| The dearth of posts yesterday and today is not related to the Internet boycott under way at a number of the most prominent sites around to a pair of bills under consideration in Congress that could potentially negatively transform how the Internet works. The bills aren't being pushed by companies that have used the Internet to innovate or transform, but old-style companies that have seen changes forced to their business models thanks to it. That is, the bills aren't about making the Internet a better place, they are about making it a worse place for interests that have been rendered largely obselete by it and rather than changing with the times wish to hold back change. It's my sad duty to report that John Conyers, longtime Detroit Congressman, is one of the sponsors of this legislation and part of waning support for it. Stifling change on behalf of monied interests, that is, is a bipartisan affair. "The notion that this bill threatens freedom of information is insupportable," said Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, the committee's senior Democrat and another SOPA sponsor.
I checked, and unfortunately it appears that Conyers' primary challenge for next year, state Sen. Bert Johnson, is not currently accepting contributions through Act Blue, which seems like a better way to undermine support for this legislation that blacking out the Internet for the day. Update! ... I am informed by anonymous sources that there is another challenger to Conyers next year, and I'm sorry I forgot about him. State Sen. Glenn Anderson has long been a friend to the Internet and even this site. Shortly after taking this site over, I visited a few of our esteemed elected officials in Lansing, and he was one of those who sat down for a brief chat. He also came out to a reception that evening and hung out with the MichLib crew for a few minutes. He also has a working Act Blue page. |
