Cali for Net Freedom: Senators are ignoring us, so let's schedule random drop-ins everywhere!

liskaplan · January 2012

Hello, I emailed Feinsteisn off ice on 1/12 and received the following on 1/13. : )

Thank you for contacting our office to arrange a meeting with Senator Feinstein to discuss the PROTECT IP Act. Unfortunately, Senator Feinstein has received more than 200 individual requests to meet on this bill. She is travelling around California and it is difficult for her to accommodate every request.

However, Senator Feinstein understands your concerns regarding the PROTECT IP Act. She is working with members of Congress and representatives from the technology industry to resolve some of the issues you have raised and hopes a package of changes will be incorporated into the legislation that will address your views to the greatest degree possible.

Thanks very much,
Shaeda Ahmadi
Deputy Scheduler
Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
202.224.3841

shea_lynn · January 2012

Received the same email back as others, stating more legislation will be added but no meeting with citizens will take place.
I'm with smlake, I support unannounced office visits and I plan to be one of them.

darshun · January 2012

Garry and myself are going to both offices in LA in the morning on Thursday. I'm finalizing details right now (ie getting address info etc). Please PM me thru this thread to join or get info!

CJLandis · January 2012

Hey! I'm a sailor based in San Diego. Been trying to get a group together to schedule a meeting, but it's like people down here don't care. Anyone have an opening in their group?

smlake · January 2012

White House has given its response to online petition to veto SOPA. I'm not seeing anything here but poli-speak and why can't we just all get along.

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#/!/response/combating-online-piracy-while-protecting-open-and-innovative-internet

When (Yes, when, not if ... some variant of SOPA/PIPA will get through Congress) the courts will be the last option. I'm not counting on the Prez for a veto. Keep your EFF membership up to date. http://eff.org ;

StopSOPA-HQ · January 2012

@darshun - see the first post on this thread for an LA calendar started by @smlake!!! Organize with other people there!

PastorKDJames · January 2012

I wrote and requested a meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein. Keep up the pressure and get the word out! Don't let our freedoms and liberties continue to slip away because of laziness and apathy!

smlake · January 2012

Update for scheduled rolling unannounced meetings for Los Angeles offices of Sen.s Boxer and Feinstein is below. It would be great if we could bet visits to both office for every hour on the hour ... especially on 1/18 #SOPABlackout.

If you have some time on that, or any day, to make a short unannounced visit to one of our CA senators, please email me at s.michelle.lake(AT)gmail(DOT)com and I'll put your name on the calendar.

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=mu8v5ms4qv6kfpnjv88dvm1ito@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

Wednesday, 1/18
10:00 (1)    Boxer - Sharon Lake
2:00    (1)    Feinstein - Sharon Lake

Friday, 1/20
11:00 (2)    Feinstein - Shea Lynn + 1

All the best,

/Sharon

garry · January 2012

I got the basic form letter reply from Feinstein (no reply from Boxer yet). I replied with more pressure, we'll see how it goes.

Andy · January 2012

Is there any meeting in Sacramento? It's state's capital after all...

dan_p · January 2012

"However, Senator Feinstein
understands your concerns regarding the PROTECT IP Act. She is working
with members of Congress and representatives from the technology
industry to resolve some of the issues you have raised and hopes a
package of changes will be incorporated into the legislation that will
address your views to the greatest degree possible."

I most
sincerely doubt that Senator Feinstein knows or understands my concerns
with this legislation and I'm deeply offended that she will not take a
minute to hear them. I'm equally offended and shocked that she also
refuses to spend any time discussing this issue with anyone within the
technology sector, and is only entertaining opinions offered by the
Hollywood content lobby. Most offensive of all is her support of making
law a bill wholly penned by that same lobby.

I will most certainly remember this issue in November, 2012. Best of luck with your new career.

Regards,

Xxxxx Xxxxxx (independent swing voter)
Sunnyvale, California

matt2012 · January 2012

I've had a couple of exchanges with Senator Feinstein's office and received a couple of emails from her.
The most recent email is from an assistant regarding the request for a meeting. It wasn't marked confidential; I suppose it's ok to post a copy here. It's about the only new news I've seen here.

transcript:
Thank you for contacting our office to arrange a meeting with Senator Feinstein to discuss the PROTECT IP Act.
Unfortunately, Senator Feinstein has received more than 200 individual
requests to meet on this bill. She is travelling around California and
it is difficult for her to accommodate every request.

However, Senator Feinstein understands your concerns regarding the PROTECT IP Act.
She is working with members of Congress and representatives from the
technology industry to resolve some of the issues you have raised and
hopes a package of changes will be incorporated into the legislation
that will address your views to the greatest degree possible.
end quote.

Perhaps this indicates that there is a favorable shift going on.
But I'll be darned if I'll let my guard down quite yet.

guerilla tactics: if you read news on line with the option of leaving comments, leave a comment at articles about SOPA about your Democratic Senators from CA cosponsoring this, when Internet freedom is supposed to be a plank in the Democratic party platform, and here in CA with the likes of Google and Yahoo in their own back yards. People read those. Name names. Tell 'em Senators Feinstein and Boxer, both Democrats from California, co-sponsored the piece.
It would be great if we could get a journalist to interview one of 'em to see exactly how they explain co-sponsoring the legislation. Noting that it might not be easy to get that interview...

dan342 · January 2012

I called and they said they want to know which specific organizations are working against SOPA and PIPA so they can send out a statement. The lady I talked to said Senator Boxer might consider meeting with constituents from an organization.

tr1kky · January 2012

Is anyone planning on doing something similar to the LA folks in SF? I don't have time to organize something like this myself, but I can move things around in my schedule to join a meeting if we can agree on a time to just "show up." I'll be checking these messages pretty frequently, so feel free to contact me here.

I have been working in the IT industry for 3 years, and have a degree in Computer Science, so hopefully that will give me a *little* credibility when discussing these issues.

JAGP · January 2012

In response to pressure from Obama, it looks like SOPA has been shelved:

This is certainly great news, and suggests the grassroots movements we're all already involved in (by being here!) are working. However, tabling issues until they fall out of scrutiny is one very common political tactic.

Don't stop the actions until the bill is dead! (imo)

StopSOPA-HQ · January 2012

@JAGP - SOPA is in the House, we've been asking Senators about PIPA (SOPA's Senatorial sibling). As for the "shelving" of SOPA... not so fast: http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/16/so-is-sopa-dead-not-exactly/

@tr1kky - not exactly meeting w/ Senators, but there is a big SF protest: http://www.hackersandfounders.com/events/48317262/?eventId=48317262&action=detail

smlake · January 2012

Update to SOPA/PIPA Boxer/Feinstein non-scheduled dropin action list:

Wednesday, 1/18 (#SOPABlackout Day)
10:00 (2) Boxer -Sharon Lake and Rachel Maness
1:00 (2) Feinstein - Sharon Lake and Rachel Maness

Friday, 1/20
11:00 (2) Feinstein - Shea Lynn + 1

If you would like to visit either Sen Boxer's or Feinstein's office, especially tomorrow, #SOPABlackoutDay, please email s.michelle.lake(AT)gmail(DOT)com and request a spot on the calendar. https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=mu8v5ms4qv6kfpnjv88dvm1ito@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

You probably won't see a Senator, but you can register your thoughts with a staffer. I've created a draft letter which you can either use for talking points or as a calling card at your visit. It is a publicly available google doc and can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VO3_Afi4ShjTGf9bfCdrO9mEzdhXSZ1yJr8q-8luWVw/edit

The letter was adapted from the EFF summary found here: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/01/how-pipa-and-sopa-violate-white-house-principles-supporting-free-speech

I would be most grateful for anyones help in editing ... writing is not personal a strength :) Again, send me an email so I can add you to the google doc editor list for this document.

All the best,

/Sharon

Slightly_Classy · January 2012

I called the Feinstein's Washington, D.C. Office at (202) 224-3841and asked when she'd be in California and where. I then called the San Diego office (619) 231.9712 and asked if the senator would be in town in the next week. I requested a meeting and was told to email scheduling@feinstein.senate.gov. The email works and I just got the response: "This
email is to confirm that your scheduling request has been successfully
received. Senator Feinstein’s scheduling team will be in contact with
you shortly regarding
your request. In the meantime you may contact the Washington, D.C.
Office at (202) 224-3841 if you have any questions."

I also called Representative Duncan Hunter's office 202.225.5672 and he is still undecided on SOPA.

smlake · January 2012

Update to rolling unannounced visit calendar:

For Friday 1/20, Tony was added to visit Sen Feinstein's WLA office at 9:00am and Shea +1 will be visiting at 11:00.

Is there anyone available at 10:00 on Friday 1/20 to make a 3-in-a-row visit action?

Thanks!

/Sharon

LIZLEMON4PRESIDENT · January 2012

Anything around San Luis Obispo area and i'm IN...

StopSOPA-HQ · January 2012

ALERT: There's going to be a large meetup at the San Francisco Civic Center tomorrow, to complement the wave of on-line protests! See the following link for details, forward the link widely, and be sure to RSVP if you can go! http://meetu.ps/6KnKv

luv4soccer · January 2012

Lets protect our rights... please hear us on this senators and congressmen!!

censored_ · January 2012

SOPA/PIPA cheat sheet, useful as reference or to pass on to the uninformed on Jan 18th.
- Originally posted to AKFIF, but contact info for Alaska politicians has been removed.

http://pastebin.com/mSkB62Fz

Included are
* links to limited, but informative coverage in the media
* links to written coverage of SOPA & PIPA (two may be offline today)
* key points highlighting threats and collateral damage that SOPA & PIPA present

StopSOPA-HQ · January 2012

Thanks @censored_ - this is great!

rorwat · January 2012

I am soooo happy she works for the people of California, not all of those big corporation that support SOPA... What a relief!!!

smlake · January 2012

Just visited Sen. Boxer's office ... They are not accepting drop in because field staff are out of the office. Sign in sheet provided with guarantee of appointment to come back. So if you are visiting Sen. Boxer be prepared to come back ... But you will get an appointment.

Also, entrance to building is on Main St. ... Be prepared for security as in you'll need to take off your shoes.

All the best,

/Sharon

smlake · January 2012

Just visited Sen Feinstein's office. Per staffer Jackie Polk there have been no recorded requests for an appointment. However she did mention the representatives from the DGA and SAG have been given time.

No promise of future appointments have been offered, no hope that future meeting requests will be honored.

My suggestion is to visit, visit, visit. Second alternative is to call, call, call. Sen Feinstein, to no surprise, is not very interested in meeting with PIPA opponents.

The office is located on the northwest corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Sepulveda. The guard will ask you to sign in and show your picture ID.

All the best,

/Sharon

JonGoesToCongress · January 2012

I think we should really hit these senators where it hurts, when they come up for reelection, we know who not to vote for and where to spread the word. If they don't want to listen fine, but do it on their own time not ours.

StopSOPA-HQ · January 2012

@smlake - That's some truly inspirational footwork - thank you! This also makes it clear just what we're up against: Jackie Polk's statement that "there have been no recorded requests for an appointment" is a clear indication of just how little concern Feinstein and Boxer have for hearing from anyone but the entertainment lobby. So we need to do whatever we can to make them care about what we have to say. Whenever possible, come in to your local office and ask to talk to staffers about your concerns, either in an official meeting or right then and there. Keep on sending emails, making phone calls, and getting the word out to other Californians who might be interested in getting involved.

Suggestion: how would people feel about following @smlake's example and setting up a series of informal "drop ins" at the Bay Area offices? Get a handful of people together, choose a time to go, and just show up!

jrep · January 2012

Senator Feinstein continues to beef up the form-letter response to these requests (see below). But meetings are still needed! The problem here is that she's talking about "fixing the bill," but this is a matter to technical and fluid to solve at the legislative level. While protection against piracy is needed (IMO), it needs to be managed by people who understand the present state of the technology, and actively follow its evolution.

From the office of Senator Feinstein:

The "PROTECT IP Act" (S. 968) gives both copyright and trademark owners and the U.S. Department of Justice the authority to take action against websites that are "dedicated to infringing activities." These are websites that have "no significant use other than engaging in, enabling, or facilitating" copyright infringement, the sale of goods with a counterfeit trademark, or the evasion of technological measures designed to protect against copying.

The bill does not violate First Amendment rights to free speech because copyright piracy is not speech.

America's copyright industry is an important economic engine, and I believe copyright owners should be able to prevent their works from being illegally duplicated and stolen. The protection of intellectual property is particularly vital to California's thriving film, music, and high-technology industries.

I understand you have concerns about the "PROTECT IP Act." While I voted in favor of this bill when it was before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have also been working with California high-technology businesses to improve the bill and to address the concerns of high-tech businesses, public interest groups and others. I recognize the bill needs further changes to prevent it from imposing undue burdens on legitimate businesses and activities, and I will be working to make the improvements, either by working with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) or through amendments on the Senate floor.

On May 26, 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the "PROTECT IP Act" for consideration by the full Senate. Please know I will keep your concerns and thoughts in mind should the Senate proceed to a vote on this legislation. As you may be aware, Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) has introduced similar legislation, the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (H.R. 3261), in the House of Representatives.

Once again, thank you for sharing your views. I hope you will continue to keep me informed on issues of importance to you. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.

pinkspore · January 2012

I also visited the office of Senators Boxer and Feinstein with smlake and left my contact information. Boxer's staff assured me that someone would be calling me back the same day to make an appointment. I have not yet received any call. While I intend to keep calling, I would also suggest that people contact the national Democratic party and let them know how you feel about senators that ignore their constituents while favoring special interests with deep pockets.

pinkspore · January 2012

By calling the Los Angeles offices directly today I was able to speak directly to staffers at both Feinstein and Boxer's offices. I gave the organization as California for Internet Freedom, and hope to hear back about meeting times in the near future. If you are in the LA area and would like be interested in coming to a meeting, please let me know.

I suggest people call their local offices directly:

http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/state-offices

http://boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/offices/losangeles.cfm

darshun · January 2012

Garry and I stopped by both offices. Boxer's office asked us to sign their "guestbook" and that they would call when their field reps would be in. Feinstein's office just took Garry's letter and they advised us to call to set up an appt w/their field reps. I just called and left my # for them to call me. I will wait till tomorrow to call back Feinstein's office.

NOTE: Garry submitted a letter as we were @ both offices and I think that's a lot more poignant than just showing up with our physical presence. It would be wise to bring a letter to voice your opinion as well as having a presence in the office.

Like Pinkspore said, contact your democratic office in your area to tell them if the senators are not responding to requests like setting up appts w/the senator's offices.

darshun · January 2012

Update to rolling unannounced visit calendar:

For Friday 1/20, Tony was added to visit Sen Feinstein's WLA office at 9:00am and Shea +1 will be visiting at 11:00.

Is there anyone available at 10:00 on Friday 1/20 to make a 3-in-a-row visit action?

*************

Is there a possibility that I can join Tony's visit? Maybe Garry and I will take the 10am visit! I already called Feinstein's office but awaiting a call from a field rep! Sharon, keep me and Garry in the loop (or just me, and I'll relay to Garry)!

dmischung · January 2012

I wonder how long it took proponents DGA and SAG to get an appointment?I received the same form letter from Feinstein. But her office did respond. Boxer's office did not even acknowledge the inquiry and no response to date. Also my House CA district 25 rep.McKeon also has not responded.

garry · January 2012

Kimo (darshun) and I were at both offices on Thursday. Boxer's staff was helpful, Feinstein's staff acted like we were wasting their time.

I highly recommend bringing a printed letter, signed, with your concerns. Write it in your own words.

FYI, Boxer's staff told us that the scheduling email address is only for the D.C. office, and if we want an appointment in LA, then we need to call the LA office directly. That may explain why I have not received any response to my email for an appointment at Boxer's office.

smlake · January 2012

Have an appointment with staffer at Sen Feinstein's Los Angeles office next Monday at 11:00am. Who's in with me?

/Sharon

darshun · January 2012

smlake, I can do it! I'll ask if Garry can join us. I also got an email from Feinstein's office a few minutes ago for an appt in the 1st or 2nd week of Feb. I think we should team up. I guess I'll reply to the email and let them know that I'll be going in at the same time with you smlake...

smlake · January 2012

@darshun Excellent!

The appointment I got was with the staffer Liz Delgado. I expect nothing less then a disinterested brush off, but I'm going anyway.

Since PIPA is essentially dead in its current form, perhaps we can focus on trying to get Sen Feinstein to support OPEN? http://keepthewebopen.com/

I'm a better editor than writer, so if you get a draft of a supporting letter which can be left at the Senators office I can look it over before our meeting.

All the best,

/Sharon

smlake · February 2012

Just an update on the visit I and @pinkspore completed with a staffer at Sen Feinstein's Los Angeles office.

Went well actually. We didn't receive the big brush off that I had expected. There were a number of issues covered, but my take away impression is that Sen Feinstein has not abandoned trying to salvage PIPA (and I'm not at all surprised at that). There were several questions as to what could "fix" PIPA which could make it palatable. Trying to steer toward endorsement of OPEN went nowhere.

There is certainly enough hope? desire? on the part of Sen Feinstein to try and resurrect PIPA, so visits reiterating opposition to all incarnations of PIPA can still be useful.

All the best,

/Sharon

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Cali for Net Freedom: Senators are ignoring us, so let's schedule random drop-ins everywhere!

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