Darwin's "Survival of the Fittest" Warped by Big Business

Contributed by David Stanton, PhD

Comcast and NBC are in the process of creating one of the worst applications of Darwin's theory since the creation of Rush Limbaugh (a cross between a squirrel and a monkey).  No longer is it the survival of the fittest in nature, but it is the survival of the strongest and most menacing in Corporate America.

Many of you may not have noticed, but two of the largest communications companies in America are about to merge. Instead of many small media outlets, and consumer friendly access, this merger will result in the restrictions on media flow, an increase in costs to the consumer,  and a reduction in available programming accessible on the internet without cost to the user.

One example, Netflix has been charged higher rates to offer streaming movies and television programs. Who or what entity is doing the charges? Comcast/NBC and it is an effort on their part to reduce the number of views on their programming to increase their ability to charge the consumer higher rates for the same services currently available free to consumers.

Comcast has been an unfriendly corporate entity for a long period of time, and for many markets throughout the United States, has been one of the highest cost internet/cable companies. In the Twin Cities, competitors like Dish Satellite can save consumers up to 40% or more when bundling services. This is not good for Comcast and NBC's bottom line so they are working to reduce consumer choices, increase pricing for what they determine should be available to consumers, and another stroke is taken against freedom of expression in America.

Imagine in the not too distant future an America where the Supreme Court has given permission for corporations to support anonymously whatever candidates they choose, the FCC has given permission for reducing the number of separate outlets available for free speech, and the result is limited access for opposing viewpoints, opposing candidates, and soon we too can have a one party government - just like the old Soviet model.

If you don't want to see or be in this kind of world, contact your Senators, write the FCC, and be loud - we want our country, warts and all.  We do NOT want our country to be manipulated by "big brother".  Remember, for evil (or corporate takeovers) to survive, people of good will need do nothing.