More time needed to address concerns raised by all sides before key Jan. 24 vote
Imagine a day without Wikipedia or Google. Most of us routinely use the Internet encyclopedia and search engines without giving them much thought. They have become indispensable tools that are always there. Until today.
But today the reliable storehouse of information, the Internet’s most visited sites, are staging a 24-hour “blackout,” (some say “blackmail”) protest against proposed anti-piracy legislation that many leading websites — including Facebook, Craigslist and others — contend will make it challenging if not impossible for them to operate.
S. 968: (Protect Intellectual Property Act of 2011 or PIPA) is sponsored by Patrick Leahy (D-VT). John McCain and his doppelganger Lindsey Gramnesty have signed on as co-sponsors.
H.R. 3261: (Stop Online Piracy Act, known as SOPA) would require ISPs to block access to foreign websites that infringe on copyrights. Online piracy from China and elsewhere is a massive problem for the media industry, one that costs as much as $250 billion per year and industry losses of 750,000 jobs, according to Leahy. It is how the bills would counter piracy has many up in arms. On the House side, the only Arizonan would signed on was Ben Quayle (R-CD3) — who later withdrew his support.
Today, two U.S. Senators have withdrawn their sponsorships of PIPA. Sen. Marco Rubio, (R-Fl), wrote on Facebook that although he has a strong interest in stopping piracy, “we must do this while simultaneously promoting an open, dynamic Internet environment that is ripe for innovation and promotes new technologies.” Senator Roy Blunt, (R-MO) also bailed on the bill, writing on Facebook that “the Protect IP Act is flawed as it stands today, and I cannot support it moving forward.”
There are legitimate concerns on both sides. Although many critics are speaking out against the legislation, there are also numerous supporters — including the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and News Corp., the parent company of FoxNews.com — all of whom argue that critics misunderstand the bill.
“Anti-piracy legislation now before Congress finally addresses the threat of foreign piracy, and it’s unfortunate that so many opponents have resorted to inaccurate and flatly dishonest claims in an attempt to derail it,” said Timothy Lee, vice president of legal and public affairs for the Center for Individual Freedom.
PCWorld presents both sides of the issue, in SOPA and PIPA: Just the Facts, which we recommend reading. On this complex issue, we’ll borrow the FOX News mantra: “We Report, You Decide.”
Not quite as it appears, eh? The squeeze is being put on by one side, the side that has created slavish and needy adherents. Pick up your dictionary, read a book, get your information where you used to. Hey, I bet you even have a library card in your underwear drawer. Dig it out and don’t be held hostage by these gargantuan webmonsters. Put yourself in the position of those who are losing their incomes from easy access to their creative efforts. The music industry, as a prime example, has been taken over by thieves.
Good move by US Rep. Ben Quayle, and Sens. Marco Rubio and Roy Blunt.
Where is the rest of the Arizona delegation on these bills?
SOPA is second only to the Patriot Act in violating Americans’ protections and liberties under the Bill of Rights. It, too, is a disgrace to America and every member of CONgress that supports it (or the Patriot Act) should be put in prison (or subject to death) for high treason.
Not a surprise that RINO TRAITOR AMNESTY-JOHN was behind the senate version of this latest attack on freedom.
I stopped being surprised by John McCain’s constraints on liberty a long time ago. They’re disgusting, but never unexpected.
I’d suggest writing/calling our senior senator…but why waste your time…he ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT LISTEN to us…
…can you believe ARIZONANS RE-ELECTED THIS GUY???
What I am really really frustrated with is I know Cardon was asked by at least 4-5 people over the last week about his stance on Twitter and he ignored them all until today. It took him that long to make up his mind? Did he need the online protest today to finally help him decide? I understand we may need a conservative alternative in the US Senate race, but I really am not sold he is the guy.
There are good arguments on both sides. If we champion the entrepreneur then we can’t argue with them getting paid for their creative work.
I enjoy Youtube clips of my favorite movies and singing artists but I hate to think what those videos would and should cost.
Nothing gets posted on the internet without human involvement. Why not an opt in choice for charging a price. Copyrights need to be respected. I wouldn’t enjoy the internet as much but entrepreneurs deserve to be paid.