OpenChess

These are topics popular in the CC community. It is with the US Congress as well, particularly with the introduction of SOPA. Internet social media is keenly aware of this legislation, but I have not seen any US national news TV coverage to date informing the general public (unless you count Stephen Colbert). I do note increasingly prolific TV commercials supporting the bill recently.

It is scheduled for markup this Thursday after a single hearing by the only committee involved: The House Judiciary Committee. I’ve never witnessed a bill of this magnitude move so quickly, widespread Internet protests are planned (again) and even Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia founder) is considering a strike this time.

I invite views from all and US citizens to provide input to Congress.

This is what usually happens in a plutocratic system.

We shall see what type of government emerges from this, it’s a perfect example regarding the best and worst of US law creation.

For those like me, who actually enjoy watching how the sausage is made:
Markup Day One - Don’t be too quick to skip past the beginning of the full reading until it continues in earnest 32:00 through 1:25:37. There’s plenty of high drama, but 6:21:28 gets unusually personal.
Markup Day Two - Obviously it’s Friday, of course!

The SOPA debate was initially postponed until later in January, but after receiving guidance from their corporate masters, debate will resume Wednesday. The bill was introduced by Texas Representative, Lamar Smith, the same guy who tried to forced down another privacy invasion disguised as "Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011."

Is this a great country or what, where else is the lyrics to The Internet is For Porn entered into the official record forever? Add two million more hits for this old meme.

Actually, Jared Polis’s proposed amendment did force Lamar Smith into defending pornographic copyright.

SOPA Creator In TV/Film/Music Industry's Pocket:

"Representative Lamar Smith, the creator of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), has been consistently receiving donations averaging $50 000 from the TV/Film/Music industry for each of his re-election campaigns for the past ten years. Smith has received roughly half a million dollars from the TV/Film/Music lobby over the past ten years according to opensecrets.org. Check out the source link for a full breakdown of donors to Smith's campaigns."

http://politics.slashdot.org/story/11/1 ... rys-pocket

Am shocked!

Hehe, then you’ll be even more shocked considering all the other hands stuffed in the cookie jar: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h3261/money

This blog I read nearly a month ago was enlightening: http://www.opencongress.org/articles/view/2434

But how can you blame the supporters when it’s clearly obvious there is so much talent waiting to be discovered, such as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman and PROTECT IP Act sponsor Patrick Leahy’s memorable performances in “Batman and Robin” and “The Dark Knight” (he barely lost the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor to Heath Ledger that year, I’m sure). And let’s not forget Senate Judiciary Committee member Al Franken’s great body of work as well.

Most members of Congress have no idea what they are doing with this House and Senate companion bills; they come from a pre-Internet era considering themselves savvy by tweeting on their smartphones. I’ve got my popcorn ready for the next episode (not the same Bat-time, but same Bat-channel).

Victory for the people? White House will not support PIPA and SOPA?

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition-to ... e-internet

Personally, I think the political calculation was to pass a veto proof bill in this presidential election year anyhow. Otherwise short of major concessions including removal of DNS blocking requirements (there is talk), it makes sense to delay final passage of a consolidated bill until just after the elections when there is less attention and pressure on officials.

In case anyone hasn’t heard yet, Wikipedia English is going dark for 24 hours in protest of SOPA and PIPA corresponding with yet another organized Web Strike. It’s only since Wikipedia's announcement have I seen any significant TV coverage informing the general public.

Last week there were five senators publicly opposing PIPA, now there are thirty-five! Even if the reporting is skewed and very brief, just getting any national TV news airtime is still important.

MPAA Chairman Chris Dodd released a statement Tuesday labeling these protests “…an abuse of power given the freedoms these companies enjoy in the marketplace today.” Gee, where have I heard that name before?