Maryland for Internet Freedom: Meeting with Senator Cardin, 1/20 at 3pm

StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
in Individual State Discussions
Meeting with Head Counsel to Senator Cardin on Friday, 1/20, at 3pm!
Meanwhile, please continue to set up more meetings!

Here's what you need to do:


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


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. 

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Comments

  • ZeoredZeored
    I'm willing to help. I don't wanna go in alone though.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    I wouldn't be too scared of that. Just make sure to watch this space and hook-up with other PIPA opponents!
  • CutieBubblesCutieBubbles
    I'm willing to help. I'm gonna create a powerpoint about it and try to show it to my school.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    That's awesome!!! Let us know how it goes, and make sure to save it, maybe you'll get to show it to one of your Senators!
  • KMAKMA
    Left messages on both answering machines and emailed Sen. Mikulski's scheduler. If by chance, I get a meeting I definitely don't want to go alone.
  • edwards0022edwards0022
    I'm preparing information about this topic for the town municipalities in my town and two others close by. I would be willing to take a trip up to see Mikulski, however she is known not to see as the average people do. I could definitely get a couple people on board to come with me as well. This jeopardizes my future as I am a college student and work in the computer field.
  • Bri33Bri33
    I'm willing to help, but where can I find more concrete information about how PIPA would actually be detrimental to the industries that support it? I know personally that I wouldn't know about half of the music or movies out there if it weren't for the mentions around the internet. Has anyone done any number crunching on this fact?
  • p_miller325p_miller325
    I'm with you Bri33, I understand how it effects us and our personal use but how do we express to these incumbents that our position is for the best. There has to be some resource out there for that.  
  • KeeperOfWorldsKeeperOfWorlds
    I am assuming you guys are trying to meet with Senator Cardin?
    if this is the case we should work together. has anyone heard back yet from them, I just submitted my request. The more of us the better. What do you all say?
    I would suggest that any information we get we should post on this page so we can all consolidate our information. Oh and one bit of advice if you do talk with them remember to check, double check and triple check your facts, fastest way to get shot down is to be caught being wrong. good luck all
  • MrOnionMrOnion
    Just signed up, willing to help but last thing want to do is head in alone.
  • JMorabitoJMorabito
    @KeeperOfWorlds - unsure of how to reply to someone directly here, but I agree - strength in numbers.  Have you already called to schedule the appointment, and the scheduler is going to get back to you?  Can you keep us up-to-date here?

    Also, I completely agree with "check, double check and triple check your facts".  It's important to keep the discussion as pointed and correct as possible.  Anyone who wants to go should read the legislation and several analyses.

    Looking forward to hearing back about this!
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @Bri33 @p_miller325 - PIPA wouldn't be detrimental to the industries that support it, but it would be detrimental to the industries that rely on user generated content online. Billion+ dollar companies like Google, Twitter, Facebook, etc could have their website blocked if one user posts (OR EVEN LINKS TO, in the case of PIPA) infringing material. Not to mention the anti-counterfeiting provisions, which make the website blocking rule apply to people who sell goods via online shops like E-bay, Amazon, and Etsy sellers. 

    Not to mention that Hollywood pretty much lies about how much its being hurt by piracy: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111212/02244817037/congressional-research-service-shows-hollywood-is-thriving.shtml

    Here are some other useful resources:
  • MS1006MS1006
    YES someone please post when you have a meeting.....I WILL BE THERE
  • pablopablo
    The Mikulski link above doesn't work, but you just need to edit it to get there.  Here's the direct link:


  • mcb3kmcb3k
    I would be interested in a meeting as well. Just let us know the when and where.

  • bigsassybigsassy
    I'm also interested in attending as a constituent and as a web developer (Washington Post, American Legacy Foundation).
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    can someone call and pick a time and day?
  • adamn4edenadamn4eden
    There is no trust that remains in mainstream journalism.  They take everything seriously except "we, the people."  Between sports, weather, and animal stories, there is only a short window, if any, for "real news."  Most of us have resigned to the fact that they (the government and media) are just a tool for the rich and powerful, who entertain us and tell us what they want us to hear, as they trample over our rights, our common sense, and our freedoms.  It's a big maybe if they would listen to one of us, but I'll be damned if they would not listen to all of us as concerned citizens, or constituents.  Let me know when you are ready to make "OUR" voices heard.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @pablo - nice catch! This has been fixed in the main post.

    @mcb3k @bigsassy - we need you guys to schedule the meetings as constituents! Make a call to the closest office for both Senators and explain that you're with Maryland for Internet Freedom. The local offices of U.S Senators are very accommodating for constituants. After you request a meeting, report back here and tell us what happened. We'll help you find allies who want to go with you!

    @adamn4eden - this is democracy in action! If mainstream media outlets won't hear us out, we have to take our arguments right to the Senators themselves!
  • devinfleckdevinfleck
    I'll try to recruit as many people as i can to create a display of how many people are against the act, just think a mass group all standing out front protesting (in a respectful and non-disruptive manner) while a well educated representative speaks to the senator will be more impacting and may catch media light to spread the word a little hopefully in a good light as it should be a peaceful demonstration, if anyone disagrees with this approach or sees some flaw please contact me or leave a comment, thank you, fight the good fight gentlemen and take this bill out! i need to do a lot more research before i can form something concrete though and actually comments would be really appreciated
  • LimoWreckLimoWreck
    I am a small business in MD/DC and will participate. There is no need for anyone to feel apprehensive about meeting with a Senator it's their job as public servants. Yes, they are powerful but they are not interested in crafting bad legislation that helps their favorite lobby short-term but jeopardizes their re-election efforts.

    In truth, both parties understand and pay attention to only one topic....staying in the club (i.e. re-election). 

    Anything else is noise.
     
  • RomasRomas
    I would partake. Please advise if anything has been set up with the Senator.
    Thanks!
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    UPDATE: One of the major take-aways from the briefing call with Public Knowledge was that you don't have to set up a formal meeting to come in and talk to someone in a Senator's local office - you can just show up! So if the meeting requests don't seem to be going anywhere: just find the location of your closest office, recruit a few friends, and get in there!
  • talibusorabattalibusorabat
    I've emailed a request to Senator Mikulski and will call both later today. Is anyone close to the DC area? I live in Takoma Park, just outside of Washington and would like to meet - formally or informally - the senators in their DC offices.
  • talibusorabattalibusorabat
    Okay, just called both their offices in DC, and both told me to email my request. You can email Senator Cardin's scheduler, Debbie, at debbie_yamada@cardin.senate.gov.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @talibusorabat - awesome, that's very useful info! We'll update the main thread. Thanks for calling to follow up by the way!
  • cconovercconover
    I'm happy to help with this.
  • kraytexkraytex
    I'm willing to attend a meeting with our senators. Has anyone already set up a meeting?
  • roma_groma_g
    I would love to participate in a meeting, or an impromptu visit. Keep us updated is there is a response to the emails from the Senator's office.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    Just a reminder: if you don't get a formal response soon, please do start coordinating your own "impromptu visits"! Any amount of increased face-time you can get with a staffer will be tremendously helpful.
  • acordovaacordova
    Perhaps among the things discussed should be how the estimates for how much piracy is hurting the economy are inflated at best, or more likely, made up: 



    A GAO report debunking the $250B number: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-423



  • PatrickRoanhousePatrickRoanhouse
    I got emailed by Bill Van Horne, he handels judiciary issues for Sen. Cardin, which includes intellectual property and cybersecurity issues. 

    He asked me for some dates before the cloture vote on January 24 to bring in some people from the Baltimore Tech community to talk about why we are so against this Bill. I told him January 20th & 23rd

    Here is the letter i wrote that got the same day response today.







    Hello,

    My name is Patrick Roanhouse. I and several people from the Baltimore Tech & Creative communities want to help the Senator be fully aware of the ramifications of the PROTECT IP Act (Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011; United States Senate Bill S.968) and how no technical knowledge of how information systems or how the internet actually works was used to draft this draconian censorship inducing bill. 

    Several websites such as Wikipedia, Facebook, Youtube, and Reddit are actually going to disable service on the 18th of January to protest this lobbyist / entertainment industry written bill. We need to talk to our senator before the vote for cloture on the 24th for S.968. He doesn't have all the facts, and people who have the technical background want explain how dangerous this bill will be to the safety and security of the internet as well. Also we wanted to express how damaging this will be to his constituants in the fast growing startup community taking root and growing strong in Baltimore.

    I am right now in Las Vegas covering the CES (Consumer Electronic's) Showcase and will be in California till the 18th to talk to several startup companies out there as well about this. If you can please talk to us before the 24th or at least urge the Senator to vote against cloture on the 24th, we have true technical luminaries and university professors and researchers as well as startup owners knowledgeable about how the internet works. I can't express enough how vital it is that we explain how this entertainment lawyer / lobbyist written bill will irrevocably damage the underlying function of security on the internet, as well as the rights of free speech, creative expression, and even due process for everyday world citizens forever, not just the US citizens.

    Please email me to setup an appointment sometime soon. 


    We had his support for our BmoreFiber Project please let us know we have his support now in the growing tech & digital creative communities of Baltimore as well.









  • zerozero
    Please post messages to me if we get an appointment. I am on the engineering team responsible for the 'C'-root(s). I am a Md resident and can speak to some technical detail about the negative practical issues vis-a-vis breaking DNS/DNSSEC.
  • jvinesjvines
    I too am an MD resident with technical knowledge who wants to participate. I believe a showing in volume is one of the big things we need to do to support the cause.
  • Andrew_MyersAndrew_Myers
    I'm also a MD resident in Baltimore and a software developer by trade.  I will definitely come along if we get time with Senator Cardin.
  • SmileDahlingSmileDahling
    I'll gladly attend. I'll try scheduling an appointment tomorrow and report back. If anyone else has any luck, please let me know and I'll be there. 
  • SethSeth
    As a Maryland resident and business owner I will do my best to attend a meeting with my representatives.  I will keep an eye on the comments here in case a meeting date/time is set by someone else.

    Is there any way to subscribe to comments on this page?
  • SethSeth
    Here is my email:

    Hello, my name is Seth Levy.  My wife (Michelle) and I are concerned with the upcoming vote on the Protect IP Act (aka PIPA) on January 24th and I would love to have the opportunity to discuss this with Senator X.  My wife is a teacher and would be unable to attend, however I would be able to convey her concerns on how it would effect the classroom and I as a business owner will be able to convey my concerns in regards to how it will effect my business.  

    Thank you,

    Seth Levy
    (address)
  • danvito63danvito63
    If anyone really gets a mass meet together with either Senator, I'd really like to know ... please post it as many places possible to get maximum participation ... sorry i cannot be a leader on this, but I'll stand beside you - thank you, dan :)
  • bigsassybigsassy
    Looks like Senator Cardin won't vote for the PIPA bill:


    Next we need to get Senator Mikulski to see reason.
  • EngineerEngineer
    He won't vote on it, and is asking them to hold off voting, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I would count on it going to a vote, hopefully we can get it to filibuster. Also, someone should try to contact Rep. Steny Hoyer's office, since he is the House Minority Whip, which means he has influence in his party and chamber to perhaps help sway some votes to see the light of day. 

    I don't think Senator Mikulski will vote for it, a lot of what she gets for the state is for technology grants and funding. Doesn't hurt to make sure though.


    Any word on meeting with Bill Van Horne? Anyone actually going?
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @PatrickRoanhouse excellent work! Please follow up with Van Horne if you don't hear back in the next couple of days, post back here when you secure a meeting time.
    @zero @jvines @Andrew_Myers @Seth your kind of expertise is exactly what we need in these meetings - hope you can make it!
  • TJTATETJTATE
    I have been working in the baltimore and DC tech industries for about 5 years and would love to be involved in your meeting with senator mikulski. Please let me know how I can help. 

  • BrachPhotographyBrachPhotography
    BrachPhotography.com will be black to protest SOPA/PIPA.
  • KEvinWarnerKEvinWarner
    i would love to help and joint any groups going through with this cuz this is outragious... contact me via email warnerkevin@yahoo.com
  • ErsatzHaderachErsatzHaderach
    I work for a software company in Maryland (between Baltimore and DC) and would be very happy to lend my voice and/or person to any collective efforts here.
  • talibusorabattalibusorabat
    I just got a call from Senator Cardin's office and scheduled a meeting for 3 PM on Friday 1/20 in the DC office. He's going to email me to confirm the appointment and I'll pass on the details, but will anyone else be able to make that time? We can meet at Union Station, which is a 5 minute walk from his office.
  • talibusorabattalibusorabat
    The details!

    Katie, good to talk to you.  My contact information is attached below.  Constituents should take the MARC train or red line metro to Union Station, then walk over to the Senate (about 10 minutes for walk and getting thru security).  We are located in 509 Hart Senate Office Building.  Please send me the list of attendees for the Maryland for Internet Freedom group by Thursday, so that I can reserve the best available conference room for our group’s size.

     

    Senator Cardin’s issued a statement on this legislation on Friday, which is posted on his website, so feel free to send this around to group members:

     

    http://cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-protect-ip-act

     

     

    Regards,

     

    Bill

     

    Bill Van Horne

    Chief Counsel

    Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    509 Hart Senate Office Building

    United States Senate

    Washington, DC  20510

    p: (202) 224-4524

    f: (202) 224-1651

    e-mail: bill_vanhorne@cardin.senate.gov

  • bigsassybigsassy
    Yes, I can make that time.  Should we all agree to meet in front of the Barnes and Nobles at 2:40?
  • talibusorabattalibusorabat
    Sounds good to me!
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