As cynicism is my brand, and apologetics my profession, it was a particularly bad week for this writer. Government regulators have been mulling the AOL-Time Warner merger for a year now. Opponents demanded assurance that Time Warner would allow access to its cable lines after the deal was sealed. And for good reason. Innovation on the Internet has been fueled by a platform that is neutral among innovators.
Open platforms keep players honest.
Many found it hard to believe AOL would turn its back on this principle. Connect people first. After the merger was proposed, however, AOL began singing a different tune. Case now argued the market, not government, should do the regulating. But FTC Chairman Robert Pitofsky somehow succeeded in keeping Case and company true.