Originally published September 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified December 11, 2007 at 1:35 PM
The Democracy Papers
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 Democracy Papers is a series of articles, essays and editorial opinion examining threats to our freedoms of speech. Technology has created space for more voices, yet fewer and fewer are heard.
The American press and media are being decimated by consolidation. This transformation from many owners into five or six large corporations and the lessening of small outlets for radio, newspapers, magazines and music are chilling a once robust marketplace of ideas. What should Americans do? This series explores the arguments and the backlash.
Democracy Papers online archive:
www.seattletimes/thedemocracypapers
Daily Democracy, the Democracy Papers blog: blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/dailydemocracy.
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.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 11:58 AM
David S. Broder / Syndicated columnist: Lessons learned in '94 could be valuable to Congress
NEW - 11:59 AM
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: Social and economic justice definitely has place in the pulpit
Chihuly museum plan needs refinement
Guest columnist: Act soon to keep residents, workers and employees safe in downtown Seattle
David Brooks / Syndicated columnist: Building trust from ground up

general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Sporting goods
just listed
32" SHARP TV w/remote - $200
4 Piece Used Drexel Heritage Set- MSUT SELL!!! - $350
5 piece rattan family room set - $400
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
shopping
events for Saturday, Mar. 20
- Gary Manuel Aveda Institute 20 Percent Discou...
- Spring Cleaning at Helle
- Closing Sale at Hilltop Yarn
- Winter Clearance Sale at Mountain to Sound Ou...
editors' picks
More shopping guides- Missing Silverdale boy died from accidental drowning
- Walgreens: no new Medicaid patients as of April 16
- Fess Parker, TV's Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, dies at 85
- Steve Kelley | Quincy Pondexter makes the big play, as a senior leader should
- Husky Men's Basketball Blog | New Mexico game thread
- 'Bizarre' tanker twist: Russians will bid against Boeing for Air Force contract
- Missing boy's death ruled an accidental drowning
- Eugene, Oregon parking meter feeder acquitted
- 2 arrested in massive poaching of oysters and clams on Hood Canal
- The Blotter | Alleged killer of Seattle rapper arrested in Ohio
- Hoyer says Democratic majority in House is safe
701 - New Mexico game thread
442 - Health-insurance subsidies prompt questions of affordability
192 - Russian company will bid on Air Force tanker
122 - State Senate passes tax package, remains at odds with House on sales tax
120 - Obama making final health care pitch to House Dems
107 - Seattle Mariners at Cincinnati Reds: 03/19 game thread
69 - Reds 6, Mariners 2: Don Wakamatsu rips umpire over Milton Bradley "witch hunt"
69 - Washington men rout New Mexico, reach Sweet 16
65 - Judge weighs Ballard 'missing link' to Burke-Gilman Trail
53
- Walgreens: no new Medicaid patients as of April 16
- Little Seattle bank hopes to raise $450M and be a big player
- 'Bizarre' tanker twist: Russians will bid against Boeing for Air Force contract
- 2 arrested in massive poaching of oysters and clams on Hood Canal
- Walmart announcement tells black people to leave store
- Recipes: Crispy Rice Treat Brownies and Salted Caramel Crunch Brownies
- Another futile search for the 'Barefoot bandit'
- Accordionists swing into action at Accordi-O-Rama at Town Hall
- Mountain bikers build a thrilling new Eastside bike park
- $5M bail set for Lakewood man in ex-wife's slaying at church couples' counseling


