@Jeff Bohrer wrote:
I posted the dissent to assure the protesters that I truely acknowledge the cause and their sacrifice and was not spitting in their faces by non-participation. Not all members are US citizens. I chose my path for myself. Would you prefer that choice to be imposed on me in re the forums? by anyone?
My greatest fear is that although the form of protest was immediatly effective, it did for one day what the legislation would do as well. much like a famous scene from "blazing saddles" Where the sheriff points his gun at himself an shouts (edited for content) "Stop! or the [american male with african heritage] gets it!"
I encourage the protest, I dissagree with the method.
<soapbox>
I respect your dissent. Unlike Chris Dodd who simply found it easier to belittle it. But then, that's not too surprising. I think the fundamental issue here is that the big names like Wikipedia and reddit were trying to raise awareness of this issue. Let's face it, these two bills were obscure, at best. Most in the tech industry didn't even know they existed. And I dare say that probably about 99% of the population didn't know they existed. (No, I don't have any statistics to back that up - it's just a statement made to illustrate a point.) Why? Well, most in the tech industry (and in the general population) don't really pay too much attention to Washington to begin with. That's a problem, of course. However, another reason is that the bills were created the "old-fashioned" way. I.e., they were created through powerful lobbying behind the scenes in backrooms. Do you think there's any coincidence that Chris Dodd, who is chief executive of MPAA, was one of the leading pushers of this bill? Can you think of a better example of politicians who leave Washington only to take nice cushy jobs with companies and turn around to lobby their former colleagues? Nobody is arguing against the need to protect intellectual rights. What's being argued is the tactics used to create bills and implement methods which are downright authoritarian and no better than what China does. However, the way Chris Dodd spins it, they would make you believe we're all pirates and we encourage piracy.
You know what I'm most worried about? I'm most worried about this statement from Chris Dodd, when talking about the blackout: "It is also an abuse of power given the freedoms these companies enjoy in the marketplace today." Codewords. For the intention of changing the rules. Welcome to China.
</soapbox>
