4 ms·

While we all know that they will regroup and strike again, we also know that somebody, somewhere out there, has gotten a very powerful message that lead them to

by ypcx 15y ago

While we all know that they will regroup and strike again, we also know that somebody, somewhere out there, has gotten a very powerful message that lead them to reevaluate the scope of the grip they thought they had on this society. Something of a historical importance has happened this week, and we all were part of it.

mzarate06 15y ago
Important indeed. Something I'm constantly reminded of is the haste Congress showed in trying to reach a final vote. I sat through 11 and 4 hour SOPA committee sessions (video), and if it hadn't been for strong opponents like Congresswoman Lofgren and Congressman Issa, who literally forced a count for each amendment vote made as a way to help put the brakes on, SOPA probably would have advanced another step. I'm thankful for the time they helped buy, that ultimately gave opponents the chance to produce the response that we did. SOPA may not be truly "dead", but it's reassuring to know that our voice can have an impact.
alexqgb 15y ago
Indeed. And this goes both ways. The near-miss sent a powerful message to people with a stake in the open internet; one that that led them to re-evaluate the state of their complacence about corruption in Washington. This is a problem that actually needs to be solved, not just routed around. Like the folks in DC, we need to regroup and strike again. This time, it needs to be proactive. And that's for the simple reason that you can never win by concentrating on defense only. At this stage, we all understand that it's about the money. Control of Congress is a political football, and it's what's in play between the anti-republican (small 'r') forces of special interests, and people who want to live as free citizens. Most real-world fights don't neatly sort themselves into black and white, but this one comes pretty close. So far, the sharpest white-side organization I've come across is this one: http://www.getmoneyout.com/ http://www.getmoneyout.com/ There may be others. In any case, they're all pointing at the same reality: Congress owes its primary loyalty to whoever underwrites its elections. In a free republic, that should mean citizens, and citizens only. This is over when that's what we've permanently lost or won.
firefoxman1 15y ago
It's great to realize the voice that the American people really have. The power of the masses is always far greater than any other force; it's just a rarely-used power.
- jgn 15y ago
  The voice of concerned Internet users, you mean, not just Americans.
  - firefoxman1 15y ago
    Yes, very true. I apologize.

by ypcx 15y ago

mzarate06 15y ago

Important indeed. Something I'm constantly reminded of is the haste Congress showed in trying to reach a final vote. I sat through 11 and 4 hour SOPA committee sessions (video), and if it hadn't been for strong opponents like Congresswoman Lofgren and Congressman Issa, who literally forced a count for each amendment vote made as a way to help put the brakes on, SOPA probably would have advanced another step. I'm thankful for the time they helped buy, that ultimately gave opponents the chance to produce the response that we did. SOPA may not be truly "dead", but it's reassuring to know that our voice can have an impact.

alexqgb 15y ago

Indeed. And this goes both ways. The near-miss sent a powerful message to people with a stake in the open internet; one that that led them to re-evaluate the state of their complacence about corruption in Washington. This is a problem that actually needs to be solved, not just routed around. Like the folks in DC, we need to regroup and strike again. This time, it needs to be proactive. And that's for the simple reason that you can never win by concentrating on defense only. At this stage, we all understand that it's about the money. Control of Congress is a political football, and it's what's in play between the anti-republican (small 'r') forces of special interests, and people who want to live as free citizens. Most real-world fights don't neatly sort themselves into black and white, but this one comes pretty close. So far, the sharpest white-side organization I've come across is this one: http://www.getmoneyout.com/ http://www.getmoneyout.com/ There may be others. In any case, they're all pointing at the same reality: Congress owes its primary loyalty to whoever underwrites its elections. In a free republic, that should mean citizens, and citizens only. This is over when that's what we've permanently lost or won.

firefoxman1 15y ago

It's great to realize the voice that the American people really have. The power of the masses is always far greater than any other force; it's just a rarely-used power.

jgn 15y ago
The voice of concerned Internet users, you mean, not just Americans.
- firefoxman1 15y ago
  Yes, very true. I apologize.