SOPA/PIPA Supporters Pretend White House Statement Means We Can Rush Through SOPA/PIPA

from the wow,-that's-chutzpah dept

Following the White House's surprise move to effectively tell SOPA/PIPA supporters to go back to the drawing board and come back with bills that don't censor the internet, don't break basic online security tools and that don't create unjustified litigation -- SOPA and PIPA supporters are going full press spin to try to pretend this is "good news." I'm not joking. The MPAA came out with a pretty laughable statement that appears to suggest that the White House's statement means it's time to "stop the obstruction" and just pass the bills:
So now it is time to stop the obstruction and move forward on legislation.

Our industry not only fully supports free expression, our livelihood is built upon a vibrant First Amendment - it is the foundation of our industry and we would never support any legislation that would limit this fundamental American right. As had been made clear throughout the legislative consideration of SOPA and the PROTECT-IP Act, neither of these bills implicate free expression but focus solely on illegal conduct, which is not free speech. We agree with Secretary Clinton's recent statement that "There is no contradiction between intellectual property rights protection and enforcement and ensuring freedom of expression on the Internet."
Similarly, the MPAA, together with the RIAA and the US Chamber of Commerce, stunningly claimed that the White House's statement:
"clears the way for action on these important bills."
Talk about being in denial. This is laughable in a variety of ways. First, what the MPAA calls "obstruction" was actually the voicing of significant concerns that echo exactly what the White House claimed. For example, many of us spoke about the DNS provisions, and the White House clearly states: "Our analysis of the DNS filtering provisions in some proposed legislation suggests that they pose a real risk to cybersecurity and yet leave contraband goods and services accessible online." Yes, both Leahy and Smith have promised to delay (not completely remove) the implementation of those provisions, but that would not have happened if so many people hadn't spoken out vocally about those provisions.

That's not obstruction. Those were legitimate concerns -- which the MPAA fought, tooth and nail, even to the point of denying that DNS blocking was any problem at all. And the concerns that remain are legitimate as well. It's insulting, and all too indicative of how the MPAA has managed the push for this legislation, that its response to the White House telling them to go back to the drawing board and to "work together with all sides," is to respond by saying, "just pass the bill already!"

Perhaps not too surprisingly -- since he's basically been the MPAA's mouthpiece in Congress on this bill -- Rep. Lamar Smith echoed the same claims when asked about the White House's statements:
"I welcome today's announcement that the White House will support legislation to combat online piracy that protects free speech, the Internet and America's intellectual property," Smith said in a statement. "That's precisely what the Stop Online Piracy Act does."
No, actually, it's not. The current bill has tons of problems -- even if we leave aside the DNS provisions. It is very much likely to censor legitimate sites -- as pointed out by over a hundred legal scholars -- and it has a private right of action that is likely to lead to unnecessary litigation. These are exactly the things the White House just told Smith to fix. And his response is to ignore them? Stunning. But... this is Lamar Smith, who still can't hear any criticism of his bill. Perhaps he just thinks the White House wants to "pirate" more things.
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Filed Under: copyright, pipa, protect ip, sopa, white house
Companies: mpaa, riaa, us chamber of commerce


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  • This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:35am

    This bill needs to pass to stop thieves stealing american jobs/ billions of dollars of money. Whole industries are dying because of Freetards/Pirates. The white house supports this action.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:46am

      Re: FIXED THIS FOR YA

      This bill needs to die to stop monopolist thieves stealing American jobs / billions of dollars of money. Artists and creators are starving because of Dinosaurs/Parasites. The white house supports this action.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:01am

      Re:

      2/10

      The effort just want there.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:12am

        Re: Re:

        Since when have IP extremists ever put effort into anything? They are lazy.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:17am

      Re:

      This bill needs to pass to stop thieves stealing american jobs/ billions of dollars of money. Whole industries are dying because of Freetards/Pirates. The white house supports this action.

      How is it you're almost always the first (I almost said person, but I'm not sure; you might be a MPAA bot) entity to comment on these SOPA/PIPA posts?

      Way to keep your head in the sand (or up your ass) over what the real issues are and just keep beating that "freetard" drum. You're really working to overcome the objections of the opponents of these bills.
      /s

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:32am

      Re:

      Yes, yes they are - that's called evolution in action. It happens everywhere, from the workplace to bacteria to banking and beyond.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Think_Then_Speak, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:47am

      Outraged at idiocy

      You really think that DNS blocking and suing linking sites is going to stop pirates? DNS blocking can be overcome with a simple browser plugin, and truly offending sites are rarely in the USA. Passing this bill is only going to hurt small businesses that rely on user submitted content. I will remind you that all the big sites started this way (Wikipedia, Youtube, Facebook).

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Trails (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:53am

      Re:

      Obvious troll is obvious.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      letherial (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 10:12am

      Re:

      please name me one business that has gone under due to piracy.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      hrwaller (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 11:07am

      Re:

      Between this post and your "ratchet effect" post I get a feeling that you are a bit schizoid on this subject. By the way if you keep getting a bigger wrench, the bolt snaps.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 11:20am

      Re:

      TROLOLOLOLOL
      Too bad there will always be a way to duplicate data.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Suja (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:38am

    Perhaps he just thinks the White House wants to "pirate" more things.


    it has come to my attention that those who are doing something the most (piracy, not "filesharing", PIRACY, as in, i nick you out of every cent and penny) always have this assumption that everyone else is either doing it to them or just doing it in general

    SOPA/PIPA are a monopoly on piracy

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:03am

      Re:

      Its is shocking and outrageous that you call as pirates the fine people who want infinite copyright length, outrageously disproportionate punishments, private unlimited use of government resources under the color of law who can act as judge, jury and executioner with no due process and no recourse, and the ability to extradite foreigners who are not committing a crime in their country nor even actually distributing any content to anyone anywhere.

      That's as bad or worse than calling hypocrite of a politician publicly saying s/he is against corruption while secretly benefiting from corruption.

      Or its like saying hypocrite of a religious leader vocally against homosexuality and illegal drugs who is secretly hiring a same sex prostitute to also bring him illegal drugs. Or celibate priests molesting children.

      Or its like suggesting that our fine upstanding police are bullies just because they are beating up or falsely accusing or arresting people; or calling them ignorant for not knowing the law they are supposed to enforce.

      I could go on. But clearly calling the SOPA / PIPA supporters pirates is somehow wrong and the government should crack down on people who think such thoughts, let alone dare to speak them.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:48am

    Ratchet effect

    The MPAA keeps applying steady pressure, while meanwhile, eventually the public attention can only be sustained for so long. And so copyright keeps ratcheting, always tightening, never loosening.

    What happens when you keep ratcheting a bolt tighter and tighter? Keep torquing that bolt.

    The White House emphasized that it is committed to giving law enforcement new tools to crackdown on copyright infringement.

    You try to to torque that bolt just a little bit more—but it won't move. Well then, just get a bigger wrench! More torque! Tighten it up. Tighten, tighten, tighten.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Bolt turner, 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:56am

      Re: Ratchet effect

      You can torque a bolt only so far. Eventually the head shears off.

      I look forward to the day the copyright bolt finally snaps on the MAFIAA.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:04am

        Re: Re: Ratchet effect

        You can torque a bolt only so far. Eventually the head shears off.

        Not in the movies. In Hollywood, the bolt does whatever the director demands.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          The eejit (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:35am

          Re: Re: Re: Ratchet effect

          Wasn't that proven by the Mythbusters once? Or am I confusing Myth Confirmed with Myth Busted?

          link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:14pm

        Re: Re: Ratchet effect

        Riot

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:13am

      Re: Ratchet effect

      Advice for the MPAA / RIAA / Righthaven:

      If at first you don't succeed, use a shorter bungee.

      Or, if denied when you ask for the Sun, the Moon and all the stars; try to be more reasonable. Instead ask for only the Sun, the Moon and only the stars in *this* galaxy. Congress and/or the courts might just give them to you.

      As a practical example, instead of asking for private interests to be given sweeping powers to permanently censor any website with no evidence or process; instead ask to only be able to censor for, say, 180 days. With the takedown request being renewable within 10 days of the 180 day expiration.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:28am

        Re: Re: Ratchet effect

        Don't give them any bad ideas.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          derek kraushaar, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:32am

          Re: Re: Re: Ratchet effect

          why do u say that

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:37am

          Re: Re: Re: Ratchet effect

          Every one of their own ideas seem to be bad ideas. Therefore it is unnecessary to give them any bad ideas. :-)

          I seriously hope SOPA / PIPA goes the way of Righthaven.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        fogbugzd (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:28am

        Re: Re: Ratchet effect

        Actually, the rebuffs and criticisms are just intended to be instructional to other parties trying to pass legislation. All is going according to the standard Righthaven model for self destruction.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Chosen Reject (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:46am

        Re: Re: Ratchet effect

        They would never ask for the Sun. Instead they would ask for all the stars in the galaxy and then insist that they aren't asking for the Sun despite widespread cries that the Sun is obviously a star in this galaxy.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    fogbugzd (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:50am

    It is quite possible that having SOPA/PIPA go down in flame is the best thing that could happen to the RIAA and MPAA. SOPA and PIPA themselves have become politically toxic. Politicians are probably going to start looking a lot harder at industry demands for more copyright protections.

    I am hoping the rejection of PIPA and SOPA wake up people in the industry to the realities they face. Bluntly, piracy is not the biggest problem they face. It has been an excuse and distraction from their real problems. The sooner they face that the sooner they can start to take corrective actions.

    Denial is the first stage of grieving. Often the most ridiculous denials come right at the end of the grieving stage. Perhaps the latest statement is the first step in recovery.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:15am

      Re:

      If they can't fix their problems, then having the RIAA / MPAA go down in flames could be the best thing to happen to artists, content creators and consumers.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        gorehound (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 10:02am

        Re: Re:

        I would love to see both the RIAA & MPAA DIE !!!
        And I would also love to see a large amount of US Citizens wake up and BOYCOTT both in such a big way that they will lose out in the end.

        No one is taking my Freedom away without a struggle.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:17am

      Re:

      this ain't denial, bud.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      nasch (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:16am

      Re:

      Politicians are probably going to start looking a lot harder at industry demands for more copyright protections.

      Yep.

      Congressinduhvidual: Boy, that SOPA thing didn't go well, people are really paying attention to this stuff.
      Lobbyist: Don't worry, we'll write some new legislation that will pass.
      Congressinduhvidual: Yeah, but it will be politically risky to support it. Anyway... I'm holding a fundraiser next weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Violated (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:25am

      Re:

      Yes and this is why we should take down as much as the Internet on the 18th as is possible. Give these people a day they will never forget.

      Remember the blackout is 8am to 8pm EST. I have already personally requested that FaceBook and Google join in but we shall see. My own websire sure is joining in.

      Wikipedia from that I have seen have voted for a total site blackout but it was very close call with a top banner opposition instead.

      My greatest wish now is that the Internet service to Washington can be pulled if not to leave this city in darkness.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        another mike (profile), 18 Jan 2012 @ 12:41pm

        Re: Re:

        I've joined the protest and blacked out my Google+ profile, Blogger page, YouTube channel, and Twitter page. It's just my small but individual effort to protest against censorship.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Edwards7, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:48am

      Response to: fogbugzd on Jan 16th, 2012 @ 7:50am

      Oh really? What exactly are their biggest problems? You failed to mention that.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:53am

    Opposite Land!

    I guess mpaa, riaa, uscoc, Lamar Smith, Leahy and their gang live in some kind of opposite dimension where white is black, left is right, no means yes and stop means go ahead!

    Welcome to the Cthulhian Mountains of Madness!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:57am

      Re: Opposite Land!

      "Welcome to the Cthulhian Mountains of Madness!"

      Also known as Washington, DC.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Richard (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 7:58am

    They're starting to sound like......

    Righthaven!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      John Doe, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:04am

      Re: They're starting to sound like......

      Exactly what I was thinking. Lets hope the result is the same.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      A Guy (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:20am

      Re: They're starting to sound like......

      I'm sure the American people are just providing guidance for any future politicians who want to pass similar legislation.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        The eejit (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:38am

        Re: Re: They're starting to sound like......

        Well, it's either that or Hollywood is trying to use Roger Rabbit as a Tommy-gun of cash up on the Hill.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:02am

    Copyright infringement is a joke as a whole. Is it illegal for me to record something on a tape when listening to it on the radio? Is it illegal for me to download radio broadcasts and take songs from that to make my own cd? Is it illegal for me to record a tv show on a VCR? The answer to all of these is no. What happens if someone else does this and I download it off them? Oh... Then it's illegal. The argument is record and video companies are going down the tubes because of it... Yet, when you look at their profits, they keep getting larger and larger, though the amount to make movies is becoming less and less due to technological advancements. This is just a way for them to charge billions of dollars to innocent civilians to recoup costs losts on other projects and artists' records that didn't go so well.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Edwards7, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:52am

      Response to: Anonymous Coward on Jan 16th, 2012 @ 8:02am

      Actually I believe it is the opposite. It's illegal for you to record or copy coprighted material and upload. Downloading said material isn't illegal.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Pixelation, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:06am

    I wonder if it would be better if a version passed that clearly was unconstitutional so it had a chance of getting shot down by the courts.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      DannyB (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:39am

      Re:

      About ten years ago, when the DMCA was being proposed, I once thought the same way you do now.

      Now I know better. DMCA was just the warmup.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:12am

    fucking hell...

    we need to strip these faggots of theyre positions

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:14am

    Obama is only making these statements to get re-elected. Upon re-election I suspect he would quickly change his mind like he did on many issues after his last election.

    Vote Ron Paul!!!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:14am

      Re:

      Obama/the White House *

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:19am

      Re:

      i agree; the only times hes ever done anything we elected him for is right before elections

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:27am

      Re:

      You still haven't said how you know for certain that Ron Paul won't do the exact same thing. ( you know, flip-flop once elected ). The 'PAC's ' that he receives money from don't exactly inspire confidence.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:36am

        Re: Re:

        You still haven't said how you know for certain that Ron Paul won't do the exact same thing. ( you know, flip-flop once elected ). The 'PAC's ' that he receives money from don't exactly inspire confidence.

        He's held elected office for many years, and his voting record always aligns with his campaign rhetoric. He's the only candidate who says the same thing consistantly. You can't find footage of him ten years ago saying something different then he says today. Whether you agree with him or not is another story.

        His only backpeddling comes from the newsletters that bear his name, which he is now distancing himself from. Claiming he didn't write all the racist things said in the newsletters and didn't know that content was in there. Sounds like Murdoch saying he had no idea his tabloids were hacking into celebrities voicemails. Either they're lying, or ignorant of what is being done in their name. Whichever it is, it's not acceptable.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Someantimalwareguy (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:54am

        Re: Re:

        I find many of his ideas compelling, but he goes too far on the foreign policy front. One thing you CAN say with confidence regarding Paul is that he has been fanatically consistent and in your face as to what he is pushing for.

        I would be very surprised if Paul flipped on anything; even with heavy industry pressure...No, you can criticize Paul for a lot of things, but Mitt-flopping is never going to be one of them...

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          nasch (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:20am

          Re: Re: Re:

          I find many of his ideas compelling, but he goes too far on the foreign policy front.

          Same here. I like the smaller military / no wars thing, but he's too isolationist, and foreign policy is one area where the President doesn't need a lot of help from Congress if I understand correctly.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Loki, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:59am

        Re: Re:

        While there are plenty of issue I disagree (or at least am unsure if I agree) with him on, so far as I can tell he is one of the few who truly believes what he says, and does what he says he is going to do unlike most politicians who want you to watch their lips while there hands are doing something else.

        As crazy and ridiculous as some of his ideas sound, I look at what the rest of the charlatans in office have done the last 20 years and I have to stop and ask - "can he really fuck things up any worse than they already are?"

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    firefly (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:25am

    Leahy's chief of staff is now Obama's liaison with Senate

    I'm not sure, maybe SOPA supporters know more than we do.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      firefly (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:38am

      Re: Leahy's chief of staff is now Obama's liaison with Senate

      Here's the press release. Not sure when the change takes place. I do believe that Leahy honestly believes in PIPA and would not disagree with anything in Obama's press release. The same may go for Ed Pagano. Please, everybody, spend more time talking to your legislators and their staff, and less time in the echo chamber.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      firefly (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:53am

      Re: Leahy's chief of staff is now Obama's liaison with Senate

      Here's the press release.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    derek kraushaar, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:27am

    sopa and pipa

    what do people think about sopa and pipa and if u disagree for whats going to happen tell y and if u like them voting for this also tell y i think it would be a good idea i just need help for a project im doing so any info will help and thank u

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Simon, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:36am

      Re: sopa and pipa

      Nice try Joe Biden.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:37am

      Re: sopa and pipa

      Does this project involve any punctuation or capital letters?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:48am

      Re: sopa and pipa

      I think that Congress should be excised as the cancer on US society it is: it does literally in the interests of the people, and there is a legally-mandated right to get rid of it.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        ZeeBat (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 11:28am

        Re: Re: sopa and pipa

        I think that Congress should be excised as the cancer on US society it is: it does literally in the interests of the people, and there is a legally-mandated responsibility to get rid of it.

        all fixed.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Rikuo (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:11am

      Re: sopa and pipa

      Just why the hell do you think you need to write in "txt-speak" in a comment box that doesn't have a limit on what you can write?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      The Groove Tiger (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 11:13am

      Re: sopa and pipa

      Y U NO GRAMMER!!1

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Dementia (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:37am

    Can we start a petition to get Lamar's mouth duct taped shut?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Trails (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:04am

      Re:

      Duct tape won't hold, need chernobyl-amounts of concrete to keep all that poisonous vapour contained.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:40am

    But politics is all about taking what people say and how they vote out of context to make it sound more favorable for your view!

    Take Kerry's vote against funding for the Iraq war as an example, he didn't vote against the war, he voted against body armor for the troops! Armor that was less then 0.1% of the spending in the bill he voted against!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Tubbles, 16 Jan 2012 @ 8:53am

    SOPA WILL RUIN US!

    Sirs,

    You are mis-informed, this bill will prosecute the anyone who links to a website that has counterfeit information, and if they are not in america they will be blacklisted for it. For example, all of you very helpful videos on YouTube, will be blocked and so will any website that is linked to YouTube, I don't know if you have a Facebook, but every page on Facebook will be scanned and if it finds counterfeit information then it will also be banned or blacklisted by the united states government, Until it is fixed but as we all know the government is very slow at doing things. Now I believe that this would ruin our american economy, and if you haven't noticed, we really don't export any products, we are an information based society, And SOPA WILL RUIN US.

    Tubbles

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Trails (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:08am

      Re: SOPA WILL RUIN US!

      Uh, who are you talking to?

      Cause, uh, we sorta already know all that...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 17 Jan 2012 @ 3:56am

        Re: Re: SOPA WILL RUIN US!

        I think that was a yarn to show how silly you are for believing in FUD.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Trails (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:05am

    Um, isn't SOPA dead?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      nasch (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:26am

      Re: Um, isn't SOPA dead?

      According to /. it's dead

      I can't find any source stating that other than that Examiner post. I suspect he saw Cantor's statement that there will be no vote on the bill until there's consensus about the issues, and misinterpreted it as Cantor actually killing the bill.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:06am

    " As crazy and ridiculous as some of his ideas sound, I look at what the rest of the charlatans in office have done the last 20 years and I have to stop and ask - "can he really fuck things up any worse than they already are?" "

    yes he can.
    Absolutely.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Violated (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:08am

    Democracy

    "but focus solely on illegal conduct, which is not free speech"

    Now there is a false statement.

    To have hundreds of millions of people break the law is the greatest act of free speech when this is democracy in action screaming out that the law is wrong.

    What about former alcohol prohibition when does their voice mean nothing when so many broke the law? Just a bunch of criminals with no free speech found here? Stamp them out like bugs? Nope when their defiance of an unjust law changed the law when alcohol is not a problem for responsible adults.

    File-sharing is much the same when since it has caused little real damage so far then this is all opposition to unjust laws that equally has grown into political and religious rights.

    Be afraid, the people are talking.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 10:06am

      Re: Democracy

      *raises glass*

      To High Treason, which a considerable portion of Congress is committing by taking these donations and not actually acting in the public's best interest.They should be shot like the traitors to the ideals of democracy and freedom that they are.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Karl (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 10:23am

      Re: Democracy

      "but focus solely on illegal conduct, which is not free speech"

      Now there is a false statement.


      It's also false for another reason: it does not focus solely on illegal conduct. It blacklists entire sites, not just the infringing content. (Also, infringement may be unlawful speech, but it is speech, not "conduct.")

      Additionally, the parties who would be the most impacted are not "rogue sites," but the advertisers, search engines, and payment providers who must blacklist them (and their users and customers).

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 17 Jan 2012 @ 3:58am

        Re: Re: Democracy

        the advertisers, search engines, and payment providers who must blacklist them

        The horror! What an incomprehensible and undoable task!

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          nasch (profile), 17 Jan 2012 @ 6:08am

          Re: Re: Re: Democracy

          What an incomprehensible and undoable task!

          I'm going to ask again for a "Stupid" voting button, though I don't think it's going to happen. :-)

          link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:17am

    Funny how the MPAA forget to mention that the very foundations that Hollywood was created on was Piracy.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Jeffrey Nonken (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:35am

    Good god, their spin doctors must have been working all weekend on crack.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    nommers, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:39am

    Lets stop exposure of philosiphies to children so they can't learn from stolen content. Thats the way to go right? Once SOPA pass, the kids'll be hurting. thats a darn shame. half the websites they go on will be changed.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    jen powers, 16 Jan 2012 @ 9:51am

    the websites willing to shut down on #j18 in solidarity against SOPA are the true innovators. littlebiggy will be counted among them: http://littlebiggy.org/4709048

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Petra Arkanian (profile), 16 Jan 2012 @ 11:08am

    The role of the Government is to protect scarce property, because scarcity implies that there's potential for conflict. IP arbitrarily creates scarcity, when there is no scarcity. Technology is allowing us to escape physical limitations and our Gov. is holding us back. Senator Orrin Hatch, who co-sponsored SOPA and co-Authored PIPA, supports destroying one's computer without due process if found dishonoring copyrights:
    http://www.dethronehatch.com/orrin-hatch-is-no-friend-of-the-internet/
    He's also made tens of thousands of dollars for trying to push them through:

    http://blog.experts-exchange.com/ee-tech-news/sopa-update-blackouts-pacs-and-a-little-bi t-of-irony/

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 Jan 2012 @ 12:24pm

    I love where it says "Misinformation simply can't be allowed to replace honest debate"

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    TahoeMac, 16 Jan 2012 @ 1:29pm

    Can someone please tell me what it is these guys are smoking before they come out with statements like this? I need some seems like it must get you trashed.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Al Bert (profile), 17 Jan 2012 @ 2:59am

    Nonsense is just cheaper than lies

    They act like there will be no opposition because the opposition from the white house is fake. There are two things at play making this seem so nonsensical. First is the fact that they don't have to say anything that makes sense because they don't have to answer to the public or their opposition. Second, these people have blinders on and are unaware of how obvious the lies are becoming. If the white house had come out saying "we are in favor of legislation that will provide free blowjobs from space unicorns", Lamar Smith would've said essentially the same thing:

    "I welcome today's announcement that the White House will support legislation to provide free blowjobs from space unicorns" Smith said in a statement. "That's precisely what the Stop Online Piracy Act does."

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Jack Lebois, 18 Jan 2012 @ 5:54pm

    Internet Self-Censorship

    Self Censorship???

    ...on the internet?

    What country are we living in? IRAN???

    Surprise folks! Iran has such a law!

    ...something called juriprudent! (...basically watch out on what you say or think...and always put yourself in the "clerics" shoes considering what they might find "inappropriate or offensive...yeah illegal!)

    Soon we will have the same legislative structure as Iran! (...a bureau of "voice and communications" where every letter of the alphabet is scrutinized and rejected for "perceived" meaning and such!!! ...then we can move to the next step...closed door trials where the accused will not know what they are being charged with...not to mention secret jails/prisons and then hit squads!!!)

    ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

    If this so-called law passes here in the US we will be moving backwards a few centuries!!! (We the people must consider a new revolution!!!)

    If you pass this "law" you must also pass a law where you must wear "head gear" while passing future laws! (just like the ayatollahs!!!)


    Do not "sell out" the forefathers and their wisdom/legacy!!!

    The people have spoken Mr/Mrs lawmakers/representatives...consider your actions and while passing such laws...because your will be doing it without representing me!!!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    john sheridan, 22 Jan 2012 @ 10:32am

    A real protest-everyone stops buying any content 3 months

    Maybe the next protest is that we all cancel our netflix, amazon, hbo, premium cable etc for 3 months and protest all films at movie theaters. In the past a movie would open in theaters and then be on TV- now there are about 8 ways they extract money. And music- artist can make their tracks easily at home and sell on the web without any music studio at all- this is just about trying to hold on to the old business model.

    In any case, the vote is one way re politics- but if we could all just suck it up and cancel all the things that puts money in MPAA and RIA for three months, maybe that could send a signal. If artist just all sold their music for cheaper online and made more money doing that, it would also send a message.
    Do you know in the old days the RIAA would call Doctors' offices and mechanic shops and threaten suit if they heard a private record or the radio playing since that would be for "professional use"- that is why they played that horrible muzak they were forced to buy. That is what RIAA and MPAA want again. They will only understand if we cut off their money-oxygen supply a bit.
    And maybe they should consider that unlike Hollywood, the rest of real America does not have as much money right now and maybe that is why people are not using a lot of disposable income to buy their CRAP.

    Do you think a co-ordinated 3 month boycott of these "industries" could work, or are we all too lazy and addicted?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    john sheridan, 22 Jan 2012 @ 10:33am

    A real protest-everyone stops buying any content 3 months

    Maybe the next protest is that we all cancel our netflix, amazon, hbo, premium cable etc for 3 months and protest all films at movie theaters. In the past a movie would open in theaters and then be on TV- now there are about 8 ways they extract money. And music- artist can make their tracks easily at home and sell on the web without any music studio at all- this is just about trying to hold on to the old business model.

    In any case, the vote is one way re politics- but if we could all just suck it up and cancel all the things that puts money in MPAA and RIA for three months, maybe that could send a signal. If artist just all sold their music for cheaper online and made more money doing that, it would also send a message.
    Do you know in the old days the RIAA would call Doctors' offices and mechanic shops and threaten suit if they heard a private record or the radio playing since that would be for "professional use"- that is why they played that horrible muzak they were forced to buy. That is what RIAA and MPAA want again. They will only understand if we cut off their money-oxygen supply a bit.
    And maybe they should consider that unlike Hollywood, the rest of real America does not have as much money right now and maybe that is why people are not using a lot of disposable income to buy their CRAP.

    Do you think a co-ordinated 3 month boycott of these "industries" could work, or are we all too lazy and addicted?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      nasch (profile), 22 Jan 2012 @ 5:24pm

      Re: A real protest-everyone stops buying any content 3 months

      Do you know in the old days the RIAA would call Doctors' offices and mechanic shops and threaten suit if they heard a private record or the radio playing since that would be for "professional use"

      If by the old days you mean last year, yes. They haven't stopped doing that, though it's actually collection societies such as ASCAP, not the RIAA directly.

      link to this | view in chronology ]


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