[clue-talk] Net neutrality

[Jeff Cann]

Matt Gushee wrote:
> But I wonder what you're all hearing about this issue. How worried 
> should we be?
Following politics for the past decade I have realized that sometimes 
groups of like minded people start ringing the alarm bell very early in 
the legislative process.  Some times, the reasons are warranted, other 
times I think it's just stirring up their contingencies.

I have chaffed over things that never made it out of committee [because 
they were so stupid, they couldn't possibly make it to a full 
Congressional vote].  Of course, the stupider the idea, the more pundits 
claim that 'this surely will be the end of X as we know it'.  Take it 
with a grain of salt, IMHO.

My point is that our general level of worry is proportional to the 
proximity of legislation being written into law.  If this topic is in 
committee, not nearing the floor it need not keep you up at night.  In 
particular, your representative may not be on a particular committee so 
writing to someone on the committee who isn't your rep. is not ideal.  
My rule of thumb is that if the topic is going to the 'floor' - i.e., 
voted by either part of the Congress, then it's time to tell your reps. 
where you stand.

Jeff