Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Let's Get Politically Proactive!

For those of you residing in the state of Maryland, I am publishing the letters I have tailored to our individual Congressmen in opposition to SOPA. While they cover the same points, each is slightly different and tailored to the individual receiving it. They all end with the statement at the bottom. As with anything on this site, please feel free to reuse and remix to suit your needs!

To the Honorable Elijah Cummings,
I am writing to you regarding an issue of great urgency. As an American citizen and voter, I am supremely worried about SOPA and its sister legislation, PIPA. Both of these bills start us down a dangerous path of censorship of free speech and the abolition of rights. As a member of Phi Beta Kappa, you are aware that those initials stand for the phrase "Love of learning is the guide of life." SOPA/PIPA legislation directly attacks the fundamental structure of the internet, and so directly interferes with one of the greatest tools for learning, knowledge, and culture in our generation.
As a member of the Joint Economic Committee, you are also aware of the vital role that technology and the internet play in our modern economy. They have been a constant source of job growth and innovation for the US and the world for over two decades.
...

To the Honorable John Sarbanes,
I am writing to you regarding an issue of great urgency. As an American citizen and voter, I am extremely worried about SOPA and its sister legislation, PIPA. Both of these bills start us down a dangerous path of censorship of free speech and the abolition of rights. As a lawyer for Venable LLP, you fought for the rights of individuals and small businesses against larger corporations motivated solely by profit. The American people are now confronted with legislation written and pushed by the RIAA and the MPAA that creates hardship for the myriad of individuals and small business connected to the internet.
Additionally, as a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, you are also aware of the vital role that telecommunications technology and the internet play in our modern economy. They have been a constant source of job growth and innovation for the US and the world for over two decades.
...

To the Honorable Senator Mikulski,
I am writing to you regarding an issue of great urgency. As an American citizen and voter, I am extremely worried about SOPA and its sister legislation, PIPA. Both of these bills start us down a dangerous path of censorship of free speech and the abolition of rights. As the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, you actively work to encourage the economic growth of America’s most important industries – science and technology. Without the wealth of information afforded by the internet, much of the innovation and economic growth of the past twenty years would be impossible. The American people are now confronted with legislation written and pushed by the RIAA and the MPAA that creates hardship for the myriad of individuals and small business connected to the internet.
Additionally, as a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, you are also aware of the vital role that technology and the internet play in our modern economy. They have been a constant source of job growth and innovation for the US and the world for over two decades. The internet is our most powerful tool for education in the modern world, and the sharing of knowledge and culture across borders is creating an ever-better world.
...

To the Honorable Senator Cardin,
I am writing to you regarding an issue of great urgency. As an American citizen and voter, I am extremely worried about SOPA and its sister legislation, PIPA. Your voting record against the NDAA and for the Feinstein amendment to the NDAA and your stand for Net Neutrality against S.J. Res. 6 clearly shows your deep concern for the constitutional rights of American citizens. The SOPA and PIPA bills start us down a dangerous path of censorship of free speech and the abolition of rights. As the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Development and foreign Affairs, you actively work to encourage the economic growth of America’s most important industries – science and technology. Without the wealth of information afforded by the internet, much of the innovation and economic growth of the past twenty years would be impossible.
Additionally, as a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, you are also aware of the vital role that technology and the internet play in our modern economy. They have been a constant source of job growth and innovation for the US and the world for over two decades. The American people are now confronted with legislation written and pushed by the RIAA and the MPAA that creates hardship for the myriad of individuals and small business connected to the internet.
...
Over coming days you'll be hearing from the many businesses, advocacy organizations, and ordinary Americans who oppose this legislation because of the myriad ways in which it will stifle free speech and innovation. I hope you'll take our concerns to heart and oppose this legislation.
While the RIAA and MPAA have claimed significant economic and financial losses due to piracy, every independent study (including the GAO) has shown that these figures are misleading, inaccurate, and false. In any case, both the music and the entertainment industry have shown record profits in a time where most Americans are suffering due to a poor economy. I cannot in good conscience support representatives who place the profit margins of large businesses over the rights of their constituency.
Please vote against H.R.3261 SOPA and its sister bill, PIPA.
Please don't sacrifice our wellbeing for their special interests and profits.
Respectfully,
Isaac

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