Understanding the basic ramifications of SOPA / PIPA requires relatively little technical competence. The opinions expressed by our lawmakers are a reflection

Understanding the basic ramifications of SOPA / PIPA requires relatively little technical competence. The opinions expressed by our lawmakers are a reflection of mentality, not age. It was sickening to watch the legislators praise their own ignorance. It's totally cool not to be a subject matter expert in everything - nobody expects them to be. However, it's maddening that they had not already consulted any "nerds". It really begs the question : does this apply to all other aspects of our government? Do we draft legislation on energy, defense and immigration without consulting subject matter experts at the outset?