Superman and Batman discussing how the Justice League can combat #SOPA & #PIPA over coffee...
I’m not a fan of political discussion in general. Usually these things get too heated too fast, with folks on opposing sides unable to see the other perspectives at play. What I have found interesting here is that most people on “this side” of the SOPA/PIPA debate are in a pretty unique solidarity. It’s not an Us vs. Them as much, to me, that it seems to be an Us vs. They-just-need-to-learn-how-this-would-play-out. There is an “evil side” here, but by and large the internet protests are against the legislation and NOT the people behind it. They’re against the machine, maybe against the philosophy, but it hasn’t digressed to a point where demonization and effigy-burning is rampant. At least not yet (take note, GOP).
For this week’s Friday FYI, here’s a look back at the hot topic for the week. This is a well-produced video from FightForTheFuture.org, explaining last Wednesday’s blackouts and why SOPA/PIPA is just bad legislation:
Some Republican lawmakers have dropped support for SOPA seeing it as a “bailout” for Hollywood.
Yeah, that might be the wrong mindset, too – but at least they’re dropping it. Something better will hopefully come in the aftermath, but I’m thinking the market can do a better job of policing itself in this one.