Gun Owners of America Exits Pro-net Neutrality coalition
by Capitol ConfidentialIn a further blow to those pressing for the institution of controversial net neutrality rules, it emerged on Monday that the Gun Owners of America (GOA) has exited the Save the Internet coalition backed by pro-regulation liberal groups such as Free Press.
GOA’s departure came after sustaining heavy criticism from conservative blog RedState for its support for net neutrality, and the organization’s willingness to associate itself politically with prominent liberal groups in the context of backing the proposal. Organizations such as SEIU and MoveOn.org are members of Save the Internet along with Free Press, which itself serves as Coalition Coordinator.
GOA spokesman Erich Pratt said in a statement to The Hill that “Back in 2006 we supported net neutrality, as we had been concerned that AOL and others might continue to block pro-second amendment issues.” But, he added, “The issue has now become one of government control of the Internet, and we are 100 percent opposed to that.”
GOA’s move comes in the wake of several corporations that had previously been strong supporters of net neutrality signaling their support for compromise positions that would be far less regulation-intensive than what Save the Internet coalition members have typically advocated. Notably, Google recently announced its agreement with Verizon on a “regulation-lite” proposal.
Free Press, for its part, seems to be dismissing the move as something to be anticipated given that midterm elections are just around the corner. “Anytime you approach an election, these issues tend to be politicized,” said Tim Karr, Save the Internet’s campaign manager.
Some tech observers, however, contend that the movement away from a strong net neutrality stance by GOA and others signals that net neutrality advocates’ preferred policy increasingly looks heavy-handed, in view of technological changes and industry practices. They say more movement might occur in the coming months– including after November.
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An open letter to Representatives John Boehner , Mitch McConnell, the RNC committee and associated establishment republicans.
Congratulations on your party's upcoming congressional victories (and possible House and Senate takeover). Have you got the offices and curtains picked out yet? Are all the committee chairmanships and leadership positions bartered and pre-assigned? I'm guessing you guys and gals have got it all figured out by now. Oh the glee and joy you all must feel to be this close to power again!
Excuse me if I don't share the same enthusiasm.
We are less than three months away from an election that could be the final turning point for the country, maybe even the world, and what do the wizards of smart at the GOP have to offer as a rallying cry? "FIRE PILOSI!" Wow thats brilliant guys! Did you think that one up all by yourselves? Oh and lets not forget "Youcut", the answer to all of our deficit woes! (That trial balloon went over like the Hindenburg.) With all due respect to the ladies and gentleman of the republican establishment, your connection to the American public at large is an abject failure.
The electorate is desperate for leadership, so desperate in fact that many have taken their grievances to the streets in the form of marches, rallies and TEA parties. What is the response from the elite in the GOP? Sympathize with them but keep them at arms length. This strategy was picked up because a handful of cable news commentators, the editorial board at the NYT and the Journolist Cartel "deemed" the TEA parties to be politically toxic. Collectively, this group of analysts couldn't generate the audience of a "Spongebob Squarepants" rerun and yet you swallow it hook, line and sinker. Instead of embracing these patriots and actually listening to them, you have marginalized them down to a campaign talking point, (and you wonder why congressional approval numbers stay in the twenties.)
Please explain to me how you are going to get disenfranchised democrats and independents to the polls and vote for you when your party is fractured and the only thing that you can unify behind is "Fire Pelosi"? Why would they show up to support a party that is splintered into three factions? We have the "country class" conservatives throughout the red states, the east and west coast RINO's who shouldn't be allowed in the party anyway, and the Grampa knows best relics that currently hold the reins of power. What difference is it going to make if your party has a slim majority or two thirds majority if the party can't unite behind ANYTHING that will reduce the size and scope of government?
What of Paul Ryan's road map? Or the 65 republicans that support the Fairtax? Ron Pauls audit? The Enumerated Powers Act? (Moth-balled every year since 95)… These are just a few among countless other IDEAS that have potential. (BUT) there in lies the dirty little secret that no one wants to bring up, (aside from a few in the new media). The elite in the GOP cannot unite the party behind any of these bold ideas because it will take away their power too. It seems that the inside baseball Washington insider "click" takes precedence over the country's impending financial doom.
Well I've got news for you, This is your last chance. Period. You know those TEA parties and town halls haunting the democrats that you cheered along behind closed doors?. Guess what?
We are coming for you next. The conservative majority in America will not stand by and let the country disintegrate because the only party that can save us is deadlocked in its own internal power struggle. If the Republican Party continues to allow a few of its elite members to lead it around on a leash for yet another election cycle with no common cause, direction or unity… Come 2012 there will be three political parties in this great nation.
Thats not a threat, its a promise.
Regards, —luvntheBIGsites
Apologies to Capital Confidential for scrambling your thread as I am way off topic.
That was great, thank you for writing it.
It looks like Gun Owners of America (GAO) got caught with their pants down.
Amen
Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Gun Owners of America?
Don't believe GOA.
They took Soros' money already.
That means they will lie to you.
Smart move.
Net neuterality is dead and its stench will only make you smell bad if you hang around it.
When did they take Soros money and in what context? I'm not saying you're wrong, I just want to know. I am a big supporter of GOA and I am curious why such an uncompromising gun rights groups would take money from Soros and I am even more curious as to why Soros would give them money.
GOA: "I voted for Net Neutrality before I voted against it."
On another note….Tiger is divorced……seems as though that content of character thing caught up with him.
I have to keep myself from cursing.
I'm a GOA member who stopped supporting the NRA.
NOW WHAT?
Didn't the GOA start in response to the less than appropriate movement toward the Left of the NRA?
Well written but you're preaching to the choir.
If I may suggest: mail it to the local newspapers.
I will shoot my computer, and commit computercide, before I let the government get control of it.
Thats a great idea.
The NRA should learn a lesson from the GOA on this one. Can you say DISCLOSE?
Others who should learn a lesson are the folks who think (because they are told by the old guard) that their comments do not matter.
SPEAK UP AMERICANS. It is our path to VICTORY.
Question with boldness and refuse to stand down.
GOA also helped STRIP out ANTI-GUN laws in ObamaCare!!!!
These politicians are like a snake in the grass, they try and pass a bill that is loaded down with stuff that has nothing to do with the real bills!!!!
November is our last chance to save AMERICA and FREEDOM!!!!
Sometimes even the choir needs a sermon now and then…
My fear anything cooked up by "government" into this Net Neutrality is merely a Trojan horse that will morph into a tax and control system. Government is infamous for starting things small only to make the radical changes later once they gain permission to get into it.
We will see it with health care. This recently passed health care debacle will grow larger and more controlling. It will be single payer before you know it. We can't allow for government to take over anything more.
G O A is in C Y A mode, oooohhhhh yeaaahhh………….credibility just went to zilch,,,,zero,,,,nada!
Why NOW…….GOA???? Pray tell, this Net Neutrality has been rearing it's ugly head on and off for 7 or 8
months? Someone turn over the rock you were hiding under….Hhmmmmmmmmm?
You're a total and complete JOKE!
.
AMEN Ash, Question with boldness!
.
Another point could be asserted here… It wont be long before this IS the local newspaper…
Food for thought.
Lots of confusion and muddied waters surrounding this subject….
Starting with the name…Net Neutrality..
That name itself sounds like it must be for governmental non-interference in the Internet.. Sort of like the
"Clean Water Act"…
Everyone would be for clean water, but upon closer inspection, it has little to do with clean water quality, but more to do with the flow of water, where it goes, and who gets it…
This NetNeutrality seems like the same thing…The governmental types (FCC/Obama Adminis) say they want want to regulate the Net like a Public Utility, that means new taxes for sure , but the main item on the hidden agenda is controlling "searches"….
Placing leftist pages in the front and more Conservative pages much farther back or not at all…
So, like the "CleanWater Act", this "Net Neutrality Act" controls the "flow" on web pages favorable to whatever Administration is in Power,…when it MUST be the "free flow" of information in the "marketplace of ideas"….
No matter what political party is in power…
Geez. Is there any other pro-Gun website we can turn to??? Looks like I have to drop GOA too along with NRA. This really sucks.
I do believe we are on our own!
Yes I haven't seen a clear definition. The people for it appear to think its "free internet no matter how much I download".
A good ting if they realized that no more can they take people for granted under a guise of support for firearm rights.
Single issue groups can no longer play both ends against the middle.
Americans are showing that we are smarter than that. GOA did what the NRA should have done. The Republican Party leadership had better take notice……and make the same choice.
You running for office, you got my vote brother!
Good, now I can renew my subscription to GoA.
the reason for "why now" is in the article. Did you read it?
Nothing is dead as long as the Dums are in control.
GOA did the right thing in the end. NRA unclear.
Obama's agenda is being exposed for what it is on the net and mainstream media cannot contain it any longer to the point his MSM poll numbers are sinking faster than the titanic?
That is OK, because We Surround Them!
YEP, did you?…….didn't necessarily believe their story though.
But then I don't have a dog in this fight, I'm not a joiner. All my life I've seen GROUPS who have taken
their 'members' money and delivered little or nothing, living high on the hog lobbying for the peeps.
.
yep, but we folks out here in the sticks are accustomed to getting the leftovers so we don't
expect much, and there's always the chance that 'fixing' it will make it worse. So we shuts
our mouths and takes the leavings.
.
somehow,.your spot on sentiment has to get the attention,…..
of these half dead politicians we call Republicans.
I suggest you make it shorter and get an E-mail list,…..
you have something there Big guy.
Good that they saw the light and came to their senses. Bad that they demonstrated that their judgment on such a clear issue is questionable. Bad that they are on record as ever having sided with liberals against the Constitution and American citizens. GOA are a bunch of johnny come lately's. I'll stick with the NRA and their proven devotion to the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment.
WTF are you talking about? What exactly "should the NRA have done"?
I'm hoping that Boehner & the newly mixed team decide to take the actions delineated in your message, which I agree with also. Forget the Quid Pro Quos, GOP.
As you said, they need to get out in front and take the ball early, and hit some gutsy homerun legislations for U.S!
Close up the dam Borders. Enforce our US Fed Immigration Law, and Deport ALL Illegals, WE ARE NOT SAFE! (including Terrorists, etc)Who is who?
Build the "Southern Brewer/Arpaio Great Wall!" Make it Impenetrable!to Soros too.
Three former Presidents did mass deportations to clean up the U.S. and make jobs for SOLDIERS RETURNING FROM WAR! They were very successful! -Eisenhower, Hoover, and Truman. Lets take care of America for a year until we are back to normal, economically, and with a strong Defense instead of these wierd "alliances" with Dictators.
Begin prosecuting the members of the Obama Admin for Abuse of Power, Deriliction of Duty, High Crimes, treason, Failure to uphold OATH of Office according to The Constitution! and Passing Legislation before it was even written! Impeach Eric Holder too!
Let them each account for their Illegal actions. We resent their Ramming Bills through against our protestations, on TV for 1 1/2 years!
Stop the rampant collusion in the ranks.We're….watching you GOP……We expect Americanism!
/Salute Chicago Ralph.. your posts are always epic.
My post is not really new… its just a whisper out there… It is growing though, every day of republican inaction will result in our action…And they better start listening.
Groups fearing the rath of the majority in America, will change their posture.
Next!!
Great post LuntheBIGsites, common sense missing in D.C.
Silent No More : The Liberal Nightmare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Rtd1UbUNU
I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
That's sad. We're all together here, shoulder to shoulder. No "leavings" Big winnings for you! We're on a Roll!
Yup not much difference between a giant douche and a turd sandwich.
Hey Obama Team. Keep your mitts off of our Internet Communications because we will always find a way around it!! Start Defending America for a change! WE HAVE 20 MILLION Illegals running wild in America! Which ones are Terrorists? Why do you insist on allowing this Obama? Is it your 'friendship' with Soros? Calderone? Chavez? I want to understand. WHY ARE WE NOT SAFE?!
Why are YOU SUING STATES TO INSIST ON LEAVING OUR BORDERS OPEN OBAMA? I'm suspicious of your motives. As a Citizen I demand to know. What deals have you made? Why are you not upholding your OATH of office to enforce our existing "Fed Immigration Law? Your time is almost up!
At least GOA knows how to listen to its due-paying members. Hey, AARP, too bad you didn't do the same.
Well pnipni I was merely referring to the function of our i-net services. It's just not the same
as folks in urban areas have. When we stay in a hotel I am amazed at the speed and funct-
ionality of the service. It is the price we pay for living in the peaceful countryside.
.
All these groups that say they are on our side must be watched. The American electorate has been asleep for 20 years. We assumed (Ass + U + Me) that we could trust our elected officials and various groups, GUESS WHAT! We were awakened by Oblabla but a little late! Take back our country before the Progressives and Limo Liberals sell it.
Get out and vote the Progressives are betting you won't!
I was considering joining the NRA until they signed on with the Disclose act. They need to realize that our freedoms are not JUST the 2nd Amendment, but consist of many other things. They can and should fight for the 2nd, but not forget the others. It's called tunnel vision. Any expert marksman is aware of it and the inherent dangers thereto.
Great letter luvthebigs.
With you all the way. Wish we could do away with the seniority policy and give the positions to those that will kick some a$$ in Washington. Boehner and McConnell are putzes. I would much rather have someone with balls leading the party. Who knows, maybe I would start donating to the RNC again.
Many thanks TN cat
I think we will get our wish… If we stand and be true.
Did I read that right in your reply above, you are from Tennessee? Howdy neighbor!
Easy question to stifle any debate with a pro-Net Neut:
What is broken with the internet that the free market will not correct on it's own?
It works every time. I have asked this question repeatedly and not a single lefty can answer this simple question.
Well, the explanation from the GOA president sounds reasonable to me. People often seem to forget that GOA and the NRA are not conservative organizations. They are gun rights organizations. They have a duty to represent the interests of their members on this one issue.
Obama uses taxpayers money to promote his own re-election: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtkmNW2N2h0
Just like providing monkeys with cocaine, iPods for high school students in Utah, cellphones for smokers trying to quit in Washington, and advertising devoted to the promotion of…the stimulus. Give me a few minutes and I'll come up with about 90 more things to add to this list.
How does this affect GOA's credibility. They are a gun rights group, not a net neutrality policy group.
The very same Federal Government that infected Blacks with Syphilis, just to see what would happen, that Federal Government is now to be trusted with the entire Internet?
The very same Federal Government that wiped out entire Indian Nations, even using Biological Warfare, in the form of smallpox-infected blankets… the Rights of Citizens are to be entrusted with that very same Federal Government?
The only reason this Board is even around to Post on, the only reason the Citizens know of the Government plan for the Internet is because the Citizens of this Nation have Weapons, and outnumber the Federal Force.
Citizens of the Nation are even allowed Weapons without being a Member of the Gun Owners of America.
The GOA may only be half in bed with the Federal Government now, in the daylight, but, what will happen when the GOA turns over all of its Membership Data to the Federal Government, just so the Federal Government has a better idea where the Weapons are?
Oh yea, escaped from southern California in 1991 to the smokey mountains of east TN, I wouldn't return if offered a suitcase full of 100 dollar bills.
I just know, if the current Administration is in favor of it, I'm against it…
No more regulations…
Especially of something as basic and freedom oriented as the Internet…
Why do Liberals always try to mislead with the names of their groups? Someone should make a list of misleading group's names. I'll start with one:
"Partnership for a New American Economy" Mayor Bloomberg's, NY coalition:
One of it's main goals is to grant Amnesty! plus possibly ObamaCare to ILLEGALS. Is that good for America? Unknown Illegals? Amnesty? Good for NY? packing that overcrowded City with ILLEGALS? I would fight it.
Members are: CEOs of H.P, Disney, Marriott, Boeing, Ropert Murdoch of NewsCorp. Mayors: Julian Castro of San Antonio, Phil Gordon of Phoenix, Michael Nutter of Phil. Antonio Villaraigosa of L.A.
Do we agree with their intention to grant Amnesty to ILLEGALS? Isn't that UNSAFE, AND ILLEGAL?
Please answer AntiMarxists' question. I hate that prick (Soros) and anything and anybody associated with him.
I hope you are misinformed.
Ha,ha,excellent posting…………ahhhhh,if you decide to run for President you've got my vote !!!
Do your research:
http://www.redstate.com/neil_stevens/2010/05/14/g...
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pag...
Do your research:
http://emergingcorruption.com/?p=610
Imagine for a second that illegals vote Republican.
Borders shut instantly.
There is your answer.
I see. Thanks Harry. Now I know what to do.
Oh I feel better now. Still they should put more towers. That's on the Mayors level right? Even they have to be told what to do for our Tax money. Peaceful countryside sounds great. I know, stay in more Hotels! You deserve it.
Sometimes even the PROGRESSIVES forget who is listening
Remember November and vote them all out
Don't think they haven't infiltrated all aspects of our REPUBLIC
I have another point. the youcut site, could be a good site if they actually put stuff up to cut–like why not the choice of all the above and give 20-50 choices every week.
You.cut–
Dept of Ed. Check
IRS check
Flat tax check check
Al the above CHECK
I live in Boeheners district, John doesn't have anyone running against him, this time.
I think the best thing they have going for them is Darrel Iasa.
Again you nailed it.
The left are masters at co-opting terminology in order to convolute the subject and then dictate the course of the debate.
From the left, NN is the last hope for internet freedom. In fact, NN is the beginning of government control and less freedom.
It is a big business (Google-Verizon free market capitalism) vs. big government (socialist control) debate cloaked as fairness for the people.
The far left groups supporting it says it all.
Many thanks to all for your comments and i bid you good night with this quote….
"First comes smiles, then lies. Last is gunfire."
—-Roland Deschain, of Gilead. (the last Gunslinger)
THEY ARE MASTERS, OF DECEPTIVE NAMING!!!! Whether they are labeling their opponent or they are promoting their deceptive agenda!!!!
JA…You wrote…
"It is a big business (Google-Verizon free market capitalism) vs. big government (socialist control) debate cloaked as fairness for the people"..
You nailed it shut…Big Biz in bed with Big Socialism …..You don't need to know all the minutia of a policy…
You just need look at the supporters, who are nothing but lying shape shifters….
In this case, it's the "too big to fail" (Business) and the "too corrupt for words" ('bamaAdministration),
trying to get a stranglehold on the a bastion of Liberty, in order to promote a Socialist agenda and kill Freedom..
I'm telling ya, I really *really* despise that phrase "too big to fail". We learn best from our harshest mistakes- why is this concept so hard to grasp for the left?
And the "re-branding" or mislabeling of controversial topics to blind the masses…so very insulting. But then, they're counting on the "fruits" of public education to make the sleight of hand easier to accomplish- an ignorant country is a compliant country <sigh>
PROGRESSIVES is as PROGRESSIVES does
"Too big to fail" in reality only applies if Leftist leaning Unions are involved…
Otherwise, bankruptcy is a fine option and the Dims could care less…
"re-branding" or mislabeling of controversial topics"
With the "Fairness Docterine" for radio, at the top of the list…
Big Pharma did it with obama and health care. After all, doesn't a company do what is best for their stockholders?
Ah Anti, According to the article GOA was supportive of NN since 06 but due to pressure from
Red State they withdrew their endorsement.
It has been obvious to many of us since Jan that NN was not a policy conservatives should be
supporting.
GOA's credibility is in question because they were not on top of this issue and only pulled their
endorsement due to pressure from RS. That IS sloppy business, just as I'd expect from one of
these due collecting orgs that operates with little to no oversight.
.
I hope that was "tounge in cheek"…
What's in the interest of a few shareholders may not be in the best interest of the Country…
May be good short term, but long term it's a deal with the Socialist devil…
Bravo luvntheBIGsites!!!! But I am hoping that we don't have to have three parties. And I yearn for a day that there are no parties, just candidates.
I was a founding member of GoA, but I dropped off because of some of their squishy positions. Good to see them man up though, and this is enough to make me consider rejoining.
In the rural areas more towers is not economically feasible. We have a tower within
2 1/2 miles, but our connection speed is not good. I don't really remember the details,
it was explained to me by a technician a year or so ago when I had my last bitch-fest
about my cost vs. service quality. I should be paying only half price since this dang
3G Watcher only half works. I'm sure you can guess how far I got with that line….
Nowhere. The companies are going to build only enough towers to barely service
their customers. There is no telling what one of those towers cost, and they need to
make a profit to stay in business. This Co we use is a smallish non-national non-chain.
I kinda like the idea that they haven't been swallowed up by one of the big corporations,
so I guess I'm willing to suffer a little inconvenience to do business with them. None of
the major cell co's service our rural area. A few miles to the North, South or East and
we could get on any of the major cell companies.
.
.
ConnieZ speaks true and I say Thankee Sai… But alas I will buck the tide all the way to the great Rush Limbaugh on this issue. If the party we hold to standard will not preform as needed we will start our own. We have waited many a "blue moon" for delivery. with no luck…
Where do you live?… in Afghanistan?
Well at least you're on here, which is very enjoyable. It's great to commisserate with like-minded people.
- Hey did you see that there's a great new book out? "Crimes Against Liberty" by David Limbaugh (Rush's lawyer brother) It's exactly what we talk about here every day! All the Crimes that obama Admin has committed against U.S!
He says that he also analyzes obama's Narcissistic personality style. I can't wait to get a few copies. As Hannity said tonight, it is the perfect Election Inspiration book! Enjoy!
Perfect!
I extend my hand to you Sir. Thank you. You just achieved stardom in the conservative world. Articulate.
There will be water if God wills it.
I do not seek stardom…. but i do seek a conservative world.
Hey brother,
the day before they announce the 2nd ammendment is not constitutional, that is the day I report all my guns were stolen.
BTW, on day one of travel from Bay Area to the Rally Sat in DC. In Elko NV, a lovely town, like Bakersfield, El Paso, Juarez MX.
TUCO….When you get to LAGO..on the High Plains…
Pull over and have a beer and a shot on me…
Good to know your going to the Rally…I'll be thinking of ya…
Stay safe…Ramirez!
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
Despite the name, anyone can join.
I was unaware of GOA's odd support for NN, but as has already been pointed out, it is a muddy and muddled issue (by design, IMO). Given their explanation, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, though as a life member of GOA, I should have been paying better attention.
We may be past the "conservative world" my friend.
Sad that we don't have "big" voices like our founding fathers wanted.
I left the Bay Area of CA this morning heading to the rally in DC. I am in Elko NV in a motel responding. My only voice is Saturday and November.
I was never a patient person, I SOOOOO want to do more, but feel history may already be written. At least I can say "I did what I could". Sounds passive I know.
WE get it, so does America, but what options are left? Revolution? What would the military do? Executive order 01/10/10.
I had to do this bro,
This is my only voice other than the November vote. Check back with me tomorrow, I plan to get to Nebraska (I hope). I have 3 different High Def cams with me for the NBP's. All I can say is "bring it bitch" and "I have you on video X 3.
I have actually been known to use language like that, so maybe I don't need "my" video to be on fox. Never back down, stand for your principles and the truth. I don't think I will allow you to enforce your Shariah law on my wife today. Know what I am saying?
True, but GOA is a gun rights group. They are not required to support conservative causes across the board. GOA is uncompromising on Second Amendment issues – this is what matters to them. Besides, once this issue was brought to their attention by Red State, they further examined their position and corrected their mistake.
Wasn't it Reagan who said that someone who agrees with you 80% of the time is an 80% ally, not a 20% traitor. What else has GOA done wrong? There is no reason to drop GOA because they made a policy mistake (which they corrected) on a non-gun rights issue.
No need for an apology. It looks like you needed to get something off your chest. Nice work!
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