Missouri for Internet Freedom

Top Priority for MO: 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:

• Fill out this form or call 314-367-1364 to meet with Senator McCaskill, who has no public position on PIPA yet.
  
• Call (816) 471-7141 to meet with Senator Blunt, who is a co-sponsor of PIPA.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Missouri 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 Missouri 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. 

Bobby_Typhoon

I'm requesting meetings, but will not be able to actually go as I am enlisted and my job takes precedent.  I can however say that as a person who has swore to give my life to defend the Constitution and country, things like this really bum me out.  I will be sure to point out that asking someone to stand in defense of a country that is stripping people of basic rights and liberties is painful and disheartening.  Here's to making sure this bill doesn't pass and any others like it. \m/

SteveCole88

I've tried to set up a meeting with McCaskill, the other number is out of service unfortunately. I will check this page periodically to see if anyone else is available and willing to attend. Needless to say it's rather important.

StopSOPA-HQ

Great! can either of you call to follow up?

rogp

Figures Blunt the psuedo-conservative would support this. Surprised McCaskill hasn't.

Do they even read the bill and know what it is about?  Either they are incompetent or in on it.

This is a technically obscure area for many, but all we can do is to alert as many people to this threat as we can.  Will call Senators B and M, as well as my rep E this week.  

freethehat

Steve,
   Would be willing to attend meeting if one can be arranged - don't know that Claire has a very good record for being accessible but I will go if possible.

fisherdoc

I sent in an email asking for a meeting during January recess, will report back if I hear anything. Also am willing to attend meetings others get. 

fisherdoc

The above was Claire McKaskill 

Here's what I got from Blunt -- I was referred to a Washington number : Emily Selles at 202-224-5721, she requested that I send an email to scheduling@blunt.senate.gov or fax to 202-228-6938 - and include who would be attending the meeting and the topic to be discussed, along with a phone number where I can be reached. 

There is also a St. Louis office that was given to me on the initial call: 314-725-4484. It was suggested that if I couldn't get a meeting with Blunt, there might be a recourse to get a meeting there. 

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that volume is important, so the more people who call/email their office, the better. 

Anyone got any suggestions on how many members of Missouri for Internet Freedom to tell them I'll be bringing along?

StopSOPA-HQ

@fisherdoc - great work! You're absolutely right, the more people who call/e-mail requesting meetings about PIPA the better. If you're close to St. Louis, I'd encourage you to call and request a meeting with Blunt's staff, any face time is much better than no face time.

sarahokay

So I called and was given the same number, but I was referred to a Downey Palmer who is one of Blunt's staff. I called and was told the same exact thing that is posted above, I will attend a meeting if need be and I'm sure we could rally up some more people to join through various social networks. Let me know what's going on.

newsguy

I work for KMBC-TV in Kansas City. (Assignment Editor). 

If anyone gets a meeting set up, please make up a press release and give it to the news outlets. This is a story that has been needing local coverage. 

KMBC's news tips email is news@kmbc.com 

If you'd like to email me directly or just cc: it. My personal is eric.d.mackey@gmail.com 

Thank you!

demonspork

If you call Roy Blunt's DC Office @ (202) 224-5721 you can ask for Jennifer, as she deals with Protect IP for him. She is the person to talk to on Roy Blunt's staff about this particular bill.

ExtremeGadgetGuy

I requested a meeting with Claire McCaskill for January 21 using their online form listed above. The message I sent was as follows:

Missouri for Internet Freedom would like to discuss its concerns over Protect IP Act and SOPA. We strongly believe both of these proposals will dramatically hurt the growth of Internet businesses and puts undue control into the hands of the entertainment industry. With the concern of our economy and jobs, this is the last thing Congress should be debating. Please OPPOSE SOPA and Protect IP Act.

I will let this forum know if I get a response.

StopSOPA-HQ

@newsguy - thank you for the media support! We will absolutely let you know if anything comes to fruition

@demonspork - thanks for the helpful info! 

@extrmegadgetguy @sarahokay - awesome work guys. We are really helping to make a difference, and you'll understand how in a few hours!

CWheatley

Just a thought, something else to get peope up to date on what is going on, you can also post on their facebook walls, with your request. Make it public, again be polite, but honest. I completely agree with everything going on right now in this country why is this even on the table. Everyone wants to talk about cutting back, why not stop wasting time on things that dont need attention. "if it ain't broke, dont fix it".

ADorman

I'm in the Springfield area but will do my best to attend any scheduled meeting.

"I completely agree with everything going on right now in this country why is this even on the table."

Because it's the only way this piece of tyrannical garbage could ever possibly squeak by. Distraction techniques ftw! It's like trying to hide a fart by coughing at the same time. It just doesn't work, buddy.

simpleman72685

I have no way of attending a meeting because I work overnight. I am commenting to support the opposition of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). I think it violates the First Amendment in ways of freedom of speech. I am also against it because the only people who would support this are the big media giants looking to stomp on the little guys and the new kids on the block. This is a country based on being able to express yourself, not being limited on what you can do over fear of being sued or banned!!!!

SteveLea

 "Hi, my name is Steve Lea, I'm with Missouri for Internet freedom, and I'm calling to request a meeting with Senator Blunt 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."

RipKing

Still no responce yrt but I'm going to call everyday possible. Vote for rip king at kcentertainmentawards.com for hip-hop artist of the year and mixtape of the year. 44 Ent

imegahan

I will attend the meeting that is set up. 

Accolades to Bobby_Typhoon January 6 the enlisted man whose comments appear first on this page.

imegahan

If you contact me by email, please put SOPA or PIPA in the RE: box. I will set up my email not to SPAM you.

ladybluesonic

I requested a meeting with M, highly doubt I will get it though. Its probably a useless cause with Blunt. He will never get my vote because he is taking more of my rights away.

womanpwr

Is there a group of people who are planning to just show up at their offices?

diver17

We know why you refuse to meet on the PIPA bill.  You got paid by the corporate giants NOT to listen to facts.  You're just another puppet, dancing to whoever gives you more money.  What a shame.  That's why I think Capitol Hill now is nothing but a whore house.

 

Frankie

StopSOPA-HQ

@womanpwr Nobody has organized such a "visit" yet - but we think that sort of thing is an excellent idea, so please feel free to go ahead and start planning one yourself!

ExtremeGadgetGuy

Hey All, I received a voice message from Senator McCaskill's office yesterday (January 17, 2012 at 9:08am). The voice message is as follows:

“Hi Jeff, this is Jordan in Senator McCaskill’s office.
Just wanted to give you a call and discuss your scheduling request.
Unfortunately I do not have availability for the Senator this week to meet in
Missouri. But I’m happy to pass on your comments to one of our staff members
here in DC if you’re open to that. If you can give me a call back whenever you
get a chance. The number is 202-224-xxxx. Thank you. Bye.”

So should I pursue setting up a meeting at a future date?

whitewolf8214

Senator Roy Blunt

Senate Leader Harry Reid is pushing forward with legislation that is deeply flawed and still needs much work. That is why I’m withdrawing my co-sponsorship for the Protect IP Act.

While I believed the bill still needed much work, I cosponsored the Senate version of the Protect IP Act because I support the original intent of this bill – to protect against the piracy of lawful content. Upon passage... of this bill through committee, Senate Judiciary Republicans strongly stated that there were substantive issues in this legislation that had to be addressed before it moved forward. I agree with that sentiment.

The right to free speech is one of the most basic foundations that makes our nation great, and I strongly oppose sanctioning Americans’ right to free speech in any medium – including over the internet. I continue to believe that we can come to a solution that will cut off the revenue sources for foreign websites dedicated to counterfeiting and piracy that steal American jobs, hurt the economy, and harm consumers. But the Protect IP Act is flawed as it stands today, and I cannot support it moving forward.    https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBlunt?ref=ts     

RavenMarlow

I called both and made sure my concerns were expressed, as did my partner.

StopSOPA-HQ

@whitewolf8214. Thanks for the update! If anyone has a free minute, please call/email Blunt to thank him for listening to his constituents' concerns

Miranda

I'm in the St. Louis area and I would attend a meeting.

StopSOPA-HQ

@ExtremeGadgetGuy Definitely follow up, and ask for a meeting! Unless the vote fails outright on the 24th, this fight will be continuing for quite some time, and we can't let up on the pressure.
Stay strong out there - we're making progress!

Technical_Angel

Reply from Senator 
Claire McCaskill

Dear Miss Riebel,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Protect IP Act, S. 968.  I will not support the Protect IP Act as proposed, and I was pleased to see that the Senate decided not to proceed to voting on this bill.

I congratulate all of you who decided to get involved with your government and influenced the decisions made by Senate leadership about how to proceed on this legislation.  You have had a real impact on the legislative process.  As I watched my Twitter account explode, and reviewed the thousands of letters and calls coming into my Senate office, I couldn't help but grin.  This is how it's supposed to work.  Thousands of people, not lobbyists or organized special interest groups, began petitioning their government using all the means of modern communication.  With lightning speed, and in great numbers, you typed and swiped, cut and pasted, Tweeted and Facebooked, and you killed a bill.  Bravo.

As you may know, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont introduced the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate to combat online piracy by foreign-based websites.  Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas introduced a similar version of the legislation, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), in the House of Representatives.  As a former prosecutor, I want to go after cheats and frauds.  Illegal sale of counterfeit goods and piracy of intellectual property is a major problem that hurts our economy and undermines the belief that, as Americans, we are entitled to the fruits of our labor.  We believe in the basic ethic of "work hard and play by the rules."

But every piece of legislation has to be examined carefully for its unintended consequences.  PIPA was designed to stop foreign, rogue websites that are selling or providing access to illegal copies of video and audio content and counterfeited goods.  These websites are stealing copyrighted material and selling it on the Internet.  This hurts musicians and artists who own the rights to the content they have created as well as small businesses and retailers that want to legitimately sell their goods.  Additionally, all of the people who support and work in these industries see their work diminished and their jobs negatively influenced.  This is an issue we must address and we can address.

However, as drafted, PIPA created more problems than it was trying to solve.  The Internet is a powerful tool and its unrestricted exchange of information has allowed all parts of the world to interact with each other, while growing the global economy.  But the effect that PIPA would have on our current copyright laws and our ability to access the Internet is unclear.  Many provisions in the bill were written too broadly.  This could have resulted in increased litigation, the targeting of legitimate websites and more liability for reputable businesses.

There were, in short, too many unanswered questions about how PIPA would affect the operations of the Internet and the ramifications it could have on search engines and other providers.  We need to go after thieves, but we don't want to kill a cockroach with a bazooka.  Because there are many complicated technical and legal issues that still need to be addressed, I will not support PIPA as it is currently drafted and will not support any bill in the future that threatens the freedom of the Internet in such a broad and unpredictable way.

Should legislation similar to the Protect IP Act be considered by the Senate in the future, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue.