Let’s hope Verizon has learned a lesson today: citizen participation in democracy is neither ‘unsavory’ nor ‘controversial.’ (Without a doubt, these two words Verizon used to describe actions related to our issue will haunt that company.)

This massive victory is a testament to our combined strength. It could not have happened without your work.

Please take a look at this letter from the CEO of Verizon Wireless. It is a reminder of how even a powerful corporation can be forced to do the right thing when the public speaks up.

As those of you who are actively engaged in the net neutrality debate know, Verizon’s initial rejection of our text-messaging application is yet another reminder of why we must remain vigilant in fighting against third-party interference in how citizens participate in the democratic process.

Now, please, keep taking those so-called ‘unsavory’ and ‘controversial’ actions!

Thanks again,

Nancy Keenan

P.S. It’s ironic that when we launched our text message program last week, we were rallying opposition to Bush’s Global Gag Rule. While our domestic “gag rule” may be cleared up with the Verizon corporation, there are still women and families around the world who don’t receive the family-planning assistance they need because the Bush administration censors international family-planning groups’ free speech. Please take action today.