A Fair and Open Internet: Stealthy Opponents

[helderheid]

The battle for the future of the Internet has begun.

On the side of openness and freedom, a new bill in the Senate, called the "Internet Non-Discrimination Act," would prohibit Internet service providers from interfering with your ability to access whatever web content or services you choose.

But the the giant telecom companies are fighting back with all the tools at their disposal - including creating front groups and fake grassroots (or "Astroturf") organizations.

Common Cause is about to issue a report exposing nine organizations as industry front groups , the first in a three-part series exposing industry attempts to misguide the public and wield their considerable influence over policy-makers.

We need your financial help to keep up the fight for a fair and open Internet, a critical part of our campaign for media reform.

http://www.commoncause.org/KeepInternetOpen

Our report will tell you what's at stake in telecom reform, and will shine a light on the underhanded tactics of the big telecom corporations. With your help, we can keep the pressure on and make sure that Congress hears from more than just big-money corporate interests.

We are always up against great odds in our fight for reform in Congress. We'll always be outspent, and they will always have an army of highly-paid lobbyists. As you know, telecommunications firms are among the most profitable in the country - they can afford to try overwhelm us in this fight. With your help, we'll be able to stand up to them. Please donate generously:

http://www.commoncause.org/KeepInternetOpen

Your support will allow us to keep up the heat on Congress and the telecoms. Thank you for all you do for Common Cause.

Sincerely,

The Common Cause Media Reform Team
Lauren Coletta, Celia Wexler and Dawn Holian


P.S We've posted an excerpt from the report on our blog: http://www.commonblog.com/story/2006/3/21/122741/964. Washington is being flooded with commercials and ads from the telecom companies, trumpeting all the wonderful benefits to consumers if Congress does the telecom companies' bidding. We think this is an important exposé of their strategy. Thanks for your help. http://www.commoncause.org/KeepInternetOpen

[Tuesday_Morning]

1. Thanks

Kick!

[helderheid]

2. this dropped fast!

[Tuesday_Morning]

4. Maybe you should repost?

Everyone was filled up with the presser/Helen yesterday. Today's a lot slower.

[helderheid]

5. well now we have a suspicious package. :/

[EFerrari]

3. I want to read that list.

:kick: