bmak20ahsgov-blog

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

CIVIC ACTION ASSESSMENT OF ISSUE

1. To meet the needs of our community, I think citizens should vote and participate in democracy.

2. I have learned that people have a duty to their community to participate in democracy and vote on the local, state, and federal levels.

3. I feel that it is my civic obligation to help address the problems that my civic action issue has created. Net neutrality is a long-standing issue that needs support from constituents of senators and representatives in order to resolve the issue.

4. I have not volunteered my time to respond to my issue.

5. In the future, I am willing to contact my senators and representatives.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

EXECUTIVE ACTION ASSESSMENT OF ISSUE

Trump���s Stance:

1. The White House website makes no mention of net neutrality, but Trump’s stance can be implied based on his tweets. Trump is against net neutrality. This can be seen when he states that the net neutrality repeal was a “great win”. Trump supports big business, which is why he is against net neutrality.

2. I disagree with his stance because I think an open internet is necessary and net neutrality is a step toward creating an open internet.

Cabinet:

1. Department of Commerce

2. “The mission of the Department is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity.”

3. Wilbur Ross is the Secretary of Commerce. He is qualified to lead his department because he was the Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of WL Ross & Co. LLC. He also has over 55 years of experience in private equity experience and investment banking. This impacts the Department of Commerce because it takes someone who knows how businesses operate in order to properly support US businesses. This affects net neutrality because an understanding of businesses allows for a better understanding of the arguments for and against net neutrality.

4. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is an executive branch agency under the Department of Commerce, would be the most suitable for responding to net neutrality. The NTIA advises the President on information policy and telecommunications issues and ensures that there is continued innovation on the internet.

5. There has not been very much executive action taken on net neutrality, other than that by the FCC, which is an independent executive agency. Under Ajit Pai, the FCC has been working to fight against net neutrality. Trump wants to increase funding to the Department of Commerce because he supports big businesses.

SACAPS:

Link: https://www.dailydot.com/layer8/net-neutrality-ajit-pai-state-laws/

S - How Ajit Pai is unhappy that states are opposing his agency’s net neutrality repeal

A - Andrew Wyrich - politics staff writer for the Daily Dot - covers politics and the internet. No additional information about his views is given.

C - Daily Dot article - October 23, 2019 - The Daily Dot writes articles with a slight left-leaning perspective.

A - Those interested in the topic of net neutrality and the FCC’s policies on it.

P - Subjective - The article is written with some parts portraying Ajit Pai in a significantly negative position.

S - Shows how the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality was met with backlash.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

STATE AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION

1.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan:

a. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan supports net neutrality and believes it is vital to democracy.

b. I agree with her position because I believe net neutrality is needed for an open internet to exist.

c. She did not officially sponsor SB-822, but she did say on her Facebook page that she supports it. SB-822 is a bill that restores net neutrality.

State Senator Steve Glazer:

a. Senator Glazer supports net neutrality.

b. I agree with his position because I believe net neutrality is needed for an open internet to exist.

c. He did not officially sponsor SB-822, but he did vote yes for the bill on the Senate floor.

2.

a. The bill number is SB-822.

b. The bill was introduced on 1/3/18.

c. The bill was passed on 9/30/18, but hours after Former Governor Jerry Brown signed it into law, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California stating that SB-822 burdens the federal government’s efforts to deregulate the internet.

d. I think this bill was a very important step to achieving net neutrality, even if it only applied to the state level. I would encourage my representatives to vote on this because I believe that this bill makes a step toward creating an open internet.

3.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier:

a. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier supports net neutrality.

b. Mark DeSaulnier is co-sponsoring H.R.1644, also called the Save the Internet Act of 2019. The bill will restore net neutrality. I support the bill.

Senator Kamala Harris:

a. Senator Kamala Harris supports net neutrality.

b. Senator Harris is sponsoring S.682, which is H.R.1644′s companion bill, also called the Save the Internet Act of 2019. The bill would restore net neutrality. I support the bill.

Senator Dianne Feinstein:

a. Senator Dianne Feinstein supports net neutrality.

b. Senator Feinstein is also sponsoring S.682, which is H.R.1644′s companion bill, also called the Save the Internet Act of 2019. The bill would restore net neutrality. I support the bill.

4.

a. The 115th Congress had two bills that wanted to overturn the FCC’s decision to roll back net neutrality, H.R.4585 and S.993. The 116th Congress has two bills that would restore net neutrality, H.R.1644 and S.682. H.R.1644 and S.682 are companion bills, both named the Save the Internet Act of 2019.

b. H.R.1644

c. The bill empowers the FCC to promote the adoption of broadband internet, ensure fair access to utilities, and protect the privacy of ISP customers.

d. The bill would impact internet users and ISPs by tightening regulation of the internet to provide a throttle-free experience for customers.

e. I would vote “yea” because I support net neutrality and this bill would restore it.

f. The bill was introduced in the House along with its companion bill, S.682 in the Senate at around the same time. H.R.1644 has been reviewed by the House Energy Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. It has passed the House.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

POLITICAL INTEREST GROUPS, AND PAC ASSESSMENT

National Interest Group:

a. Battle for the Net

b. This interest group supports net neutrality.

c.

This interest group believes that net neutrality is required for the internet to survive and be free.

It also states that ISPs are greedy, which is why they were able to make Congress successfully repeal the Open Internet Order.

They have a link to the Save the Internet Act of 2019, which is a bill that they support because it will help to bring back net neutrality.

They also state who opposes net neutrality and how they want to “control” the internet.

They also display places where one can go to take action to support their cause.

d. This group supports the Save the Internet Act of 2019, which would restore the open internet through net neutrality.

e. The interest group has links on its website to different Facebook groups, which host local events in each state. Currently, there are no local meetings.

f. Battle for the Net does not have volunteer opportunities listed, but they do want people to contact Congress to show their support for net neutrality.

g. The group’s website shows a list of Congress members of who supports net neutrality and who opposes net neutrality.

Second National Interest Group (Couldn’t find any state interest groups):

a. CompTIA

b. The interest group supports freedom on the internet, through net neutrality.

c.

CompTIA made a statement following the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality rules, stating its disappointment in the decision because net neutrality allows for an open internet, which they support.

The group supports policies that promote the ability to respond to cyber threats.

They also advocate for early learning for STEM and continued learning in higher education for STEM.

They support workplaces that are inclusive of all people.

They also aim to reduce tax compliance burdens that affect the digital workforce, which is why they support the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act.

d.  The interest group supports policies that makes broadband internet more accessible. There currently aren’t any specific policies that pertain to this though.

e. The interest group is located in Washington DC. They have some events scattered throughout the United States, such as the CompTIA Tech Summit.

f. The interest group does not have any volunteer opportunities listed.

g. The interest group not only covers national and state issues, but also international trade.

Comparison:

Both interest groups are fairly well organized, but CompTIA has more information and more issues that they tackle on their website than Battle for the Net. Both of them target internet users, but CompTIA covers a broader audience. CompTIA also targets IT technicians and tech industry leaders.

PAC:

a. Google Inc

b. Google supports net neutrality.

c. Raised: $659,395/Spent: $687,629/Cash on hand: $1,822,280

d. Democrats: $169,000/Republicans: $131,000

e. The donors are mostly from Google’s employees. This shows how Google’s employees are more likely to support the views of the company.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

POLITICAL PARTY ACTION

Republican:

The Republican Party’s stance on net neutrality is not stated on their party platform. The Republican Party might not have included this because on the surface, net neutrality sounds like a good thing and by stating that they are simply opposed to it would make them look bad. However, their real stance is that they oppose net neutrality. I disagree with this because net neutrality is vital to an open and free internet.

Democrat:

The Democratic Party supports net neutrality. I agree with this position because net neutrality is required for an open internet, which the Democratic party is also in support of.

Libertarian:

The Libertarian Party does not cover anything related to the internet or internet freedom. I think the party did not include this because they simply don’t want government to regulate it.

Green:

The Green Party does not cover net neutrality in their platform, however, most Green Party members are in support of net neutrality. I think the Green Party did not include this because they don’t think it is a major enough issue to cover.

Peace and Freedom:

The Peace and Freedom Party’s platform supports net neutrality. I agree with this position because in order to support an open internet, net neutrality is required.

I identify with the Democratic Party’s position the most. I don’t find this surprising. Seeing how the Democratic primaries have not been decided yet, it’d be hard for me to make a decision on whether I’d vote for them.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

What is the name of the case? National Cable & Telecommunications Association v. Brand X Internet Services

The term it was decided? 2004-2005 term

Briefly summarize the facts of the case. The Communication Act of 1934, under Title II, stated that “telecommunications service” providers are automatically classified as common carriers. However, the FCC stated that cable internet is not a telecommunications service, therefore, cable internet service is not subject to automatic designation as a common carrier.

What is the constitutional question the justices were deciding? The constitutional question the justices were deciding was whether the FCC was lawfully correct in stating that a broadband cable company was not classified as a “telecommunications service”.

Which constitutional provisions or amendments are in question? No constitutional provisions or amendments were in question in this case. However, the interpretation of Title II of the Communication Act of 1934 was in question in this case.

What was the decision? The decision was that the FCC was lawful in stating that cable internet is not a telecommunications service, therefore, not automatically designating cable internet providers as common carriers.

What precedent does this decision establish? The decision established precedent that allowed the FCC to change the designation of cable internet service between being a common carrier or an information service.

Do you agree or disagree with the court’s decision? Explain. I do not agree with the court’s decision because the internet is supposed to be a place to get information openly, but allowing the FCC to change the designation of cable internet to an information service does not allow equal access to the internet for everyone.

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https://www.dailydot.com/layer8/net-neutrality-court-decision-bad-bills/

S - How the U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit’s decision may pave the way for “bad legislation” to be introduced to Congress by telecom lobbyists.

A - Andrew Wyrich - politics staff writer for the Daily Dot - covers politics and the internet. No additional information about his views is given.

C - Daily Dot article - October 4, 2019 - The Daily Dot writes articles with a slight left-leaning perspective.

A - Those interested in the topic of net neutrality and court rulings on it.

P - Subjective - More is written about the Democratic party’s views on net neutrality than the Republican party’s views.

S - A “bipartisan” bill is being developed for net neutrality, but Democrats aren’t being as represented as Republicans in the bill.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

MEDIA ASSESSMENT OF ISSUE

1. Objective - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-internet/u-s-house-approves-net-neutrality-bill-but-legislation-faces-long-odds-idUSKCN1RM24X

Liberal - https://slate.com/technology/2019/04/net-neutrality-house-save-internet-act-senate.html

Conservative - https://reason.com/2017/11/22/pro-net-neutrality-graphic-makes-argumen

2. Reuters:

S - How the battle for net neutrality is an uphill battle to become law

A - Reuters - David Shepardson - Writes a lot about technology. No other information is specified about him.

C - Reuters article - April 10, 2019 - Reuters primarily writes objective articles without political bias.

A - Those interested in “open internet” systems and the politics surrounding it - those who are looking for objective articles

P - Objective article - Shows what Democratic and Republican representatives think about the bill.

S - Quotes from Democratic and Republican representatives

Slate:

S - how the House just passed a bill to restore net neutrality

A - Slate - April Glaser - Writes primarily on new technology and laws surrounding them. Not much information is specified about them.

C - Slate article - April 10, 2019 - Slate primarily writes left-leaning articles

A - Those interested in the concept of the “open internet” and politics surrounding it - those who are looking for articles that are left-leaning

P - Subjective - How Democrats are the ones who are backing net neutrality and how most Republicans are against net neutrality.

S - Democrats are the main people backing the bill, while most Republicans aren’t.

Reason:

S - How a net neutrality graphic that looks like it’s for net neutrality is actually against net neutrality

A - Reason - Ed Krayewski - Writes on hot seat issues and new laws

C - Reason article - November 22, 2017 - Reason primarily writes right-leaning articles

A - Those interested in the topic of net neutrality and the politics surrounding it - those who are looking for articles that are right-leaning

P - Subjective - How the lack of net neutrality is actually a good thing because of possibly lower prices

S - In the graphic provided, the price of the separate packages added up is actually lower than the cost of internet access with net neutrality.

3. All of the articles talk about whether net neutrality should be restored or not and the bills and decisions that are being made in an attempt to restore it or block the restoral of it. However, the left-leaning article and the right-leaning articles are biased in the opposite direction of each other.

4. I identify with the Slate article the most because I believe that net neutrality should indeed be restored. While internet service providers may lower the price of internet access with separate bundles, there is nothing that guarantees that they will.

[bmak20ahsgov-blog]

CONCEPTUALIZING THE ISSUE AND ASSESSING TYPES OF ACTION

1. I chose net neutrality as my issue because I am interested in the internet and how internet service providers control internet access.

2. This is an issue because it has been debated for a long time whether net neutrality should be regulated. Net neutrality requires internet service providers to treat users and websites equally, and without it, it allows internet service providers to charge an extra fee to access certain websites. It also allows internet service providers to slow down access to certain websites.

3. I think that regulations need to be set by the FCC that disallows internet service providers to discriminate against certain users or websites. This allows for a better and fairer experience on the internet.

4. I am following @AjitPaiFCC, @BrendanCarrFCC, @mikeofcc, @GeoffreyStarks, and @FCC. In December 2017, @FCC posted a Tweet stating that Ajit Pai condemned threats made to a New York congressman related to net neutrality. I found it surprising that people would make threats because of a politician’s stance on net neutrality.