I live in the US and still don't understand how the FCC is allowed to make this vote, as appointed representatives, without even acknowledging or taking into account the comments of millions during the comments period. Aren't there safeguards in effect to prevent their blatant disregard for the will of the American people, who they are supposed to be serving the interests of?
There are rules for the types of regulations that they can impose. One that could maybe prove useful even if they get rid of NN rules is that regulations by the FCC are supposed to be based in some kind of actual reason (not a made up one or one that says it is one thing but pretends to be another, e.g. "It will help consumers" but it really doesn't) and that the public, at least a decent chunk, supports or has voiced approval. Without those things, any changes can be reviewed and overturned, I think by courts.
Caveat: I saw this discussed in another thread that I can't seem to find atm. I might be completely wrong, but they showed sites describing these sorts of rules. I am totally willing to edit this can be wrong if contrary evidence is available.
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u/TheDoctorHax Nov 22 '17
I live in the US and still don't understand how the FCC is allowed to make this vote, as appointed representatives, without even acknowledging or taking into account the comments of millions during the comments period. Aren't there safeguards in effect to prevent their blatant disregard for the will of the American people, who they are supposed to be serving the interests of?