Controlling the Internet, that's what! While we fiddle with health care reform (not that we shouldn't), Washington is burning up with other aggressive moves that should scare the pants off us, but not much is being said nor listened to about those "others."

For example, what do you really know about proposed Senate Bil S. 773 authored by one of the standard bearers of extreme liberalism, Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, (D) West Virginia? And let's not forget co-author Olympia Snowe (R) Maine, whom I firmly believe should follow in the footsteps of Senator Arlen Specter and join her liberal Democrat cronies; and the slightly more moderate  Florida Senator, Bill Nelson (D). And get this — the Obama administration helped author this bill.

Imagine giving the president's office extreme new powers over Internet access in times declared as "cyberspace emergencies" by whomever. Bill S.773 would grant the president authority to disconnect any privately-owned network from the Internet, at the president's discretion.  Read the entire bill here.

So now government can literally control our access to free information and follow in the footsteps of Russia — that a year ago began a massive Internet disruption against Georgia and Estonia. Russia shut down a number of government-run websites. China has long controlled the Internet in that county. And don't forget the dictatorship,Iran, that shut down Twitter access in the midst of massive election protests.

 Is it surprising that critics of proposed S.773 are concerned about vague and ambiguous wording? This of course is a license for abuse and the possibility of the shut down of networks without sufficient cause and without review. What's even more outrageous is a recent White House announcement that appeared on CNN and other news networks during which Obama said he will appoint a cyber security coordinator (let's call it the Cyber Czar) who will care for the critical Internet infrastructure. "We will ensure that these networks are secure, trustworthy and resilient," he said. "We will deter, prevent, detect and defend against attacks, and recover quickly from any disruptions or damage."

Well now, the fact that another appointee not confirmed by Congress and who would probably be another one of Obama's radical friends controlling the Internet is unbelievable.Are you concerned yet? This bill would give President Obama absolute power to shut down the Internet and seize control during a cyber security emergency that could be declared by the President. No judicial review or Congressional oversight. The bill does not even describe what constitutes an emergency.

Cyber security is an important issue for the government, for the private business sector and let's not forget we the people. But does giving the President absolute control solve the problem? Hardly.So think smart and tell your senators NOT to vote for this bill that does nothing but grant the President more power. And ask yourself, "why?"

John Rockefeller Voting Record.
John Rockefeller Biography.
Olympia Snowe Voting Record.
Olympia Snowe Biography.
Bill Nelson Voting Record.
Bill Nelson Biography.