The Lord “put a new song” into the psalmist’s mouth, and, the psalmist says this Sunday, “I did not restrain my lips.” President Barack Obama is speaking out regularly these days on broadband issues as he tries to put his stamp on the nation’s internet policy—setting up more conflict with congressional Republicans and telecom giants that dominate the industry.

When the president laid out his plans to boost community broadband networks in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Wednesday, it marked the second time in two months he’s put his administration at the forefront of the debate over the future of the Web. The president late last year called on the FCC to treat broadband like a public utility as part of new net neutrality rules.

Obama’s speech Wednesday backing efforts to spur city-run broadband networks as an alternative to private-sector providers like Comcast and Verizon incensed Republicans who see it as an attempt to over-regulate the industry with a Washington power-grab.

“Each day we see more policies coming out of this White House that attempt to wield greater power and control for the federal government,” Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) said in a statement, describing the president’s stances as a “new federal takeover of state laws governing broadband and the internet.”

The president, speaking at Cedar Falls Utilities, which runs a municipal network with some of the fastest internet in the country, called for the FCC to knock down state laws that restrict community-run broadband.

He also unveiled plans to release about $50 million more in government funds for rural cities that want to expand broadband access for their citizens, as well as a new Commerce Department effort to share best practices with towns that want to boost broadband.

Obama isn’t just pitching faster internet as a win for techies; he’s touting it as essential for the middle class. His remarks previewed proposals he’ll make during next week’s State of the Union address.

“Today high-speed broadband is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he said. “This isn’t just about making it easier to stream Netflix or scroll though your Facebook newsfeed, although that’s fun. . . . This is about helping local businesses grow and prosper and compete in a global economy.”

Homily hint: The internet has transformed our lives, and much of the change has been positive. However, electronic connectivity can never replace face-to-face human connection. We all need to balance time spent in the virtual world with time spend in the real, flesh-and-blood world of family, friendship, and community.

Source: An article by Alex Byers and Brooks Boliek for Politico