. In the future as net neutrality gets closer and closer to being repealed I plan to protest this in anyway possible. Although there is not much I can do currently I feel that in the future there will be many opportunities to voice my support for net neutrality and make a stand. I do not condone what the FCC is doing at all and many others feel this way at all, because of this I am willing to put myself out there and fight for this cause.
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Blog Post #7: The 3P Assessment: Parties, Political Interest Groups, and PACs
1.
a. I could not find anything assessing net neutrality on the GOP Republican site. I think this is due to them being anti net-neutrality which is obviously a very negative opinion in the views of many, so it is better to be quiet for them than vocal about this issue. The Democrats are very pro net-neutrality and some of the leaders fighting to protect net-neutrality. The Green Party is also very pro net-neutrality and strongly disagrees with the FCC is currently doing and are actively voicing their opinion and disgust towards it. The Peace and Freedom party also would like to protect net-neutrality however they aren’t as vocal as the Democrats or the Green Party.
b. I agree with the Democrats, the Green Party, and Peace and Freedom but I don’t agree with the republican view. Actively protecting net-neutrality demonstrates that those parties have a good sense of empathy and see the view point of the people, something which the Republican party lacks.
c. I align myself with the Democratic view the most here due to them not being very vocal about the issue but also taking action. I don’t find this surprising as I often find myself aligned with Democratic viewpoints. I did not like or support Hillary.
· Please go to: http://votesmart.org/interest-groups
· Under the state tab, choose national, then click on the issue tab and choose the category which represents your civic action issue.
2. Identify one national interest group that represents your issue. Include:
a. TechCrunch
b. "TechCrunch is a leading technology media property, dedicated to obsessively profiling startups, reviewing new Internet products, and breaking tech news."
c. TechCrunch shows their support for Net Neutrality throughout their articles, they also tell people to contact their member of Congress and continue to fight. TechCrunch also calls the Senate’s vote to reverse the FCC order a “pleasant surprise”. TechCrunch also published an article titled “These are the arguments against net neutrality and why they’re wrong”. This article was dedicated to taking the ridiculous arguments presented by many anti-net-neutrality individuals and proving them wrong.
d. From your research, describe one (preferably current) piece of legislation, specific policy action, or candidate this group desires or endorses.
e. San Francisco and New York City. They have a conference in San Francisco but it isn’t until September 5-7.
f. There are no upcoming opportunities.
g. TechCrunch seems very passionate about Start-ups. Something that will take a large hit if net-neutrality gets dissolved.
· Return to http://votesmart.org/interest-groups . Under the state tab, choose California.
3. Identify one state interest group that represents your issue. Include:
a. There are no interest groups that represent technology in California
b. -
c. -
d. -
e. -
f. -
g. -
4. -
· Please go to: www.opensecrets.org/pacs. On the left side, choose Industry Breakdown and pick the industry that best matches your issue. Be sure to also check single issue and other.
5. Choose one PAC or Super PAC that pertains to your civic action issue. Include:
a. Google Inc
b. While not as vocal as some other PACs, Google is still pro net-neutrality and think it needs to be saved.
c. Total Receipt: $1,461,463 Total Spent: $1,102,600 Cash on Hand: $1,556,862
d. 54% to Democrats, 45% to Republicans
e. The majority of the donors are from Google itself. Other donors include retired, students, and other assorted jobs. This doesn’t reflect much on Google.
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Blog Post #6: Executive Action Assessment of Issue
1. Trump has said pretty much nothing regarding net neutrality. This should be alarming to the American people as it is a major issue in the US concurrently and having our president be a bystander in the situation is worrying. Ajit Pai, chairman of the FCC and the figurehead of the movement to repeal net neutrality was appointed by Trump, this further demonstrates that Trump doesn’t support net neutrality as he appointed Pai. Due to recent events regarding net neutrality perhaps Trump will come forward with some sort of statement regarding this very prevalent issue.
2. I completely disagree with Trump’s silence on the topic and his implied lack of concern over it. The internet is extremely crucial to the lives of many, including Trump himself and compromising that could be detrimental to many. Trump comes across as either uninformed or just doesn’t care at all, which is worrying to say the least.
3. Department of Commerce
4. “The Department of Commerce is the government agency tasked with improving living standards for all Americans by promoting economic development and technological innovation”. This does relate to my issue, net neutrality would fall under technological innovation.
5. The Department of Commerce claims it’s “ensuring the effective use of scientific and technical resources”. It certainly does not seem like that’s what they’re currently doing as they are doing the opposite of effectiveness. Rather than making the internet an effective and open place they’re putting obstacles in the path of users, making using the internet a hassle and struggle.
6. Trump’s viewpoint on net neutrality worries me greatly. His silence concerns me but I am also scared of what he may eventually say, which could potentially be worse than silence. It seems as though Trump wants to cut the budget on commerce as well, which only further goes to show that he has a lack of concern for the war on net neutrality. I hope Trump will eventually come around and see the benefits of net neutrality, however, I don’t see this happening in the foreseeable future.
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Blog Post #5: Legislative Action
1.
a. Senator Harris and Senator Feinstein are both strong supporters of Net Neutrality and strongly disagree with what the FCC is attempting to do. Harris put out a statement following net neutrality being repealed, openly arguing for the protection of net neutrality, speaking on how the openness of the internet is what makes it thrive. Harris also urged the people of California to voice their support for net neutrality. Senator Feinstein also argued for the protection of net neutrality but under different circumstances. In an open letter, Feinstein argued how net neutrality is necessary to allow the woman of today to thrive. Without net neutrality, women would suffer in many ways, including job opportunities. This letter was co-signed by Senator Harris among others. Although Desaulnier has not put out an official statement about net neutrality he did say on Facebook how it is vital to maintaining a healthy online marketplace and spurs innovation.
b. Although not directly passed by them, the senators have shown support for Senator Scott Weiner’s bill to protect net neutrality, which passed the state Senate committee on April 17. This bill must still be approved by both houses of the legislature.
2.
a. There is currently 1 bill about net neutrality, however, there are many upcoming bills that will be voted on.
b. SENATE BILL S. 2510
c. This bill proposes an alternative to repealing net neutrality. Rather than restricting content behind paywalls, this would prohibit ISP’s from doing so but rather allow them to offer prioritization to certain customers, it is a compromise of sorts.
d. Although this wouldn’t have as much of an impact as repealing net neutrality completely it would still be very controversial and misunderstands the point of the internet completely. This is simply to provide ISP’s more methods of getting money, with the result being very anti-consumer.
e. Nay, we shouldn’t have to come to a compromise. Net neutrality should be reinstated completely instead of meeting halfway.
f. This bill originated in the Senate. It was introduced on March 6th, 2018. It has not yet been voted on by the Senate or the House.
g. I am very disappointed with how net neutrality is being handled. It is very anti-consumer and the people of America are being extremely vocal about how much we despise what the FCC is doing, despite this it is still likely that net neutrality will be repealed.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/09/politics/democrats-net-neutrality-vote/index.html?sr=twCNNp050918democrats-net-neutrality-vote0600PMStory&CNNPolitics=Tw
S: Democrats are forcing a vote to reinstate net neutrality
A: Elizabeth Landers
C: Amidst all the controversy going on with net neutrality democrats have been vocal about their support for it, resulting in a vote attempting to reinstate it. More than a dozen senators called for this vote.
A: Avid users of technology or anyone who uses the internet in general.
P: The author is on the side of net neutrality being reinstated.
S: This is a significant milestone in the battle for net neutrality. In what was starting to seem like a hopeless battle this is a GIGANTIC leap towards net neutrality being reinstated. I obviously am very happy about this and cannot overstate how important this is.
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Blog Post #4: State Action
1.
a. Steve Glazer: An independent California senator who votes the issue, not the party. Works with a wide spectrum of groups with varying needs and issues. Previously served as a city council member and three-time mayor of Orinda. He was also a former senior advisor to California’s Governor, Jerry Brown. Glazer has supported raising the minimum wage, ensuring the financial support of infants, and has supported small businesses continually.
Catharine Baker: She has fought to better prevent child abuse in schools, to make the Bay Bridge oversight authority more transparent and accountable, and to offer veterans support in finding new careers when they return to civilian life. Baker has also fought to improve California’s transportation system and water infrastructure. A big focus for Baker is on education and making sure that regardless of zip code a child will get a great education.
b. Steve Glazer: I agree with the majority of Steve Glazer’s stances. He seems to be working in the best interest of the people and understands what the citizens want. This is key to being a good representative and Glazer seems to have that on lockdown. Although Glazer is independent he seems to have a lot of left-leaning viewpoints, which I often associate myself with. I specifically endorse Glazer’s standpoints on the environment as well as his focus on education.
Catharine Baker: Much like Glazer I agree with the majority of what Baker is fighting for. I wholeheartedly agree that education is of utmost importance and that it should be kept in check as well as continually improved as well as made equal for all kids, regardless of where they live. It also seems like Baker has done a lot in the past couple years she has been in office, meaning that she isn’t all talk, which is very important.
c. Steve Glazer: No
Catharine Baker: No
d. -
e. -
2.
a. SR-74
b. January 22, 2018
c. Passed on February 12, 2018, and enrolled on February 13.
d. Yes, this bill supports the protection of net neutrality and urges for it to be upheld, this reflects my views entirely and I think it’s something that is extremely important and should be supported.
e. -
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Blog Post #3: Constitutional Issues
1. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission
2. Decided March 31, 1997
3. The 1992 Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act required cable television systems set aside some of their channels for local broadcast television. The Supreme Court must decide whether Congress had adequate factual support for its conclusion that the must-carry provision is necessary.
4. Is the 1992 "must carry" law an unconstitutional intrusion on cable operators' editorial autonomy, a form of Government-compelled speech that violates the First Amendment?
5. The first amendment
6. No, 5-4 decision. The outcome supported Congress's right to choose what approach would best insure a competitive communications marketplace.
7. Cable boxes must provide local channels to people just as net neutrality must support people with the necessary websites needed to ensure success.
8. I agree with the decision. I think that it’s only fair to provide people with local stations that would otherwise be lost due to the market being so competitive. This relates to net neutrality and how so many valuable websites would be lost for so many people just for the sake of money and greedy businesses.
https://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-is-officially-dead-fcc-ajit-pai-now-what/
Subject - As of today, many of the plans regarding the Republican-led FCC's oversight of the internet, known as "Restoring Internet Freedom," will go into effect. Key parts of the proposal, which include the changes to net neutrality, don't go into effect until a vote by the Office of Management and Budget.
Author - Marguerite Reardon
Intended Audience - Those eager to learn more about the retraction of net neutrality and what can be done to prevent it and what happens next.
Bias and Perspective of Author - The author is on the side of wanting to keep net neutrality in place as most people are.
Significance - Today is a milestone in the net neutrality case and is key to understanding where we currently stand in this mess.
Do you agree - I agree with many of the things stated in this article, I think it’s vital to look and plan ahead even if things look grim. We must be activists if we want to see change.
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Blog Post #2: Economic Assessment of Issue
Net neutrality is an ongoing issue that is a lot more widespread and broad than people may think. All types of people in the US are effected by this. Want to watch a couple episodes of a show on Netflix? In the future that may cost you extra due to net neutrality being repealed. This could be detrimental to people who depend on the internet for their job or other reasons. It’s importance can’t be understated and the main issue currently is the people who would be affected by net neutrality being repealed don’t even realize that it will have an impact on them. However, it isn’t only individuals that will be effected, companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and many others have voiced their feelings on net neutrality. Stating how it is a total step in the wrong direction.
The resolution of this issue is a want but that shouldn’t mean that we don’t try everything in our power to resolve it. This issue is much more drastic than people realize due to it being quite hard to explain what net neutrality exactly is. Although the resolution to this issue is a want that doesn’t change the fact of how much it would effect the people of the US.
Despite the people of the United States attempt to save the open internet the FCC voted 3-2 to end net neutrality meaning that we are in a tough situation. Although the vote was passed it’s still up to the people to voice their support for net neutrality if we want to have any chance of it being saved.
The incentives of resolving this issue are quite straightforward and appealing. With net neutrality being repealed people would have to pay much more to access what they want on the internet. Rather than the internet being seen as a sprawling landscape filled with news, entertainment, and so much more it would be transformed into a dystopian, controlled, and contained landscape with limited access to what you want.
Saving net neutrality would mean that there would continue to be questionable, unfiltered content that is able to thrive on the internet without any moderation. This could also mean piracy may be cracked down on, meaning that people are compensated for their hard work.
Although there are some pros to repealing net neutrality as I stated in the previous paragraph these are not nearly enough to outweigh the cons. The internet is a huge part of so many people’s lives and making a major change such as repealing net neutrality will almost surely result in awful consequences.
The main businesses winning from net neutrality being repealed are internet service providers. Companies such as Comcast and AT&T would benefit from this. Another big winner would be content providers such as Netflix. These content providers could negotiate deals with internet service providers allowing for them to obtain increased service speed and other advantages.
With net neutrality being repealed it would severely limit the current beauty of the internet. That being that anyone can make a start-up and try their hand at making a business. With net neutrality being repealed start-ups would being completely screwed by the competition that has ties with the internet service providers.
The battle for net neutrality is less so an issue of an externality and more so big corporations paying no mind to the consumer and what makes the internet currently so great. These corporations are underestimating how much freedom is valued due to their corporate greed and want to dominate the market place.
Typically subsidies shouldn’t effect a case such as this but due to how much net neutrality is based on people being selfish and greed it would not be surprising if subsidies caused the FCC to flip flop.
This graph was taken from an article written on Venture Beat by Gregory Ferenstein and shows how much of a difference money makes in a case such as net neutrality despite the overwhelming opinion being Pro-Net Neutrality.
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Blog Post #1: Getting Started
One Tumblr blog that pertains to my account is “savenetneutrality”. It’s clear from the title of the account that they are on the side of protecting people’s rights to use the internet and therefore want to save net neutrality. The author(s) of this blog are constantly reposting important news articles concerning the issue and are repeatedly telling people to voice their opinion to save net neutrality. The intended audience for this blog are people who care about their right to use the internet without being held back by payments and other barriers. However, it’s important that a large quantity of people voice their support to save net neutrality so the audience that the author(s) are trying to attract must be pretty broad. This blog is significant and important because net neutrality is an urgent issue that is currently an ongoing argument. Unlike other issues this one is not upcoming but here in the present, something most people may not know. This blog interests me mainly because of the important articles it reposts, leading me to find out more about the ongoing battle for net neutrality and what progress is being made.
On Twitter I followed 5 different accounts that provide different viewpoints on the issue, some of which I agree with, and some I most definitely don’t agree with. I followed Ajit Pai, chairman of the United States Federal Communications Commission and avid opponent of Net Neutrality. Ajit Pai is leading the battle on opposition towards net neutrality and he has became the figurehead of this side.He comes off as a greedy, self-centered person who is just arguing for himself rather than the people of the United States. I also followed the Federal Communications Commission or the FCC. This is, as I said earlier, what Ajit Pai is the chairman of, so I obviously very much disagree with what they have to say. However, I did follow some accounts that I share many opinions with such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Free Press, and Fight for the Future. All of these accounts are trying to save net neutrality and provide many ways anybody can help. It’s important big accounts such as these provide the voice of the many so we have someone to actually represent us.
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