fistfullast33l's Journal: Verizon Proves Net Neutrality is Necessary

The story today in the New York Times regarding Verizon's decision to allow NARAL to send pro-choice text messages underscores the importance of advocating for net neutrality to keep the internet and telecommunications networks out of corporate hands. Verizon originally denied NARAL's request on the grounds that the messages were "controversial or unsavory" proving that they were willing to stand ground on being judge, jury, and executioner for what happens on their network. While some people probably do not agree with the politics of the pro-choice group, it doesn't take much to see that Verizon basically is willing to enforce their own morality on their network and thus deny access to anyone whom they see fit. Their reversal indicates that they see the pitfalls that this could produce in the telecommunications companies' attempt to control the internet through tiered pricing or worse. If public opinion turns against them, then Congress won't give them what they want. It's imperative to hold this forth as a great example of what could happen if net neutrality is not enacted.