In this current election year, of 2012, it is imperative that political activism remain alive and well, in our country.
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I’m sure many of you noticed that Wikipedia web site is in blackout mode; in protest of the internet anti-piracy bills, currently pending before Congress.
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Other popular sites, including Craigslist, Google and Reddit also went dark for a few hours, or at least covered their logo, as a statement of unity against legislature that many believe will censure and ultimately damage the internet freedoms we all enjoy and often take for granted. Some believe the bills before the Congress to be in direct opposition of our First Amendment right of free speech.
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Many of you probably came across Google’s protest, (this is a screenshot of their blacked out logo) located on their search engine’s homepage.
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If you feel compelled to share your opinion on these matters, SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) HR 3261 is the bill before the House of Representatives. The web site - http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ will help you find contact information for whomever represents your district, in the House. All you need to know is your zip code.
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The United State Senate is considering a parallel bill designated as PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act) S 968. A visit to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm is helpful, if you wish to contact your state senator, with thoughts on this legislation.
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Another political protest, that gained momentum towards the end of last year, was the “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Believe it or not, embers, from the burning fires of patriotism, fanned by the belief of freedom for all, managed to blow all the way down to my little community. And, right into my living room – to be exact!
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Make-shift tents were erected and the protest, now infamously known as “Occupy My Green Couch” began. For 2 weeks, all access and usage of the Green Couch was cut off; in a style of embargo that made Thomas Jefferson and his 1807 actions against Britain and France, look like child’s play.
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Then, as quickly as it began, the event came to an end. The protesters packed up their “tent” and moved on. (ugh – dangling preposition!!)
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The only evidence, of the prior inhabitants existence, is a tuft of fur, a wrinkled sleeping blanket and what appears to be the exoskeletal remains of some species, of winged bug. Aside from that, they were ghost!
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Ah, but not so fast. Sometime today, around the noon hour, a new protest arose. Tents were erected and the blazing heat of freedom, once again, warmed the hearts, of those who proudly stood for justice. Yes, a new cause is born – “Occupy Beloved’s Comfy Blue Chair.”
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I did attempt to interview the protesters – OK – the only protester. But, he wished to remain anonymous. This is due to the fact that it was getting close to feeding time and he didn’t want his identity revealed to “She Who Delivers the Crunchy Bowl at Noon”. I just want to go on record to say, that the big green eyeball, in the above picture, looks VERY familiar to me!
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Let me end by saying, even tho I got a bit silly about “protests”, I believe in my heart that it is our fundamental right and responsibility to let our leaders know when we are pleased with their actions – and when we aren’t. Take the time to contact the men and women of Congress, whatever your opinion may be of SOPA and PIPA. And if not about this issue, then discuss with them anything else that concerns you.
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“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington
For more information on SOPA and PIPA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PROTECT_IP_Act
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
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