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* UPDATED x1 - Victory? * Quigley changes mind, now opposes SOPA

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* After straddling the fence earlier this week with a statement that was more than a bit obtuse, Congressman Mike Quigley has decided to take a stand against SOPA…

“I have decided to oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act and will continue to oppose anti-piracy legislation until a compromise can be struck that protects the free and open nature of the internet. I voted in the Judiciary Committee to strip some of most troublesome provisions from the current bill, such as governmental authority to block websites, but my constituents and I still have many concerns with the existing bill. All sides must have a voice in crafting a compromise measure that protects the rights of the entire internet community, including artists and consumers.”

* Congressman Tim Johnson is also against the vile legislation…

“Online piracy is a legitimate threat to American jobs as well American consumers who knowingly or unknowing participate in it. However, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and its companion bill, the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), while well intentioned, are not the solution to the issue of piracy,” Rep. Johnson said. “The precedent that would be set by these bills creates undue regulation, the potential for abuse of our legal system, and treads on the slippery slope of censorship.

“It is the right of every American to be compensated and receive payment for their efforts, whether they are artists, manufacturers, or any other type of business. While the protection of intellectual property in any form is a necessary function of government, these bills do not solve the problem of privacy, do not fully address the issue, and are not supported by the American public or the majority of stake holders in this issue. Simply put, these measures add unnecessary regulators to the federal bureaucracy and in the long-run, don’t solve the problem.”

That’s probably the most cogent statement I’ve yet seen out of Johnson’s office.

* And a great cartoon from Scott Stantis…

*** UPDATE *** Victory? Key legislators in both chambers have put the bills on ice…

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid postponed a showdown vote in his chamber on the Protect Intellectual Property Act, or PIPA for short, that had been scheduled for January 24.

Lamar Smith, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, followed suit, saying his panel would delay action on similar legislation called the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, until there is wider agreement on the legislation.

“It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products,” Smith said in a statement.

Congress should learn its lesson here, but probably won’t. They should never allow one set of corporate lobbyists to write legislation that regulates a competing industry.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 3:41 am

Comments

Quigley just figured out what the majority of his constituents want.

Comment by South of the Loop Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 7:22 am
Kudos to web sites big and small - they led the charge to defeat SOPA, and they got thousands involved for the first time in the political process.

Comment by Robert Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 8:58 am
It’s bizarre to me that one of the only high profile issues recently that Rs and Ds both are agreeing on essentially has them taking the side of pirates. It’s nice to see these folks put political hatred aside and make a good decision for once.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 9:44 am
=== essentially has them taking the side of pirates ===

Except the world isn’t black and white, and very few people are taking the side of pirates.

Comment by JN Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 9:58 am
- Except the world isn’t black and white, and very few people are taking the side of pirates. -

Believe me, I understand. Just saying that there would be plenty of pirate material available for attacks if the parties were completely divided on the issue.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 10:31 am
I think I’ll call his office again and explain how it’s about time he sides with those of us who may vote for him next time.

I get the fogies not understanding what’s wrong with SOPA, but Mike Quigley ought to understand more about the internet than say Durbin or McConnell.

Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 10:35 am
Look’s like this is an issue the Senate wants to go away, fast.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-rt-us-usa-congress-internettre80j10x-20120120,0,7929733.story

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 10:55 am
Sorry, “Looks”

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 10:56 am
Better late than never. The wind is at our back,it will fail.SOPA stinks and in this case
the people will prevail.

Comment by mokenavince Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 11:38 am
Here’s Congressman Shimkus’ Twitter and Facebook post from earlier this week…
Congressman John Shimkus
I do not support SOPA as it is currently written.

Protecting intellectual property in the digital age presents unique challenges. Creators and inventors should be rewarded for their efforts and have the confidence their copyrights will be respected around the world. However, protecting intellectual property should not - and need not - come at the expense of free speech or continued innovation.

It is my hope that internet piracy legislation will be referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce so the tech community and the American people can have a greater say as a more reasonable bill is crafted.
LikeUnlike · · Share · Wednesday at 10:25am

Comment by Steve Tomaszewski Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 12:03 pm
Given yesterday’s shutdown of MegaUpload, followed by seven arrests, a seventy-two page indictment and massive property seizure, I think the DOJ has just demonstrated that the current copyright laws are more than adequate.

Still, good news to hear both PIPA and SOPA have been put on hold.

Comment by Jimmy87 Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 1:27 pm
It’s late afternoon on a bad weather Friday, everything should be put on ice right now. For example, Maker’s Mark.

Comment by The Captain Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 3:30 pm
what The Captain said!!! love Maker’s Mark.

Comment by amalia Friday, Jan 20, 12 @ 3:58 pm