For those of you who (still) do not quite "get" why Net Neutrality is a big deal, this diary is intended to provide you a real world example of where we will be if we can't maintain Net Neutrality.

Today's illustration/Soap Opera involves one of our largest and oldest technology companies --- a lobbyist-heavy entity at the center of both the Net Neutrality AND Warrantless Wiretapping controversies...not to mention the people who screwed you on the Number Portability Fee, the King of the Killer Termination Fee and co-conspirator in the iPhone single-carrier fiasco.

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you, AT&T!!

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Among regular folks (and less frequently, among techies) Apple Computer often gets a free pass on it's heavy-handed corporate activities. Some of this stems from the historical "David vs. Goliath" nostalgia of Apple's battles with Microsoft, circa 1985. Apple is smart enough to have strived to maintain this, ahem, "polish", even in the face of evidence to that suggests Apple is no better than any other faceless mega-corp.

For example, many early adopter techies had their iPhones turned into iBricks by Apple, simply for installing unsupported software -- analagous to Honda rendering your Civic inoperable because they want you to use their brand of engine oil. Yet, no outcry from progressives. And, don't even get me started on Apple's manipulation of the Digital Rights Management laws and market.

Today's example might make this all a bit more real for you. In a lawsuit settled yesterday, Apple has succeeded in stomping out a tech news blog called Think Secret for the unconscionable crime of scooping Apple on a forthcoming product release.

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Edwards!

John!

John Edwards!

Johned Wards!

I am tossing this out here not as a discussion, but something I want folks to think about.

I am an east-coaster, so I will not be around long to address comments.

Where is the limit to your partisanship?

On the eve of yet another slap in the face, shouldn't we do something besides preaching our frustrations to each other for yet another night?

When is the right time for activism?

When is it time to hit the streets?

What is the right time to either stand up and be counted, or resolve to sit down and shut up?

In today's age of corporation-as-king, it has been heavily reported that many corporations have a policy (or at least a habit) of compensating their executives with packages fit for royalty. Ford became a the poster-child for the practice this week.

In a lesser reported story, the top 3 guys at Google have been taking salaries of $1 per year, since 2004.

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I'm writing this because I'm pissed off.

I am sick to death of listening to social conservatives bitch and moan over being obligated to consider other people's feelings before they speak or act.

Why the hell do they expect to be able to say whatever, to whomever, and then call liberals "Godless"? I can't decide if that's balsy or stupid.

I'm going to continue ranting on the other side of this fold...

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Can't drop too much heavy thought on the subject today, as I owe my employer an honest day's work ;-). I'll make this quick.

As relates to my ongoing effort to spotlight the Hip-Hop community/movement/constituency/generation as a ready-made ally for the Progressive Big Tent, I was thrilled to see that Wyclef Jean will be playing at Nancy Pelosi's celebration/concert this evening.

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This is my first diary.

Please understand that I'm going to be using the term "Blacks" and not "African Americans" throughout this diary because (1) I'm black and it doesn't offend me; (2) It's shorter and easier to write; and; (3) I will be referring to dark-skinned people who may or may not be American.

I've recently noticed DKos experience what appears to me to be an increasing awareness of racial issues, racism and participation in this community on the part of blacks and other minorities. In my opinion, this is a good thing. As someone who has grown by listening to the opinions of others in this community, I would like to provide some insights on a topic that I believe I know well.

With recent diaries/discussions acknowledging the importance of integrating Black viewpoints and activism into the progressive movement, I would like to discuss an issue that has been used as a wedge to separate younger (lets say under 35 years old) blacks from mainstream politics and society in general.

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