Open Left: Some good Points About Net Neutrality

In an article on net neutrality over that Open Left, Matt Stoller makes a great point about why net neutrality provisions are necessary, and also notes a situation in which they would be less necessary.

After all, net neutrality is really just a regulatory solution to a lack of competition in broadband markets. If you introduce real competition, there's less of a problem with net neutrality anymore. Art Brodsky in his latest amazing column compared the choices you get in this country, which usually boils down to two providers at most, such as Verizon or Comcast, to the choices you get in a country like England that has a sane policy of 'open access' for its internet infrastructure.

Stoller then links to a guide on internet options from the UK. Its important to understand that the same companies fighting against net neutrality are also fighting against the increased competition they would receive as long as networks remain open.

"There is nothing good to say"

So why say anything at at all? I think the best part is when Griffiths decries partisan hatred after implying that Democrats and Republicans involved in the Iraq hearings today are treasonous. Your modern republican party, attempting to string thoughts together.

Remember their memories.

I have no problem with partisanship on any day of the year. Of course, I would hardly call a bi-partisan hearing in which the top general in Iraq and the Ambassador get to explain the situation to the American people, the ones who are funding this war, partisanship.

"Experts" Discuss Gangs

Experts in perpetuating gang violence had a little meeting on the 8th. Everyone is very serious and concerned.

Frank Clark, director of the Gang Intervention and Investigation Unit for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, told his audience at a Catonsville library to be aware of large groups of young adults wearing red or blue colors, and that graffiti with five- or six-point symbols and numbers arranged in a certain order are generally signs of gang activity.

...

"We do have a growing problem in the state, and my biggest concern is the kids that it's affecting," Clark said. "We've got kids aspiring to be gang members. We've got gang members in Maryland as young as 7 years old. It's an issue."

Did you hear that? Its official, ITS AN ISSUE!

What should we do, oh wise "experts"?

In city schools, officials have formulated a safety plan that includes initiatives to combat gangs, primarily in middle and high schools. Last spring, officials identified about 30 city schools that have gangs in them. This year's school budget includes an additional $1 million for more school police officers and $1.8 million for more hall monitors, along with a Gang Resistance Education and Training program in schools identified as having gang problems.

That should definitely solve the problem, more cops in schools. We all know that gangs are primarily a fun schoolyard activity. Bloods all over the Baltimore area are literally packing their bags because the local middle school is getting another rent-a-cop.

"Gangs" are not a problem created out of nothing. They are the product of poverty, weak family units, and the massive profitability of criminal enterprise, particularly the illegal drug trade. Was the drug trade mentioned ONCE is this meeting of supposed "experts"? Perhaps, but it seems any discussion it warranted was not worth printing. Can we really take this analysis of gangs seriously when it discounts such a large component of gangs and gang violence? I think not.