We'll have the greatest impact if we work together.
On New Year's Day, between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, we the people should go offline to express one unified voice against the creation of a pay-for-priority Internet system, the abolition of a flat fee for Internet access, and any attempt by Internet service providers to block, censor or otherwise interfere with Internet content.
In other words, we can and should show that people throughout the free world will not tolerate any attempt by any Internet service provider to tamper with the free, open and accessible nature and design of the Internet. As gatekeepers of the Internet, these companies need a demonstration of the power of the people. Collective action by the few is insufficient. In order to succeed, there needs to be an expression of worldwide, unified support for the continued existence of a free and democratic Internet.
Please post and pass this plea for collective action on to others.
We the people need to stand united and use this very forum to make it known that we will not be silenced. For democracy's sake, spread the word.
Elliot D. Cohen is a media ethicist and political analyst. His latest book is "Mass Surveillance and State Control: The Total Information Awareness Project" .
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