Ohio: Possible Meeting on Jan 17 -- can you go? or help?

Top Priority for OH: Set up Meetings

There aren't any public events yet, so the most important thing is to get meetings with Senators. Here's what you need to do:

• Fax 216 522 2239 or call (216) 522-7272 to meet with Senator Brown, who is a co-sponsor of PIPA.
  
• Call 216-522-7095 to meet with Senator Portman, who has no public position on PIPA yet.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Ohio for Internet Freedom (the folks in this forum) to discuss the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA.  Make it clear that you want to meet with the Senator during the January recess, and that you'll be bringing others from your group.  Have your calendar open when you call, so you can pick a time that works for you.  When finished, post a report-back. 

For example: "Hi, my name is ________, I'm with Ohio for Internet freedom, and I'm calling to request a meeting with Senator _______ during the January recess.  The PROTECT IP vote is happening on January 24th, and I wanted the Senator to understand my concerns before the vote happens."

Report back by posting a comment below

IMPORTANT: If you do get a meeting, post another message. That way others can join you in your meeting.  If there's any other specific information we should include in this post, message us and we can add it. 

Tyler

I wont be scheduling a meeting, but i will help anyone out with this fight on the SOPA.

earleymw

I sent the fax to Brown.  

Michael

I called senator brown and his receptionist told me to contact him via this email address: bradley_deane@brown.senate.gov

Michael

scheduler@portman.senate.gov    is the email address for the other senator. what days would work good for people interesting in coming to the meeting with either of the senators?

DMH

I created a Doodle poll so we can figure out when people are free to meet one of the Senators: http://www.doodle.com/bmev35ix22s6ccnt . We have no guarantee that they'd be willing to meet in the evening or on the weekend, but I went ahead and included those as timeslots anyway on our poll. Please consider being flexible in your weekday schedule so we can have a fair-sized group at the meeting.

Cheers,

Dave

phyxlnn

I wish to do this, but I am extremely shy in person, so I am not sure... because speaking in person, compared to speaking over the internet, is not my strong suit.

StopSOPA-HQ

@phyxInn (sp?) Asking for a meeting is easy, and when the time comes for the actual meeting, you'll probably have lots of allies going to it with you! It's important that we get as many faces as possible infront of a Senator of one of their Aides.

Ria

Called Portman's office, spoke with a lovely lady who directed me to the online scheduling form here: http://portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/scheduling-requests I submitted a request in Columbus for the 10th, but stated that the date is flexible. On the form it does ask for number of participants, but I just put 1, since I don't know for sure, plus that question was optional. 

After I sent it, I didn't get any confirmation page or confirmation email, so that's weird. I do think it went through though, because the URL had a form code added to it: form_e7655b01-1528-4dd5-9afa-fdc63c7c8a72. We'll see, I suppose.


I don't know how many people are in Columbus; Ohio is a big state to drive through. I figured a central location would be best. I'm confident that I can go alone though, no big deal if people can't make it. I mean, the more the better obviously, to get the point across that many people are against it, but I'm okay. I also added my availability dates to that Doodle poll Michael created.

bigbootyjj

Good job DMH in setting-up that poll (http://www.doodle.com/bmev35ix22s6ccnt#table). I work with clients so I can change dates/times whenever but I prefer mid-day.

I'm from Cleveland (Strongsville to be exact) so its 71 South for me. Anybody else coming from Cleveland and interested in car pooling?

Please keep me up-to-date via email or cell (440-263-9967) on when this is going to happen. The more we get the better our chances!

Hope to hear from you all soon!

John (http://www.facebook.com/jjswindell?ref=tn_tnmn)

 

 

phyxlnn

I don't know @StopSOPA-HQ ... my mom might not let me go if she knew, especially with strangers, and especially if it's in columbus, because I am in cincinnati. :(

Shawna

I will be calling tomorrow morning. I would love to go with an army to discuss this with senators. So If anyone is bringing a group and heading down keep me posted.

DMH

@Ria, Have you heard back about your request for a meeting? It looks like Tuesday's our best bet so far, based on the Doodle poll, and we need to do some more planning if the Senator is ready to meet with us.

connectionfried

Faxed and e-mailed. I went to our local bar, sober, and riled them all up to oppose SOPA. I then walked to a few other bars that were close by and did the same thing. I passed out business cards with this website on it along with the e-mail addresses & fax numbers. I left with 250 of them, and I ended up having to run back home to grab more. So hopefully one of these people wake up in the morning with that business card in their pocket.

 

Neil_Hawk

I wish I could, I'm in the Navy and can't really get back to my state on a whim. But anyone who goes, please let them know our service members are not happy about this.

lovelessrt

I sent a long message describing my stance and showing how I see their point to the bill, but I showed the invalid points and the ramifications of what could very well happen to this country and what this country will turn into. Haven't heard anything.

earleymw

OK folks, the response I got back (see below) indicates I cannot meet with Senator Brown but can meet with his Deputy State Director (Beth Thames).  Tuesday January 17th, 10am.  

I cannot make that time (I live in Columbus, and cannot travel to Cleveland on that date), is it possible that someone else would be able to meet with her? 

---

Good morning Mr. Earley,

 

We have received your request to meet with Senator Brown and thank you for your interest in the PROTECT IP Act of 2011.  Senator Brown regrets that he is unable to meet with you due to his extremely busy recess schedule.  He would, however, like to offer you time to meet with his Deputy State Director Beth Thames before the January 24^th vote.  Beth would be happy to meet with you on January 17^th at 10:00 or 10:30am at our Cleveland Office.  Please let me know which time might work best for you and I will make sure it is added to Beth’s schedule.

 

Thank you,

Kate Malone

 

 

Kate Malone

Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

1301 East 9th Street Suite 1710

Cleveland, OH 44114

Phone: (216)522-7272

Fax: (216)522-2239

www.brown.senate.gov

---

Jenn_Wenn

I got the same e-mail from Kate Malone! I would love to go to Cleveland, but I will only go with other people! I'm young- I'm only 18, but I really want to make a difference in this because I'm do against it! My boyfriend will go with me, but I want other people to go because I feel like the person I'm supposed to meet with may not take me seriously if I go without anyone older!! Any volunteers?

lovelessrt

I got a reply. I'm actually quite surprised I received an email. Here is it:

"Thank you for sharing your thoughts about legislation to combat online infringement and digital theft.

 

Last Congress, the Senate considered, but did not pass, legislation entitled the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA).  The aim of this legislation was to assist the Department of Justice in tracking and shutting down "rogue websites."  These sites provide unauthorized downloads, streaming, or direct sale of copyrighted material.  Similar legislation, entitled the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property (PROTECT IP) Act, was recently introduced in the Senate.  The PROTECT IP Act narrows the definition of "rogue website" in an effort to target only the most egregious purveyors of digital theft and counterfeit crime.

 

In an age of advancing technology, it is critical we have laws that protect internet users from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent marketplace practices.  Too many consumers today purchase goods over the internet that may pose a significant threat to their health and wellbeing.   For example, a consumer may unknowingly purchase counterfeit prescription drugs online that contain incorrect amounts of active ingredients, and thus pose a serious risk to ill individuals.

 

Additionally, illegal file sharing and unauthorized copying of digital material prevents musicians, producers, filmmakers, software designers, and many others from reaping the fruits of their labor.  Such activity has the potential to stifle artistic creativity and compromise electronic innovation.  Ultimately, intellectual property theft costs our economy billions of dollars and can result in hundreds of thousands of lost jobs.

 

However, I have also heard from individuals with concerns about the scope of this legislation, as well as its First Amendment implications.  I take these concerns seriously.  Should this legislation come before the full Senate for a vote, I will keep your views in mind.  Thank you again for getting in touch with me. 

 

                         Sincerely,

              

                         Sherrod Brown

                         United States Senator"

DMH

I'm not much older (in grad school), but I'm also in Columbus and might be going.

@Earley, seeing the response from Sen. Brown, I wish he'd cited the portions which narrow the definition so we can judge for ourselves. I'd hate for consumers to mistakenly believe we were purchasing actual representation with our votes, which has the potential to stifle believe in our government's ability to get things done.

Seriously, though, I'm glad he responded. I just wish he had something more substantive in his form-letter response.

StopSOPA-HQ

hi, this is awesome work. love the idea of the doodle, maybe we should suggest that on all forums. so, is anyone able to go on the 17th? we have briefing calls on Mon and Wed at 12pm EST to help get everyone on track and we'd love to touch base with the person in charge of setting up the meeting -- if it is @earlerymw or someone else.

Matt_Stafford

If the meeting is in Cleveland I might be able to swing it. I'll be spreading it around the CSU campus community. Sherrod Brown obviously needs to be reminded that college students are among his biggest assets and that they are overwhelmingly against this bill.

DMH

It sounds like several of us can go on the 17th, though I'd be coming from Columbus so it's a bit trickier. 

earleymw

I cannot go, but I do need to respond to the office to set up the appointment.  If someone can confirm and email me at ace@dawnsedge.com then I can hook you up with her and get it moving.  I added the event to doodle also.  

Ria

I cannot make it to Cleveland that day, but I can attend any Columbus meetings. I did not hear back about my appointment request.

basilgohar

I'm from Columbus, and I do not think I will be able to make it to Cleveland on a Tuesday, but I definitely want to throw whatever support I can behind this.  There's no doubt that SOPA/PIPA will be amongst the biggest steps toward the erosion of the open Web and free Internet, and more importantly, to our rights as individuals to be free from the presumption of guilt.

gabearnold

Here are a couple social links for these guys, respectfully comment there.

https://twitter.com/#!/robportman

http://www.facebook.com/robportman

http://www.facebook.com/sherrod

https://twitter.com/#!/sensherrodbrown

StopSOPA-HQ

We created a Facebook event for the meeting @earlymw scheduled: http://www.facebook.com/events/358167600875545/
Please forward the link widely, and post back here if you can commit to coming!

Matt_Stafford

We need to get in touch with Kucinich and Marcia Fudge as well.

JooT

Interesting reply back....

Was this a recent reply? 

Mine came on November 16th saying close to the same thing...

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about legislation to combat online infringement and digital theft.
 
Last Congress, the Senate considered, but did not pass, legislation entitled the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA).  The aim of this legislation was to assist the Department of Justice in tracking and shutting down "rogue websites."  These sites provide unauthorized downloads, streaming, or direct sale of copyrighted material.  Similar legislation, entitled the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property (PROTECT IP) Act, was recently introduced in the Senate.  The PROTECT IP Act narrows the definition of "rogue website" in an effort to target only the most egregious purveyors of digital theft and counterfeit crime.
 
Illegal file sharing and unauthorized copying of digital material prevents musicians, producers, filmmakers, software designers, and many others from reaping the fruits of their labor.  Such activity has the potential to stifle artistic creativity and compromise electronic innovation.  Ultimately, intellectual property theft costs our economy billions of dollars and can result in hundreds of thousands of lost jobs.
 
However, I have also heard from individuals with concerns about the scope of this legislation, as well as its First Amendment implications.  I take these concerns seriously.
 
Should this legislation come before the full Senate for a vote, I will certainly keep your views in mind.  Thank you again for getting in touch with me.
 
                         Sincerely,
              
                         Sherrod Brown
                         United States Senator

 

 

I might be able to make it on the 17th... From near Toledo.

DMH

Coming from Columbus, I can make it on Tuesday, and I'd be happy to share rides with anyone else going from Columbus.

vinichi

I will not be meeting with one, but I know I will be encouraging this to others

JDColumbus

Hoping I didn't miss everything. Coming from Columbus I might be able to get to a meeting if I have advanced warning.

Eric

I didn't schedule a meeting but I did fax a letter to both senators.  Portman's fax is 202.224.9075.

jonathankopnick

I am down for any meeting

Unethrope

I'm on OSU campus. Anyone driving up to Cleveland on Tuesday, shoot me an email; I'm in.  Email me at tucker.408@buckeyemail.osu.edu if it might work.

relmz32

http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/ohio/ohio-recording-law

for those meeting with senators, i suggest that you record the meeting because it is both allowed according the our attorney general and is apparently common practice in Ohio.

Edit: derp, didn't finish typing. 3 am'll do that.

DMH

I'll be leaving Columbus around 630am tomorrow morning to ensure I get there early enough. Call or text 614.285.4368 if you'd like to coordinate for the trip to Cleveland to meet with Senator Brown's Deputy State Director.

DMH

I'll be arriving about an hour early to find my parking, etc. I propose we all try to meet up at least a half-hour before the meeting to coordinate. At any rate, let me know when you arrive tomorrow morning so we can collect in one place: 614.285.4368

JohnGyorki3

I cannot make the meeting, but I wrote to Senator Brown the following: I oppose the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA. I am 74 years old and have been in electronics and computers since 1953.  I am a technical professional (engineer) and retired magazine editor. From my lifelong experience, I can guarantee you that these types of proposals will not accomplish the goals that have been stated for them. These types of proposals cannot protect people from their own stupid mistakes or educate them about copyrights. In fact, if your proposal becomes law, it will damage our best venue to communicate the kind of  information across the world that helps keep our country free. Also, we need "real" facts to back up our actions, not misinformation propagated by those who "think up facts." We need to research our ideas and use people for advisors who really understand the issues, those who have the credentials to speak on the subject to help us make the RIGHT decision. And let us use those facts coupled with common sense and deep thinking about ALL the consequences.Please drop the SOPA and PIPA proposals.

jewfromdahood

I would like to make a meeting. But currently am in texas on business as IT/Linux/Network Administrator and Consultant. So don't think this issue is very dear to me. I have my blogs with a javascript to turn them off on the 18th in protest, in conjunction with wikipedia and others protest. You can see it on my #1 blog alonmg.tumblr.com my other smaller blogs are joined as well with the timed javascript. I also continuously spread the word and have two youtube videos on my channel 

the 1st one is here the second one is here

Also called both of my senators as I am a registered voter and reminded them my vote will hinge on this subject alone. And remind them I don't just vote every four years. But every 2.

SwordSoul

What i see is a LOT of "I'd love to but..."  is anyone actually going to go and meet and make a difference?

raiderjj111

Don't censor me !

StopSOPA-HQ

@DMH, @earlymw, and anyone else who attended the meeting yesterday: please post back and let us know how it went! Everybody else, @SwordSoul raises a good point: we still need more meetings, so please do what you can to get them set up!

Ria

How did the meeting go? I'm still available if anyone gets one for Columbus.

DMH

I've just written up yesterday's meeting in a blogpost at http://blog.davehowcroft.com/2012/01/to-the-senators-office/ 

Frank

You can write and call all you want.  The fact of the matter is, according to http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s968/show Sherrod Brown is co-sponsor of this.

So there is no snowflakes chance in H$$$ that he will really take into consideration your wishes when it comes time to vote.  I guarantee you that he will rule in favor of the rich entertainers.

He'll have to decide if his compensation now is worth more than later when election time comes around for him.

StopSOPA-HQ

@Frank This bill has over 30 co-sponsors - and today, because of people like @DMH and earlymw, at least five of those co-sponsors retracted their sponsorship, and declared their opposition to the bill! It's true, though, that we the huge impact we've had over the past 24 hours will only mean something if we can harness it to reach those Senators (like Brown) who aren't responding to their constituents' concerns. Call, email, fax, and (optimally) go to your Senators' local offices and ask for meetings, preferably under the banner of "Ohio for Internet Freedom." That'll let the Senators' staffs know that there are a lot of you out there, that you're all working together, and that they therefore cannot possibly hope to ignore you. Stay strong out there - we're making progress!

Matt_Stafford

We can change this back to Ohioans for Internet Freedom also I got an email from Rob Portman that announces his opposition to PIPA.