Illinois for Internet Freedom: meeting w/ Sen Kirks staff on Jan 18th in Chicago

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Comments

  • fsaldanafsaldana
    I can attend a meeting in the Chicago area until the 17th of January. My email is "me AT franciscosaldana.com"
  • fsaldanafsaldana
    @webweaver64
    I recommend staying away from the anti-business rhetoric, we're talking with a Republican here. We should spin PIPA as business-killing, job-destroying etc. Which is exactly what it is. I run a user-content dependent internet business and PIPA will kill it. 
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    I will be there on Wednesday the 18th @ 1:00pm, and could stay for the meeting with Kirk if you don't have the 8 people. I had one person contact me, so I'll let her know the plans as well. I'm very excited that we are doing something. Woot! I'm going to send in an email to Durbin's office for a 1:00pm meeting on Wednesday, whether or not we get it confirmed we can at least head into his office with our concerns personally.
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    @fsaldana, you are of course entitled to your opinion. However I think big business is behind this and that needs to be addressed. Yes, it will kill small businesses. A corporation should do things that make their bottom dollar bigger, it's up to government to make sure that that doesn't infringe on the individual rights of citizens. Business itself should never be the driving momentum for legislation.
  • andrewbandrewb
    Nice thanks! and @rosalindwills did you receive an email from me yet about the meeting? if not, i just sent it again!
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @andrewb Yep, just got it and responded!
  • andrewbandrewb
    @fsaldana unfortunately the meeting is set up for the 18th, I just sent you an email with the info. However, if you find yourself downtown near their office next week then definitely stop in and give some input and mention the group "Illinois For Internet Freedom" as they're expecting us on wednesday and show we have wide support. 
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @andrewb We just created a facebook event to ensure that you can fill all slots for the meeting on the 18th: http://www.facebook.com/events/297787523607232. Let us know if you want any of the wording changed, or if you want it taken down once you get enough people.
    As for getting on the M/W briefing call: the info's on the sidebar to the right. Please do jump on if you get a chance, and come with questions!

    Most important: great job on taking the initiative here.
  • censoredcensored
    Just left message at Durbin's office & sent message via his website.  Keep up the pressure.
  • getrad09getrad09
    Called Durbins office today, last week they talked about setting up a meeting, today they told me to call the Washington office, which is closed.

    Called Kirks office, hes not yet made a standing on the bill, is against having town meetings during the recess, which is why noone will get through to his office. And the secretary said there is no current way to find out more on his position. 

    Overpopulating Durbins office seems reasonable..
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    Yep, I agree. If you can come, come. Anyone not able to go into the meeting with Kirks aid can join a group and visit Durbin's office. I think the more the merrier. Not pushing into the meeting with the staffer, but as a walk-in showing support for blocking PIPA. Peacefully.
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    Agreed. I'm inclined to say that we try to make a group push on Durbin's office after we're done with Kirk's (we'll be all revved up at that point, right? ;) )

    I don't know how long this sort of meeting generally takes...
  • andrewbandrewb
    @StopSOPA-HQ thanks for setting up the facebook event page! I've also made an open group here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/175825522517176/ for anyone to contribute ideas and get the ball rolling on meeting notes (I will be making a google doc with some info and materials we can all collaborate with).
    I have heard back and confirmed with all 8 people to attend the meeting and they are listed on the event/group. Yes, there is more interest and I still encourage everyone else to help collaborate and come to 230 S. Dearborn for the meeting, as yes, they can do a professional and peaceful walk-in to Sen. Durbin's office with the meeting notes and materials for Sen. Kirk's office. 
    If we could get 8 people for each office, that would be ideal.

    Andrew
    abach292@gmail.com
  • izzotheschizoizzotheschizo
    image It wont pass
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @izzotheschizo We're seeing good signs from some of the senators who were supporting it, but until the bills are dropped altogether, we can't afford to get complacent.

    Also, so far a lot of the backpedaling has been on the subject of the specific technical ramifications (ie the DNS redirects that would break the internet) and while that's important, it doesn't address the free speech/economic implications if the Senate drops DNS redirects but tries to find a *different* way to accomplish the bill's goals.

    Our job ain't done yet. :)
  • andrewbandrewb
    I've created a google docs to start organize meeting notes. I've added several of you that have contacted me through email. If I forgot you, shoot me an email or hit up the facebook event/group 
  • andrewbandrewb
    also anyone that hasn't yet, hit up our facebook group http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/175825522517176/
    and drop some info as to material to be included in our meeting notes
  • MauriceMaurice
    @all:
    I live in the Chicago area, but I am all for going down to our capital for a meeting with either or both senators. I am also up for popping in to their local Chicago office. I will reach out to people at moveon.org and local occupy movements to inquire what their courses of action are and what progress is being made. I will report back here as soon as I have any information. Please feel free to contact me directly at Criscoluv@yahoo.com
    Keep up the fight! We are numerous and we are strong! Through our dedication and sacrifices, justice will prevail!
  • GrantCrowellGrantCrowell
    Would it be possible for me to join this group on Jan 18th? I have been covering legal issues with IP and new media for ReelSEO.com, and am doing a special report on educating the public with legal issues around online video. I can speak from both the content creator's side and the IP owner's side, and have some solutions to propose on what might be more agreeable for having a balance with both.  My email is grant@reelseo.com, and my profile is reelseo.com/about/grant
  • GrantCrowellGrantCrowell
    Also, if you are unable to have me attend and report, I would still like to do a video interview with someone from the group for posting at ReelSEO.com, to educate our audience on this topic. We have an audience of nearly 450,000 unique monthly visitors who are both professionals and creators in the online video space, and have a "Video and Law" column. 
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @GrantCrowell I'd say definitely show up on the 18th -- the more people the better, as we're going to try and make a visit to both senators' offices either in series or in parallel. Check out the Facebook groups Andrew linked above and email him to get access to the Google Doc where we're planning things out. :)
  • GloriaAntonelliGloriaAntonelli
    I have a suggestion. Is it possible to set up free conference calls for interest people to log into during the meeting time to show that more people are interested in hearing the conversation? With limited space at the meeting, it would show the Senator's office more people would have been there if they could.

    I think it is also a way to show support even if we are not able to  be in the city. The online conference call will supply the number of people on the call. Greater numbers for a great cause.

    Another idea is to have a massive state tweet up during the time the meeting is being held with a special #tag. We all have time for a tweet.

    Also how about have everyone post on the facebook page during the day the meeting is taken place.


  • homericpoemhomericpoem
    I would be happy to participate.  I run a small CLEC (phone company/ISP network owning in IL) so I am very familiar with the telecom acts as well as the far reach of this insane bill.  If you need more people present I am happy to attend.
  • wassemwassem
    ومن المقرر أن يصوت مجلس الشيوخ على مشروع قانون الرقابة على الإنترنت في الثلاثاء 24 يناير، وما لم نتمكن من العثور على 41 أعضاء في مجلس الشيوخ لعرقلة التصويت ، وأنه سيكون لتمرير. سوف تلتقي مع أعضاء مجلس الشيوخ الخاص خلال عطلة يناير ونطلب منهم للتصويت عليه؟
  • faustofernosfaustofernos
    Here's my short PSA:

    SOPA & PIPA are not an 80s all-girl rap group, but a misguided attempt by corporate Hollywood to try to regain audiences they have lost to other forms of content on the internet.

    Their ludicrous attempt at curbing piracy will not only destroy the Internet as a vital tool of our democracy, but ironically cause a rise in real piracy of the content they fear people are stealing. 

    In countries like Norway and China that have already passed similar laws, piracy is at an all time high and now they have neither- a thriving entertainment industry or Internet. Nobody wins when you censor the internet.

    Please take a stand agains misguided corporate Hollywood and not only stop SOPA & PIPA, but also help pass laws to protect the Internet for future generations to come. 
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    I wanted to post that I have been laid low with the stomach flu. I don't think I am or should show up, don't want to pass this along. So unless everything is peachie in the morning, I won't be making it. I do have my sites set to black out using the wordpress plugin.
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @WebWeaver64 Can you either post this to the Facebook group/event or email @andrewb to make sure he knows? He's compiling the list of who will be at the meeting.
  • ehoerrehoerr
    Really wish I could take part in this. Tomorrow is my first day of class however, and transportation is an issue (coming from Peoria).
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @ehoerr Understood...take that enthusiasm and use it to call your congressperson and spread the words to your friends instead! :) Wikipedia has a tool up on its blackout page about how to figure out who you should contact.
  • censored_censored_
    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
  • mdr3dmdr3d
    The plan: 
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-against-SOPA/304313362953003?sk=info 

    first step:

    1._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a under copyright item
    2._ No subscriber to this group will ever go to a cinema
    3._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy film on pay tv
    4._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a book (paper or e-book)
    5._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a news paper
    6._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a magazine of any kind
    7._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a CD
    8._ No subscriber to this group will ever buy a DVD
  • Glenn108Glenn108
    Banning ourselves from media isn't the answer, but at least it is an idea. 
    Boycott for a period of time yes, absolutely.

    To bad we can't boycott the Gov, we need to keep doing the opposite; and keep hounding them.

    I just found this website today, I know everybody in america that is not a moron will understand that this bill is wrong. This is America, by God! It is the land of the Free! and the home of the Brave!
    Not the Land of the Controlled spineless Cowards!

    Go American People Go, Fight the Good Fight for our Rights!  
  • Glenn108Glenn108
    BTW: it is 10:33 am CST
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    Really great blackout site message you might want to share around.
    http://theoatmeal.com/

    Hope things are going well downtown! Thinking about you all.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @andrewb Please let us all know how the meeting went, when you get a chance. And keep up the good work, everybody! We're definitely making a huge impact, but we can't let up now.
  • andrewbandrewb
    It went great! we met with a representative in Senator Kirk's office who passed out a press release stating Kirk's opposition to the bill! As far as I can tell the statement was made just hours prior to our meeting! very cool. Some of us then went down to Senator Durbin's office, where a representative agreed to meet with two of the members of our group. We'll be hearing from them soon I hope! Also here is a quick writeup from the day on a blog I write on: http://chicagorants.com/chicago-rants/illinois-senator-kirk-opposition-pipa-protect-ip-act/
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    The meeting with Durbin's office seemed to go pretty well also. We met with two people in his Chicago office, one of whom took copious notes while we addressed our biggest concerns economically, technologically, and constitutionally. We also gave her a packet of pages from the fightforthefuture site, and some of my notes with references to other useful articles. She suggested (VERY unofficially) that we might have reason to be hopeful as to Durbin's stance.

    All in all, I'd say we had quite a productive day. :)
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    Thank you everyone who was able to make it downtown. I appreciate your presence and participation! I'm so encouraged to hear that Senator Kirk has come out against, and the there is a crack in Durbin's stance.

    WTG everyone!!!
  • pespypespy

    This is really pretty exciting news! I just left a vm for Sen. Durbin indicating that I am against SOPA and PIPA and want him to know it and that I am one of his constituents.  I am excited and hopeful that our senators will listen and represent our interests.

    Here's my e-mail :  pespy@hotmail.com.

  • andrewbandrewb
    @StopSOPA-HQ how are other states doing? Hopefully similar progress across the board in the coming week
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @andrewb, @rosalindwills, and everyone else who attended and worked to make today's meeting happen: BRAVO. You were an integral part of making today's global protests a success, and there's no question that our message is getting across, and making a difference: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/01/pipa-support-collapses-with-13-new-opponents-in-senate.ars?comments=1#reply
    To all: Please keep calling, emailing, and showing up at offices to thank Kirk for his opposition, and help push Durbin firmly over to the "No" camp.
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