Net Neutrality Still Lives 102
BuhDuh writes "Despite previous reports, and as subsequently discussed here, it appears that Sen. Feinstein's amendment (PDF) did not make it into the approved 'HR1' version of the stimulus bill (PDF). Of course, I cannot aver to having read all 680 pages, but searching for the terms Ms. Feinstein used came up blank, so it looks like we can breathe a collective sigh of relief until someone tries to bury similar proposals in the next wide-ranging, must-pass piece of legislation."
Luckily (Score:4, Interesting)
We have this new fangled internet thingy that makes it a little more difficult to hide these things. Hope is indeed alive. As for the change part, well that's up to us. Now... about this Conyers bastard... and Hatch, and Lieberman.. I suppose there's little chance of getting rid of them while they bring home the bacon. Stop voting for these people!
Re:Luckily (Score:3, Interesting)
Sadly, no, it does not. At least not much. Only about half of households in America even have a computer, and fewer have broadband access. The Internet only increases transparency if citizens are vigilant and pay attention to what's going on in Washington and in their state legislatures.
Unfortunately, Joe Sixpack, when he can be expected turn his attention from his beer, his sports (Nascar, football, hockey, maybe basketball if Joe lives in an urban area), golf and/or bowling (depends on whether he's upper middle or lower middle class), usually it's only about once every four years. And that's only if American Idol isn't good this season.
Re:Luckily (Score:2, Interesting)
Sad thing, Joe Sixpack wants laws passed to "regulate" the Internet. He thinks it will keep his computer safe when he browses pr0n, gets a malware attack, and has to take his machine to Geek Squad and pay $100 to get the box decontaminated. Even though the legislation would do nothing about this problem.
Gov needs version control for bills, regs, etc (Score:1, Interesting)
We need strict check in check out change control, who did it, when, why, etc RSS feeds, version control for all legislation and regulation for all levels of government from small town park board to the Fed.
Re:Read the bills! (Score:3, Interesting)
if the text of every bill becomes part of the official record of congress, they can pass no secret legislation. They can pass no legislation regarding national security.
The official record will increase in size and the legislation will decrease in size. they will tackle one issue per bill. they will debate that issue and compromise on that issue until a quorum is met.
They will no longer be able to have secret closed-door sessions. Which really makes me wonder. Why is congress allowed to have secret closed-door sessions? They cannot hide laws from the American people.
Feinstein got outed (Score:5, Interesting)