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Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

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Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#51
post #43

I have not been impressed with that person. His behavior is demonstrative of fumbling politicians who don't care how technology works, only that people bend to his will. Good riddance.

If you would, could you explain how Wheeler didn't care how technology works and what of the policies his FCC enacted were around people "bending to his will"? Please provide cites. Thanks in advance!

https://www.c-span.org/video/?414145-1/fcc-robocall-strike-f...

Watch starting at the 3 minute mark. He's over the top & kind of babbling. Compared to IRS tax threat scams, the idea the robocalling is the biggest threat is offensive.

(IRS Tax threat scams: https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/dont-be-fooled-phone-scams-...)

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here's my attempt: Companies build private roads. To drive on those roads, they install a toll-booth at each entrance onto the road (like your house, office, warehouse, shops, etc) - every vehicle gets charged to enter the road network. Large road companies usually come to some agreement that they'll join their roads at large intersections, but don't install toll-booths there, because it's good for each of them - aft…

It's not that this isn't hard to understand, it's that it's too long of an explanation. There needs to be a concise and succinct point that can be expounded if people are interested in learning. There is some merit in trying to attract your listener and keep them engaged.

[deleted]

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#53
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

You're paying for Internet service, yet without Net Neutrality the ISP can opt to not give you the service you're paying for until they get protection money from someone else.

It's fraud.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#54
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

"If you want the Internet to continue working exactly as it has since it was created, a fair and level playing field for both Google and Grandma, then you're in favor of Net Neutrality.

If instead you want the telecom natural monopolies to take more control of the Internet and change how it works to bias whoever can pay them more, then you're against Net Neutrality."

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here's my attempt: Companies build private roads. To drive on those roads, they install a toll-booth at each entrance onto the road (like your house, office, warehouse, shops, etc) - every vehicle gets charged to enter the road network. Large road companies usually come to some agreement that they'll join their roads at large intersections, but don't install toll-booths there, because it's good for each of them - aft…

How would you respond if someone replied with: Yeah, but isn't it in the private roads' owners benefit to reduce congestion, so they create HOV lanes? And what if they want to promote certain kinds of cars like electric and hybrid and therefore allow them to drive in the HOV lanes? Shouldn't they be allowed to? Edit: Not that I necessarily agree, but this seems like a flaw in the analogy.

That's more about advantaging certain type of traffic vs same type of traffic from different sources.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#56
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

You're paying for Internet service, yet without Net Neutrality the ISP can opt to not give you the service you're paying for until they get protection money from someone else. It's fraud.

They want to charge you to access web site and they want to charge web sites to allow you to visit.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#57
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

"If you like paying for Netflix twice -- once to Netflix and once to Comcast, Time Warner, or whomever you already buy internet from -- then you want to repeal Net Neutrality."

Or:

"If you think that Comcast, Time Warner, and other internet providers should not control where you choose to go on the internet, then support Net Neutrality."

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#58
post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If congress is in session it'd require confirmation. The exception is a recess appointment but that's not going to happen as they're already keeping congress continuously open to block Garland's recess appointment.

That trick of procedurally gavelling open a session and immediately closing it to avoid the recess disgusts me beyond words. The GOP basically opted to treat the Constitution as a dead letter through tricks such as these and refusing to even dignify Garland's nomination with a hearing. Besides the political ramifications I think it's sad that a guy who's widely regarded as a decent hardworking jurist will have his le…

The idea of recess appointments is an anachronism in an age with instant digital communications and airplanes.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#59
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I thought they were going to enter recess to allow them to invoke a law that allows repealing decisions made by the executive within the last 60 days of sessions of Congress. Maybe I misunderstood an article on this?

News to me - would love to know more if you can supply a link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Review_Act

The summary is that within 60 legislative session days of a regulation being issued Congress can go through an expedited process (in particular, not filibusterable) to pass legislation that blocks the rule from going into effect. The catch is that the legislation still needs to be signed by the president, or you have to override the veto. But if you get a new president before the 60 legislative session days are up...

http://www.libertylawsite.org/2016/11/17/midnight-mulligan-t... has some analysis of how that might play out in this case.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#60

This isn't really news, more of a mere formality. The federal government department heads are all expected to resign or be fired when there's a regime shift in the Oval Office (party change).

Incorrect. FCC commissioners serve a term and Wheeler's term was up June 30, 2018, so this is an early resignation and opens up a spot for Obama or Trump to fill.

According to sources on the hill, his resignation is part of a deal to ensure Jessica Rosenworcel gets confirmed for an additional term.

They won't fill up the spot until the next administration.

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