Slashdot | Anti-Muni Broadband Bills Country Wide
You'd better read this sitting down:

Faced with the expanding digital divide, many local officials have set out to directly provide high-speed broadband service through municipal networks. Whether building a wireless system, installing fiber directly to homes, or exploring broadband over power lines – or some combination of these options – local communities are finding they can get better service for less money if they do it themselves.

Big telecom and cable companies have responded by furiously working to slam the door on community wireless. The telephone and cable giants are trying to use their lobbying clout in state capitals to pre-empt local control, preserve higher prices and preclude competition.

I find it difficult to write on the above topic because it gets me so angry that I can barely type, more the less put my thoughts into terms of scholarly expression. It's just stunning how inept our politicians and legal system have become at protecting the public interest. The faceless multinational corporations have won in the war on the American people. Sharing is illegal. Helping your neighbors is illegal. The only thing that is legal is paying these tyrants all the money they demand.

What will it take to get some sensible legislation passed in this country? Are we all doomed to know the sickening things that are happening in this country and have absolutely zero power to stop them?

All I can say is that these are clear grounds for civil disobedience. This crap has to stop. We have to put our foots down.