To the editor:

With so much going on with the tax scam bill that’s just been passed, there has not been much information about the net neutrality rule repeal that took place a few weeks ago. The Federal Communications Commission, the bureau that oversees communications for the country, voted along party lines to repeal the net neutrality rule, which was a landmark rule aimed at assuring a free and open Internet under the Obama administration in 2015. This was a good rule for all of us who use the Internet and small companies that rely on the Internet to promote their businesses. But, because it was an Obama rule, the Republicans, including Donald Trump, wanted it gone … no matter how it affects us.

Why would they do that? Greed. The single most thing that allows all of us an equal chance is a free and open Internet. But greed stepped in and Congress, needing financial backing for the 2018 elections, approved this fleecing of you and me.

Now, with the repeal, giants in the telecommunications industry, namely AT&T, Comcast and Verizon can change those rules and Congress can’t step in and demand fairness. The Democrats have argued and are fighting for the old net neutrality rules to be put back in place. After finding out how unpopular this decision was with the public, the Republican Congress wants to re-write a bill of its own, pretending it’s a compromise. Don’t be fooled. The Republican bill, will make it impossible for states to use Title II (educational tool) and yes, schools, can be charged for broadband in the future.

Why would 107 lawmakers who recently signed this repeal do this? According to a number of sources, the donations from telecommunication giants who placed money into their campaigns wanted this. The donations range from $12,000 to $1,262,000. The largest in Texas. In the top 12 was our own Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, with a windfall of $196.666. Telecom giants make sure to donate across the aisle to Democrats, too, but pay attention to how your representatives vote.

According to statements in the past and on this vote in particular, “it is what his constituents want … to get rid of burdensome regulations.” Well, I didn’t want the regulation to go and an overwhelming majority of other American’s don’t, either. In this case, burdensome regulations are what is needed to ensure that I and others have a free and open Internet, so I am not charged for its use and my access does not slow down when we are subject to rates for specific speeds. We don’t see it yet, but it is coming.

On the other hand, Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is running for re-election in 2018, has voted against this repeal and said, “Internet providers should not be able to slow down your Internet access, or change your speed based on the shows you watch, the teams you cheer for or your political views.”

You have decisions to make in 2018. May they be wise.

Kathy Antinone

Steubenville