more on an interesting interchange re ILEC charges

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Bruce Kushnick <bruce () newnetworks com>
Date: December 26, 2005 9:30:49 PM EST
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Re: [IP] an interesting interchange re ILEC charges

Dave,

you might also like to see more on Sam Simon and Issue Dynamics, who  
is the
principle architect of the Bell companies' skunkworks activities,  
defined as
an underground series of networks that put together astroturf groups,
co-opted consumer groups, biased research firms and lobbyists, most  
of which
do not explain that they are funded by the Bell companies.

http://www.newnetworks.com/skunkworks101.html

This includes: New Millenium Research Council, Innovation Alliance,  
USIIA,
Keep USF Fair Coalition, Alliance For Public Technology (APT), TRAC,

The problem is that they are even on the FCC Consumer Advisory  
Committee,
and thus helped to influence FCC policy.
http://www.teletruth.org/consumeradvisory.html

There's also Progress and Freedom Foundation,  Cable Choice, and co- 
opted
groups like  Gray Panthers, American Association of People with  
Disabilities
(AAPD), Black Leadership Forum, League of United Latin American Citizens
(LULAC) ---

Sam Simon and Issue Dynamics strings these groups together for various
campaigns -- from adding taxes to VOIP, to helping push the CALLs  
proposal
through in 2000, or doing a Bell-friendly congressional Bill, such as  
the
recent Dewint announcement.

It has corrupted the political process in that these groups can outspend
anyone, show up and paper the FCC or any other Congressional act. How  
can
you distinguish between the real groups and fake ones when they they can
send people or outspend the other side 100-1.

Bruce Kushnick, Teletruth.
================

> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Bruce Kushnick <bruce () NEWNETWORKS COM>
> Date: December 22, 2005 9:10:04 PM EST
> To: CYBERTELECOM-L () LISTSERV AOL COM
> Subject: Re: Your article on Sam Simon
> Reply-To: Telecom Regulation & the Internet <CYBERTELECOM-
> L () LISTSERV AOL COM>
>
> Sam, (see sam's letter below.)
>
> I really love getting your letters.  But if you're such a consumer
> advocate, why don't you help Teletruth raise a few million dollars
> and then we can absolve you of any sins or indiscretions.
>
> For example, we filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
> (FTC), claiming that the Bell companies made false and misleading
> statements in multiple states to change state laws ---- they promised
> to rewire America with fiber optics for cable competition in 1992 ---
> It's well documented by their own statements. --- that's SBC,
> BellSouth, Verizon, Qwest. The fiber optic upgrades never happened.
> Is this why America is 16th in broadband?
>
> By 2006, 86 million households should have been rewired with 45 Mbps,
> bi-directional services, 500 channels. Customers paid  extra for
> these networks, about $200 billion -- $2000 a household is the low
> number.
>
> We're simply not getting any traction. Why don't you help us get
> press?. And why don't you help us get a congressional investigation
> as well?  Don't you care that the phone companies harmed low income
> families who really need this money? -- It's like, $2000 per
> household! Larger than any tax cut. This would make a lot of
> difference to a low income household this holiday season, I tell you.
>
> Teletruth is broke. I admit it. So if we had money we could hire a
> lobbying firm, a pr firm, pay New Networks to do the documentation
> --- come on. This will show us in solidarity.
>
> Or maybe you want to do another campaign -- Fix phone bills.
> Teletruth is proposing the "Truth-in-Billing Act of 2006" to tell the
> truth about stuff like the FCC Line Charge on a Verizon bill.  It's
> misnamed and is direct revenue to the phone company, even though it's
> in the 'taxes and surcharges" section. Shouldn't customers know that?
> And it's never been audited. Damn, why don't you help us get that
> Audit. It could mean billions of dollars back for the disabled, the
> tired, the poor, those huddled masses.
>
> Oh, I know in the past you got them to raise this charge from $3.50
> to $6.50.. But, the FCC is now saying they want to raise the FCC
> (goes to the bell company) Line Charge to $10.00 a month! Don't you
> want to stop that in its tracks?
>
> And why is it that you want to raise the Universal Service Fund and
> put it on VOIP services? Join our call for an investigation of the
> fund... Do rich phone companies really need it more than Aunt Ethel?
> How do you take the poor 10+% for universal service that the are
> funding? Humbug to that.
>
> A few million well placed with Teletruth -- we can do adds in Roll
> Call, a media blitz in California, luncheon for key congressional
> telecom staffers,  throw in meetings with a Senator or Congressmen--
> you're for helping customers, right?
>
> I hear you're gone for a few week. and congrats on the new grandson.
>
> One more thing... And since this is the holiday season, I would hope
> that everyone on cybertelecom will wish Sam Simon best wishes... But
> ask Sam to help poor teletruth.  A few million would go a long way in
> the public interest fights against the dark forces.
>
> Next time, just post your responses to  cybertelecom --we're all
> friends here....
>
> Bruce Kushnick, Tell-The-Truth-Sam.
> ====
> PS:  you wrote: ---not news to anyone, comes up when yyou Google
> "fiction" and "Sam Simon"
>
> Google.  Results 1 - 10 of about 120,000 for Sam Simon Fiction. (0.27
> seconds)  Opps.
>
> =============
>    Thanks Bruce,
>
>    I'm just disappointed you didn't mention my new Grandson!!   Don't
> get too excited, but there are now two generations waiting right
> behind me!!!
>
>    Oy Vey!!
>
>    I am off line tilll after the New Year.  And thanks for sharing
> the article with the list.  I was too modest to do so  myself, and
> figured it would be best coming from you.  As to your response, not
> news to anyone, comes up when you Google "fiction" and "Sam Simon"
>
>    Sam
>
>
> -------------------------------------
> You are subscribed as bruce () newnetworks com
> To manage your subscription, go to
>   http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip
>
> Archives at:
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/




-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as lists-ip () insecure org
To manage your subscription, go to
 http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip

Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/