No. I am not saying the internet is broken today. I think every politician on both sides of the isle from coast to coast and top to bottom are chomping at the bit to regulate it though. They are succeeding in spots and failing in others. This will be the largest regulatory grab yet.

If subsidy pathways were forbeared ...how long do you suppose it would stay that way?

What's your point? I am not building a straw man. I am stating internet is not an essential need. We should not be classifying it as such and giving it more pathways to subsidization.

Bingo!!! That's my whole point! Trash this stupid policy and lets pass something that kicks all telecom lobbyist to the curb. Break up these bastards' hold on local monopolies so smaller companies can come in and provide options. That is true net neutrality.

You are missing the point completely. I am not creating a straw man. This policy does not protect small business nor does it help consumers in any way. Before it is enacted, this policy will give big business more power over the little guy, plain and simple. The only reason I even mentioned the subsidies is because it…

Deeming something as essential per a government utility provides an avenue for that entity to pursue subsidies. Tax payer funded subsidies. People seem to miss this, and I'm apparently horrible at explaining it.

I honestly thought most people on this site would take offense to my thoughts on getting the FCC out of the way. Sadly, they can't even get past the notion that internet access is not an essential right. It's rather depressing ...even for a tech addicted millennial.

No. I want a market where I have options and can vote with my dollar on a daily basis. The FCC policies as they are now — in addition to others — is exactly why the telecommunications market is ruled by a handful of companies. Monopolies can only exist with the help of governments.

What does that have to do with declaring something an essential right? You are out of context.

Telephones were viewed as essential by 'ol Ma Bell. You think 'the people' are writing this policy? Net Neutrality will not happen until a majority of the big telecoms sign off on it. What do you think that means?

1. Fine. Pay for it yourself or get another job. I use the internet from dusk till down, and I wouldn't dare ask someone else to pay for it. As far as your measure of necessity goes, keep trying. Shut off the gas pumps and see what happens. I'll be waiting for my free gas in the mail.

The FCC does censor plenty. They don't censor the internet as an entirety yet, but that's part of the point I'm trying to make.

It's not about living an efficient life. What if my 'efficient' life required me to work from a 60 foot yacht? You going to buy it for me?

Internet is no more essential than a car is to get to work. By that logic, we should start handing out email addresses with SS cards when babies are born. Is it important? Absolutely. Should it be considered a right to have? Absolutely not.

No, I am not Amish. I am not an entitled baby either. Internet is accessible to anyone who needs it. Go to the library. Buy a coffee at Starbucks and sit around draining their WiFi. Hell, there are still dial up services that are either free or cost pennies.

Are you kidding me? I also need a car to work. And a bed to sleep in with a roof over my head so I can get a good night's rest. And don't forget my food/water/education so I can show up to said job performing my best.

You're missing my point. Companies like Comcast, Time Warner etc. all have very powerful lobbies that right the policies the FCC ultimately enacts. This allows them to wipe out competition without actually competing. They are essentially stacking the deck via government regulation. Ever wonder why policies like this…

1. Is it a very powerful tool? Absolutely. For those who can afford it.

It is not essential to the point where it should be eligible for subsidies. Providing subsidies for electricity and heat to those in need is absolutely a good thing. Extending that to cable TV? To internet? No, sorry. Not essential.

I've never lost a job opportunity due to a lack of email address. You are being idiotic. Internet is a tool for those who can afford it. It is not a right or an essential or anything else.