On Internet Censorship.

Any of my readers who also follow my tumblr, A Breath of Fiction, have probably noticed the large black bar covering the title of my site with the words "Stop Censorship." The following is an open letter to Dick Lugar, US Senator from Indiana, regarding the PROTECT IP Act currently being proposed in the Senate.  I also sent this letter to Dick Lugar via his website, since I don't think he is a regular reader of my blog.  A simple overview of the bill and some of the issues surrounding it can be seen here.

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Mr. Lugar,

It is my wish to bring to you some of my concerns regarding the PROTECT IP Act that is being proposed in the Senate.  I am know that there are good intentions behind this Act, but I am also aware that there are other intentions that have gone to work in shaping this proposed law, and that those intentions may not be to the benefit of the majority.

I believe that the PROTECT IP Act would do more harm than good if passed into law.  A number of internet engineers have raised concerns about what the technical effects of such regulations would be.  I must defer to their expertise on these issues, but I think it worthwhile to consider the possibility that the implementation of this bill could possibly destroy that which it is allegedly meant to protect.

It seems to me very revealing if you look at where much of the support is coming from for this bill.  It is coming from large businesses and organizations.  These are the companies who are most threatened by the entrepreneurship that the internet affords. What this Act truly protects is big business, and with the "Occupy" movement protesting against the system of exploitation and inequality that companies such as these have created, a bill such as this which could be seen as strengthening the position of the vilified 1% would simply  confirm everything that these people are protesting against.  One of the inherent difficulties in approaching the complaints of the "Occupy" movement is the lack of any proposed solutions to the problems of which they complain.  I do not envy your job as a politician in dealing with such a mess.  However, just because there is no proposed solution, does not mean you should simply say "Let them eat cake" and give people reasons to be angry. If such complaints are not taken seriously, people will begin taking matters into their own hands.  That is a danger that I do not think most people, least of all politicians, would want to face.

Perhaps I have become a bit melodramatic, but I firmly believe that these are issues that must be addressed.  The internet is a place for freedom of expression, one of the few places where creativity and innovation may still blossom uninhibited and find a responsive audience. For all its good intentions, the PROTECT IP Act would hurt that creativity innovation--qualities which have been characteristic of the American spirit.
Mr. Lugar, one of the goals you express in your Lugar Doctrine is that the US should encourage democratic institutions. The PROTECT IP Act threatens our own democratic institution.  This is something that I hope you will have the insight to see.  You have been serving our state and our country for longer than I have been alive.  I am sure that as one of the most senior members of the US Senate, your wealth of experience would make a strong statement if you stood in opposition to this bill.

In closing, I know that there are many factors and many constituents that you must consider as you make your decision regarding the PROTECT IP Act.  My own hope is that you will see that this bill is not in the best interest of the majority, but of course, you must do what you feel is right.  You have my prayers as you continue to do a very difficult job.

Sincerely,

Gregory Fox

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More information on opposition to this bill and what is being done to oppose it can be found here.  Of course, contacting your senator is one of the most direct ways to oppose internet censorship.