Stop American Censorship
Internet censorship is going to a vote in the Senate on January 24th (known as PIPA in the Senate and SOPA in the House). While Senators are in their home states for the January recess, we need to flood their public meetings and offices with our concerns about the bill. Learn More
South Carolina for Internet Freedom
Top Priority for SC: 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:
- Email edward_mercer@lgraham.senate.gov to meet with Senator Graham, a co-sponsor of PIPA, and call (864) 250-1417 to follow up.
- Fill out this form, and call 843-727-4525 to meet with Senator DeMint.
Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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
It's edward_mercer@lgraham.senate.gov
Dear Mr. Hart,
Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the Protect IP and SOPA acts. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
As you may know, Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) introduced S. 968, Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP) on May 12th, 2011 which authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to commence: (1) an in personam action against a registrant of a nondomestic domain name (NDN) used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities (ISDIA) or an owner or operator of an ISDIA accessed through an NDN; or (2) if such individuals are unable to be found by the AG or have no address within a U.S. judicial district, an in rem action (against a domain name itself, in lieu of such individuals) against the NDN used by an ISDIA.
Hollywood and the music industry argue that this bill is aimed at protecting U.S. intellectual property from foreign "rogue" websites. Although I am a strong proponent of protecting intellectual property rights, I am concerned that this bill would unnecessarily hinder U.S. internet and technology innovation. For example, a U.S. website that has broken no laws may be subjected to intense federal scrutiny based upon a single accusation of infringement by a copyright or trademark owner. Furthermore, I feel that this regulation limits the free speech rights that are crucial to a vibrant internet community.
Like you, I believe that the Internet is a vital tool for commerce and communication, and it has flourished without the heavy hand of regulation. In the past decade, the openness of the internet has led to an explosion of innovation, the investment of hundreds of billions of dollars into our economy, and the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Thank you again for sharing your views with me, and please feel free to contact me in the future about anything important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of the State of South Carolina.
Sincerely,
Jim DeMint
United States Senator
I would come.
Just say when
Is Tim Scott on the take?