E Pluribus Unum

I think most of us would agree -- the local library shouldn't have to outbid Barnes & Noble for the right to have its Web site open quickly on your computer.

And yet...Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet's First Amendment -- a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most.

Net Neutrality allows everyone to compete on a level playing field and is the reason that the Internet is a force for economic innovation, civic participation and free speech.

But if you, the public, don't speak up now, Congress will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign by telephone and cable companies that want to decide what you do, where you go, and what you watch online.

This isn't just speculation -- we've already seen what happens elsewhere when the Internet's gatekeepers get too much control. Last year, Telus -- Canada's version of AT&T -- blocked their Internet customers from visiting a Web site sympathetic to workers with whom the company was having a labor dispute. And Madison River, a North Carolina ISP, blocked its customers from using any competing Internet phone service.

If Net Neutrality is abandoned, then you, me and almost everyone else will be affected:

• Google users
  
• Innovators with the "next big idea"
  
• iPod listeners
  
• Political groups
  
• Nonprofit organizations
  
• Online purchasers
  
• Small businesses and tele-commuters
  
• Parents and retirees
  
• Bloggers...

Don't let Congress ruin the Internet. Speak up now and tell them to protect Internet freedom now, before it's too late.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) has already introduced the Network Neutrality Act of 2006, which "[offers a] choice between favoring the broadband designs of a small handful of very large companies, and safeguarding the dreams of thousands of inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. This legislation is designed to save the Internet and thwart those who seek to fundamentally and detrimentally alter the Internet as we know it."

Tell your Congressmen to support it.

It's very easy --

1. Visit this site
   
2. Fill in the form
   
3. Write a brief note urging support for Markey's legislation
   
4. Click submit -- they'll send it to your members of Congress

And don't forget to forward a link to this article to all your like-minded friends.

Thanks.