Blog Post #4: Net Neutrality
In recent weeks, net neutrality has become a huge issue thanks to the
recent hearings on the Stop Piracy Online Act (SOPA). The act would have
horrific consequences for the internet. As Adam Savage of Mythbusters
put it, "SOPA could destroy the internet as we know it",
and he'd be right. SOPA would effectively remove free speech from the
internet by blocking websites that have any copyrighted content on them
(youtube, facebook, tumblr etc). In the previous weeks Congress has been
having hearings on SOPA discussing it, and it's quite concerning how
well it's doing.
"So
what can I do to help?" one might ask; well the first thing is to
contact your representative. There are many ways one can reach their
representative. You can email them, you can write them a letter, and if
you feel particularly strong about it you can call the house of
representatives and ask for your representative directly (202-224-3121);
more information on representatives can be found here. So far I have
written an email to my representative (Chaka Fattah) regarding Net
Neutrality and it's importance, with emphasis on SOPA and how much
damage it could do to the free internet of today.
Beyond
contacting your representative, there are many petitions online against
SOPA and other action that would restrict the free flow of internet.
Just two can be found here and here. These options are incredibly easy
to do and can have a huge impact, but they need the support of the
public. Without a huge public outcry, these petitions and letters will
likely fall on deaf ears. With Congress approval levels at record lows,
it's time for we the people to make an effort to have our voices heard.
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