So now AT&T has joined Verizon (and Frontline) in challenging the FCC’s 700 MHz proposed rules.
AT&T’s beef is not about the no-locking, no-blocking rules – rather, they’re focused on the block of spectrum that a commercial private actor is supposed to use to build out a network for public safety’s purposes (the “public/private partnership”). They’re saying it’s too hard to do a deal with public safety officials before the auction. There just isn’t enough information coming from public safety about what it needs.
I’m focused on two things: (1) Verizon’s arguments (we should know more in the next few weeks, when they file their statement of issues due October 10), and (2) the lawfulness of the entire “reserve price” scheme.
Think about it. How can the FCC condition regulations (about what should be a common-carriage public
service anyway) on the payment of money? And then have the rules dissolve if
it doesn’t get the money? This is such a pure quid pro quo – it’s government for
sale. Completely screwy. But how do you say “completely screwy” in legalese?
Sure, it’s arbitrary. But is there some constitutional dimension to the arbitrariness?
A man is trying a very unusual way to propose to his girlfriend. He wants people to forward an email to as many people as possible and he hopes that it will eventually get to his girlfriend. Details here: http://www.proposal-to-mary.com
Here is what he wants people to send by email:
————- SNIP (email text end) —————
For a long time I have tried to find a special way to propose marriage to my girlfriend Mary, whom I know for five years now. I wanted it very special, romantic and memorable, something our grandchildren would still remember.
And here is my idea: I will send out the proposal to Mary to 50 complete strangers, people I don’t know – hoping, that they will forward my proposal to as many people as possible, which in turn forward it etc. And some day, I hope, it will reach Mary, after it has travelled a very long way. I know, it will take a long time and I am quite nervous…
From the poem MY Mary will know immediately that the proposal is for her.
I have created a homepage ( http://www.proposal-to-mary.com ) where you can find the current status of my quest. You can use the homepage to check if the proposal has already reached Mary (in that case it is not necessary anymore to forward the mail).
Once the proposal has reached Mary, I will put a note on these pages. Also I will publish there how many people have read the proposal so that everybody can see how far it has spread and that it is getting closer to Mary.
And of course you will find there what I am waiting for most: Mary’s answer! I can’t tell you, how nervous I am… Will she accept my proposal? Will she like the unusual way how she got it, through the hands of thousands of messengers all over the world?
Please cross your fingers for me! And please – help me by sending the mail to as many people as possible, to help it spread, so that it eventually reaches Mary.
And here is my proposal:
Mary, please forgive me, as you know English is not my native language. And I am not a poet. But I mean it from my heart.
My angel,
Five years ago, I will always remember the day When fate made us meet, blissful Alaskan moments in May Earth spun around us and a journey began Love, warmth, happiness, enough the years to span.
The longer it lasts the more grows our bond And with 80 still – of you I will be fond Whatever happens, I will stay at your side Through good and bad, together let us stride
No second with you was ever wasted
You are the sweetest I have ever tasted
We have spent so many years – why not a life?
Mary, will you marry me – and become my wife?
Mary, if you have received that and have recognized me, then give me a sign so that I can continue with the romantic part of my proposal…
————- SNIP (email text end) —————