Honest question: is it worth calling my Congress person if they are already vehemently against repealing the current net neutrality rules? Does it count for anything?
Yes. You don't know what kind of discussions are going on behind the scenes. It could be that they say "I am for this" in public, but in private they are one policy concession away from voting no. Also, it takes like 5 minutes. It is literally no skin off your back, and it is better than nothing, even if the chances of it mattering are remote.
Yes. If nothing else, it removes their political capital. Politicians are weighing which unpopular things they can do while still maintaining their donor base.
Make this cost them. Even if they vote for it. Even if they've supported it all along.
And encourage all your family and friends to call, too. The tipping point for getting a representative to change their mind might be smaller than you think, just like how lobbying dollars required to get a vote for a law are smaller than you may think.
I don’t have numbers for how many calls might be needed to flip a vote though. Does anyone have experience with this?
Exactly... most pro-proposal folks are not going to call in asking them to support (since it benefits industry). So as many anti-proposal folks that can call in, the better. Also document their response for the next election cycle - pro Trump, pro cable company, anti internet freedom, etc.
If a scenario is possible under the new proposal, point that out =>
"Soon, your cable company can intentionally make your Youtube/Pinterest/Facebook slow. Ask your congress man/woman why they are willing to support this? <Congress contact info> <Website to protest>"
or
"Are you ready for slower Youtube? You can upgrade for $X to make it normal again. Your friendly ISP/Cable company. Ask your congress man/woman why they are willing to support this? <Congress Contact Info> <Website to protest>"
You have to use simple language in terms people understand, and provide a number to call.
I'd argue this might only be helpful in an area where the margin between the two parties is slim and hotly contested. That's an exception. For the most part you'll get some canned response to make you feel like they heard you, and things will proceed however their big time donors wish.
