www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21...1watch.html

Yes, Mr. Gerbil, we are living in interesting times

he has a lot on his plate

twitter.com/Shitmydadsays

UNDER THE RADAR
pr.thinkprogress.org/#utr
ECONOMY -- OBAMA AND THE FCC ENDORSE NET NEUTRALITY: In a speech at the Brookings Institution yesterday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski endorsed net neutrality, which "prevents Internet providers from blocking, speeding up or slowing down Web content based on its source, ownership or destination." "There are few goals more essential in the communications landscape than preserving and maintaining an open and robust Internet," said Genachowski. "In view of these challenges and opportunities, and because it is vital that the Internet continue to be an engine of innovation, economic growth, competition and democratic engagement, I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open Internet." In a separate speech yesterday at Hudson Valley Community College, President Obama offered his support to Genachowski's initiative. "I am pleased that he is taking this step," said Obama. "It is an important reminder that the role of government is to provide investment that spurs innovation and common-sense ground rules to ensure that there is a level playing field for all comers who seek to contribute their innovations." Though top lawmakers like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) issued statements of support, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) "introduced legislation Monday to block the Obama administration's attempt to impose formal net neutrality rules." Republican Sens. John Ensign (NV), Sen. Sam Brownback (KS), Sen. David Vitter (LA), Sen. Jim DeMint (SC), and Sen. John Thune (SD) co-sponsored Hutchison's amendment.