Just so this is stored somewhere else, here is the text I provided to colorofchange.org for their campaign to the FCC regarding net neutrality. See also http://colorofchange.org/cgi-bin/py/opennet-petition.py

The internet has become one of the major technologies enabling our economy in the twenty-first century. One of its most important characteristics in that role is its inherent fairness to all, no matter who they are or who they know.

The data carried on the network should be subject to the same kind of rules as the telephone system: the carrier only makes the connections and carries the bits between parties, it does not filter nor even inspect the content (unless ordered to by a court authority). To continue to allow otherwise sets a dangerous precedent for manipulation and interference by unelected non-authorities in the affairs of the citizenry.

Perhaps opening internet carriage to more competition, rather than the current situation of allowing local monopolies, would encourage the carriers to provide the service that the customers truly want. In the meantime, regulations to protect the public's free exchange of information seem to be needed.