Free the Internet ...

Democracy is meaningless without structure. It requires support and infrastructure to become a word capable of giving entire nations voice and freedom.

The architects of America's democracy knew this. The Founding Fathers made sure newspapers and magazines were widely distributed by allowing periodicals to utilize low postage rates. Technologies like the airwaves, which were enshrined as the public's ownership, have also been federally regulated to be used as democratic tools. Lawmakers have another opportunity to use technology to bring the nation's democratic discussion to more people. The Internet has become home to modern-day pamphleteers, community discussion and innovation. Like any valuable resource, the Internet is in need of protection.

The Federal Communications Commission and Congress can provide this by passing an Internet-neutrality law. Congress can act this fall on a net-neutrality bill sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., that is before the Commerce Committee.

Working against such common-sense legislation are corporations such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T. These corporate octopuses vehemently oppose any laws that will erode their considerable influence as network providers.

The legislation seeks to prevent companies from manipulating the content that flows through the networks they have built. Currently, there is nothing stopping Comcast from slowing down content it did not create or from degrading content from competitors. AT&T illustrated the danger when it deleted comments made by Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder during a concert webcast through its Blue Room Web site.

Constructive regulation is needed to allow the Internet to grow and mature. It has the potential to connect people from the country's remote corners to residents of the biggest cities. The Internet is a place where ideas catch fire, where like minds find refuge and debates can rage.

The Internet cannot belong to a couple of gigantic corporations. A handful of telecommunication and cable companies should not be entrusted with something as precious as our diverse, national dialogue.