The rights of fellow internet uses are being endangered by three vicious acts proposed by various organizatons. Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has recently been passed. Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) are now the next threats being proposed. These acts are aimed to severely limit the use of internet sources, including sites such as deviantart.com, windows live hotmail, and any other form of website that uses copywritten material or could potentially threaten the security of the United States. Why is this a problem? Guarenteed by the United States Constitution in Amendment One is the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly. The internet is the modern way for us to exercise these rights, but now, it is being threatened by these three acts. Though I understand the urge to protect this country, violating the internet will cause much more harm than good. Terrorists DO NOT give away their plans via the internet, and in fact, I believe personally that abolishing the internet will cause severe uprising of American oppression and rejection of this government. The internet has become a very active and daily part of the lives of Americans, and to take it away from us is a very poor decision. The supporters of this act seem to give little knowledge of the many American protests against these acts, much like the legalization of horse consumption and slaughter here in the United States as well. We cannot be oppressed by the government that WE, the American citizens, are supposed to run. "By the people, FOR the people" is the Constitution's directions. With SOPA, PIPA, and ACTA, the government is heeding our opinions and our demands, and instead, running this government for their own personal gain rather then for the benefit of the fellow citizens. We have the power to elect officals in and out of office at our whim, and surely, those who agree to this act in our government will face a bleak election run for their "high-ranking" positions. WE have the power to make a difference and to defend our rights. That is exactly what we plan to do.
