Stop the Corporate Takeover of the Internet

From: "Bob Fertik, Democrats.com"

Subject: Stop the Corporate Takeover of the Internet
Date: Jan 18, 2012 11:24 AM


Since the dawn of broadcasting, our free speech has been dominated - and largely controlled - by the powerful corporations that control public airwaves and the shows they carry.
Real free speech on the Internet is a profound, existential threat to these media giants and the politicians they own. So they are desperately trying to seize control of the Internet with obscure bills called "SOPA" in the House and "PIPA" in the Senate.

Tell Congress: Stop the Corporate Takeover of the Internet

SOPA and PIPA would wreak havoc on the technical infrastructure of the Internet, and threaten thousands of Internet businesses which are truly creating jobs.

More importantly, these bills would give big corporations and the Attorney General the power to shut down websites large and small that somehow link to copyright violators, whether through their own posts or even visitor comments.

How on earth can a website - ours included - monitor thousands or millions of links that accumulate over the years? And why should a single link be sufficient to shut down a website or force a bankrupting legal battle with a giant corporation?

Tell Congress: Stop the Corporate Takeover of the Internet

No corporation should have that power. And no Attorney General should either - just think of Alberto Gonzales, who abused his vast powers by authorizing warrantless wiretaping and torture, then lied to Congress about it.

Websites large and small are fighting SOPA/PIPA, including Wikipedia and Google. Some are even going black for a day of protest.

President Obama opposes "legislation that reduces freedom of expression" and urged Congress to pass a bill that narrowly and carefully targets foreign piracy.

We'll reserve judgment on any future "compromise" bill. For now, we must tell Congress loud and clear:

Stop the Corporate Takeover of the Internet

Thanks for all you do!

Bob Fertik