Reply to the Congressman

Today I replied to Congressman Murphy's response I blogged about last month on net neutrality. I thought it was important in my own words to let the Congressman know my thoughts on net neutrality and the importance of the issue:

Dear Congressman,

Thank you for your email. I do understand your position on net neutrality, but I cannot agree with you. Free access to the Internet is something which must be protected at all cost, and the issue of providers charging for regulated access to the Internet is something which we must protect against, even if the plans and proposals are not immanent.

Your concern that net neutrality would limit customer choices is simply unfounded. Net neutrality would mean that a class based system would exist on the Internet, with the better system being available to those that could afford it. In essence, it would completely restructure the Internet as we know it, in what I believe to be a very commercial way, one that is ultimately bad for the consumer.

My concern is also that big networks and businesses are behind this with vast amounts of money, and I would hope that you could remain independent from this, and consider this issue from that of the consumer and the provider (who are of course often your constituents too).

The Internet and America use similar models. The Internet rewards individuals for their creativity and their independent thought. It does not judge individuals on their classes or beliefs, or who they are "subscribed" to, and more importantly the Internet is a place of free thinking and the sharing of information and ideas. It is truly is so much to so many people. As such I urge you to consider your opinion on net neutrality and ask you to join me in our fight to protect it, as you would fight to protect the values and foundations of this great country.

Yours faithfully,

Luke O'Connell