The 1st Thread/Yesterday's Leftovers For 9/30/10: A Rare Victory For The Little Guy, As The Net Neutrality Saga Continues

Photo from AP

Something that went largely under the radar yesterday was the fall of Henry Waxman's Net Neutrality proposal. It was a bill that was about to mirror Google and Verizon's shady deal, causing alarm to open-Internet advocates throughout.

Ironically enough, big business (the telecoms this time) was denied a satisfying early victory in this battle by a Republican of all things.

Mr. "Sorry BP" Republican of all things:

This legislative initiative was predicated on going forward only if we had full bipartisan support in our Committee. We included the Republican staff in our deliberations and made clear that we were prepared to introduce our compromise legislation if we received the backing of Ranking Member Barton and Ranking Member Stearns.

With great regret, I must report that Ranking Member Barton has informed me that support for this legislation will not be forthcoming at this time.

This development is a loss for consumers and a gain only for the extremes. We need to break the deadlock on net neutrality so that we can focus on building the most open and robust Internet possible.

David Dayen, arguably the best legislative analyst in the country right now, gives his thoughts:

I certainly raised the alarm about Waxman’s proposal, and I’m glad it failed. I guess I’m on one of the “extremes” with my extreme views that telecom companies shouldn’t be allowed to set up toll booths and privilege content on the Internet. But ultimately, I want the same thing Waxman wants – for the FCC to be empowered to do its job and protect both consumers and content producers. If Julius Genachowski had no reason to delay action before, he really has no reason now.

I also too wonder who is Waxman labeling as "the extremes" here? Because advocates striving for an open fare internet, just like Senator Franken in the Senate, are clearly the most rational group part of this growing saga.

Despite that possible latest slap at the base, Waxman at least placed the primary responsibilities to move forward on this back in the hands of Genachowski. He is the head of the FCC for those who didn't know, and he has the power clearly to make the rules here.

Hopefully he and the Administration who employs him will realize that down the line. For now, score a rare victory for the underdog, thanks to an uneducated "BP loving" Republican of all things.