Right wing organization Americans For Tax Reform is no doubt delighted to report on a recent editorial in Tulsa World penned by Oklahoma Democrat Governor Brad Henry. The editorial, "FCC broadband plan sets us on the wrong path," talks about why the FCC's "third way" to net neutrality is not a good idea. Reading through the editorial, you can hear familiar catch phrases proponents use when discussing net neutrality, like new regulations having a "chilling effect," causing job losses, a decline in investment by broadband providers in rural areas, and more.
It's interesting because nothing has stopped broadband providers from expanding into rural areas in the last ten years; what has hindered such progress is purely financial; subscribers spread out over miles and miles are not necessarily worth serving. Cable's reluctance to invest is why satellite companies like Dish Network and Direct TV have managed to become so prolific in rural areas. Here's a sample Henry's editorial:
Bringing broadband to more Americans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, is a good and noble goal. That is why I have long supported the Obama administration's national broadband plan. To achieve the vision and goals of that plan will require unprecedented levels of private investment. It is estimated that $350 billion in new private investment will be necessary to fully implement the broadband plan.
However, the path the FCC proposes — reclassifying broadband under an arcane section of the Federal Communications Act of 1934 — will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve the lofty goal of universal broadband access across the U.S. If the FCC continues on its present course, there is a real threat to rural communities and populations which are underserved by broadband access today.
The chilling effect such a move will have on private investment and job creation is real and is already being felt from Wall Street to Main Street, as Washington moves ever closer to more onerous regulation of the Internet. We cannot afford to stifle private investment, job creation and economic recovery, especially now.
Comments
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
I can pick and choose the parts of the article I want to quote too. How about I choose to show the part where he explains why he has taken this stance?
"In 2002, our state stood at the fork in the road, too. The path we chose was one of less regulation for broadband service, not more, and the results could not be more definitive and clear. A hands-off approach delivered real results.
Since the passage of our broadband parity legislation, we have seen expanded access into the most rural parts of our state. Families in Bessie (population 190) and Rattan (population 241) are beginning to compete with the larger urban areas when it comes to broadband access, choice and price. Prices, too, have dropped by 50 percent, and broadband subscribers have grown by more than 1,000 percent since 2001.
The Oklahoma experience in broadband regulation demonstrates a better way to ensure access to all the rich resources of the Internet. At the fork in the road, we chose the path to eliminate regulation of broadband service, and we have no regrets.
America is at a fork in the road. The path the FCC chooses will have a profound impact on all Americans and American businesses.
There is a better way, and it's the best and most proven way to connect all Americans with broadband. Let's keep the Internet free, open and unfettered from government regulation."
I know quoting this part would risk hurting your accusations of him just using typical catch phrases and weakens your commentary about rural broadband access, but at least you could be a little more balanced in your reporting.
You want me to take your commentary serious? Prove Gov. Henry wrong. Check his facts and show us that his stance is based on half truths or lies or something along those lines. Just accusing him of catch phrases and then making statements regarding a subject you willfully ommitted from your quoting seems a bit amateurish and more like you are some politician making sure you touched on all your talking points without bringing any real substance to the table.
A policy change of this degree needs serious public debate and this "check out this idiot (eye roll)" attitude brings nothing to the table.
GameDrunk - Celebrating our two greatest passions.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
Wow, I hate governor Whats-his-name already.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
Why? Because he disagrees with the idea of a Federal agency re-writing it's own rules to take control of a medium it has no jurisdiction over?
Yeah, what a dick!
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With the first link, the chain is forged.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
So, how much did his opinion cost?
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
The same amount his integrity did, not much.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
True, even if it wasn't the FCC he'd be sayign what the telcoms tell hm to say.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
Yep, because a lefty who disagrees with you HAS to have been bought, right?
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With the first link, the chain is forged.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
Yes, because the defining characteristic of [WhicheverSideIOppose] is a complete lack of both sincerity and integrity.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
deleted.
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With the first link, the chain is forged.
Re: Oklahoma Governor Opposes Net Neutrality
@jedidethfreak and unclemidriff
Damn, both of you beat me to it.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." -Albert Einstein
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." -Albert Einstein