Another day, another Net Neutrality story, this time concerning what the people have to think. As if anyone cares what we mere citizens have to say about all of this! A new Rasmussen Reports poll says that 21 percent of “likely U.S. voters” support Net Neutrality. Unfortunately, the poll’s wording makes Net Neutrality seem far more sinister than it actually is. As we all know, Net Neutrality, as it’s currently on the books, is pretty toothless, so I don’t see why “likely U.S. voters” would be so upset about it.
Here’s the wording. Imagine Rush Limbaugh reading it for proper effect:
1. How closely have you followed stories about Internet neutrality issues?
2. Should the Federal Communications Commission regulate the Internet like it does radio and television?
3. What is the best way to protect those who use the Internet—more government regulation or more free market competition?
A big LOL at question three. I mean, isn’t that a huge part of the problem, that there’s zero free market competition in many places? You don’t like the way your local ISP is handling your traffic, or the data packages you provide? Too bad, chico, because Big Teleco ISP is the only game in town!
And “regulate the Internet like it does radio and television”? Oh, like how the FCC allowed Clear Channel and CBS to gobble up every single radio station in the country? Or perhaps this is an allusion to the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which is pretty lame as I understand it. Not a fan.
Let’s also not forget that the poll only asked “likely U.S. voters,” and on December 26—a Sunday, and the day after Christmas. What normal person wants to answers some lame political poll then? I’d answer the phone with, “No, not interested, I’m playing Civilization V.” That means my opinion isn’t counted, even though I vote all the time. I am outraged. (Not really.)
In short, please don’t put too much stock into headlines you see today blaring, “PUBLIC DECRIES GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF INTERNET.” Hopefully by now you know that simply isn’t the case, if only because Net Neutrality, as it’s on the books, is pretty weaksauce.