On the SOPA protests
There was something heartening and encouraging about the SOPA/PIPA protests yesterday. It's good to see that grass roots political action is possible, the extent to which the internet facilitates it and the fact that it might actually even have an effect. And I agree that both bills are troubling, an attempt to kill a gnat w/ a hammer and possibly missing the gnat. That said, it's also a bit troubling to see the outpouring of response when people are threatened with the possibility of harsh action on copyright infringement when we see people sit idly by as so many civil liberties are trampled on, or removed or ignored. Illegal wiretapping? shrug. Execution of US citizens? whatever. Participate in wars w/o congressional approval? yawn Give companies ability to sue to shut down websites that infringe on copyright? HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, MISTER!!! Frustratingly, this action may say less about our eagerness to participate in democracy and a lot more about our desire for short term gratification.