Racism Always Wrong—Including in Defense of Net Neutralitry Rules, Internet Association Says
Internet Association President Michael Beckerman said no one should make any statements against FCC Chairman Ajit Pai that could be construed as racist. Pai acknowledged in a recent interview that he has been attacked because of his Indian heritage (see…
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1705100070). “Threats and racist remarks directed at Chairman Pai -- or any person -- are wrong,” Beckerman said in a statement. “Chairman Pai is a decent and kind person, and while we disagree on net neutrality, I have tremendous respect for him. Internet Association and its members are committed to an open and safe environment online for internet users to freely express themselves.” “We can debate & disagree on merits of issue but racism & threats are not appropriate,” tweeted Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. Meanwhile, Free Press announced it would hold a rally outside FCC headquarters during next week’s commissioner vote on a net neutrality NPRM. “The rally will feature speeches by Net Neutrality champions, music and chanting,” Free Press said. “We’ll get loud, show that we won’t back down and bring our message right to the FCC’s doorstep.” NCTA released a poll that found most Americans say they oppose regulation of the internet. “By an overwhelming 78 percent to 12 percent margin, voters support the government having little or no regulation of the internet, with 53 percent supporting a ‘light touch’ and 25 percent do not want the government to regulate at all,” the cable association said. The FCC said the sunshine period on the net neutrality NPRM officially starts Friday “and will continue until the Commission releases the text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or removes it from the meeting agenda.” The sunshine period limits further lobbying, as is typically the case before a meeting. “Given the significant public interest in this item, this Public Notice both reminds the public of those rules and highlights the opportunities that the public will have to continue its participation in this important proceeding,” the notice said.