Net Neutrality

Net neutrality….boy did I feel like I was researching a levy that was being placed on the ballot! There is so much information out there regarding the pros and cons, the for and opposed that I had a hard time actually trying to figure it all out. I have decided that I am for net neutrality. Why change what is working just fine? This is not because I don’t like changes. I’m all for trying new things and such, but really, why should we change this? I really don’t think that we should be monitored by the government and other regulatory offices. Who benefits from this bill, the government or could it be the internet providers that will benefit from this bill?

One article (“Don't Let Verizon and Google Set the Rules for Net Neutrality,” n.d.) stated that “Verizon and Google announced this week that they have it all figured out when it comes to the future of the Internet. They unveiled a policy framework that would give telecom companies the right to speed up or slow down certain kinds of content, and to block outright applications or content on wireless networks.”

I visited the website commoncause.org and found a lot of information regarding this situation. They state, “Without Net Neutrality, Internet service providers would be free to block or impede any online content or services, for any reason.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I certainly don’t think that I want someone telling me what I can and can’t look at on the internet. This is like taking us back to the days when book burning happened. Who wants to have other people tell them what is good for them and what is not?

If they do pass these bills as the Washington Post has reported in an article, one of the bills state that this will allow the web firms and advertisers to collect basic information about users unless these people actively remove themselves from this collection. This type of information does not bother as much as someone limiting where all I can visit on the web.

Anytime the government gets in the middle of anything, there are so many gray areas and so much confusion that no one knows what is happening.

Don't Let Verizon and Google Set the Rules for Net Neutrality - Common Cause. (n.d.). Common Cause - Common Cause. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from http://www.commoncause.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=6179067

Net Neutrality - Common Cause. (n.d.). Common Cause - Common Cause. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4773657

Political Economy - After midterms, net neutrality could take a hit. (n.d.). Blog Directory (washingtonpost.com). Retrieved October 29, 2010, from http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-economy/2010/10/after_midterms_net_neutrality.html

Education and Learning

I think that there are many ways to learn. Life experience is probably one of the best ways that you can learn. Combine this with education and higher learning and just think what you can do!

I am a late starter in getting a higher education. I can personally tell you that had I gone to college right after high school, I don't think that I would've finished. And, who knows, I might not have gone back to finish after almost 30 years if I didn't enjoy it the first time! Since I am a little older than the average student, I feel that I try to maintain my GPA as high as I can and that I care more about my grades than some younger students.

I enjoy learning so much in all the classes that I have taken…even algebra! I like having to make myself learn something new in each class. I could sit at home and decide that I want to learn how to write papers or how to photograph and manipulate images but after a while, I would need help in learning and going to school is the best way to achieve more knowledge.