… but I recently emailed Congressman Sullivan to address my concerns about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) which in its current state would create more problems for small businesses attempting to get into the online market. This was about two weeks ago, and he finally responded. I can’t really tell if he’s supporting the act or not from his response… can you help?
Dear Mr. Ogden,
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act. I appreciate you contacting me about your concerns and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
The Stop Online Piracy Act allows the Attorney General to seek injunctions against foreign websites that steal and sell American innovations and products. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for individuals who traffic in counterfeit medicine and military goods and seeks to improve coordination between IP enforcement agencies in the U.S. Although well intentioned, I have significant concerns that this legislation would limit free speech on the Internet, lacks the critical detail and clarity necessary to guide the identification and prosecution of acts of piracy, as well as to set boundaries for individuals and entities that seek to maliciously take advantage of the law for their own personal or financial gain.
U.S. industries that rely on intellectual property rights contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth, employment, and trade with other countries. Counterfeiting and piracy in other countries may result in the loss of billions of dollars of revenue for U.S. firms as well as the loss of jobs. Like you, I believe Congress needs to work towards improving and reforming copyright laws to better protect the distribution of American goods, and foster an environment where innovation is encouraged. As we continue to debate these issues, Congress must be mindful that the laws we create, intended to protect honest American innovators, are not creating more avenues for doing harm. Currently, this bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary which has held several hearings. Should this issue come before me in the House, I will keep your concerns in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on this important issue. It is an honor to serve you in Washington and Oklahoma. If you would like more information on issues, or would like to share your thoughts with me via e-mail, you may visit my website at http://sullivan.house.gov/. Please do not hesitate to contact me again should you have further concerns on federal legislation or programs.
Sincerely,
John Sullivan
Member of Congress
Yes, but no.
Haha, yeah, that’s what I was thinking too.
Oh well. Guess that’s what I get for supporting him 10 years ago.
Well while it sounds like he is genuinely interested in your concern, however the bill written in it’s current state might be unquestionabley discouraging, but after they get done with it in congress it will be definatly unrecognizeable.
Hah, that answered my question about as much as the original email.
Have you ever considered a job in politics =p
I’ve had him (or more accurately, his staff) totally misunderstand me in the past, and I think that’s what’s happening. I think he’s saying that he thinks anti-piracy laws are important (because he thinks you support SOPA), but this particular bill isn’t a good one.