Isn’t it funny how a threat to our webbased lifestyle can bring so much attention back to politics? Many people don’t keep up with the Republican candidates for president, much less the actions of Congress on passing laws, but when the proposals for SOPA and PIPA started to circulate around the Internet, users throughout the country became aware and took action against them.
Internet users showed, in this case, what they are really concerned with: The integrity of their life online. If people could be as involved in other politics, working together to show our representatives what we really think about various topics, then perhaps our country, not just our Internet, could become a more democratic society.
The truth is, the movement towards the SOPA and PIPA bills has only been postponed until “a wider agreement on a solution” is reached, according to Lamar Smith, the man who authored the SOPA bill.
These bills haven’t been completely stomped out by any means. Could it be that this “wider agreement” will take place when voters aren’t looking? Will Congress wait until after the storm has died down and everyone has gone back to the daily grind? Are they hoping people will believe they have won the fight and continue on with life, unconcerned with politics and Congress? This was just one battle in a more political war.
Politics are a tricky business. If we show our complacency, then we really can’t complain when things don’t go our way. Each of us has the hard earned right to vote and voice our opinions to those who
run our country. They have the obligation to listen to us as appointed officials. When it comes to bills like SOPA, PIPA, H.R. 1981, and so many others, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you knew what was going on and could support or object those laws that directly affect you?
This extends to keeping up with local and federal elections. The people elected to office have a direct effect on how our country is run. It’s good to be aware of who is running and know who you do and do not support.