SOPA Blackout Day

So you have probably noticed, today is the blackout day for many popular websites (reddit, fark, wikipedia) as well as protests by even larger websites such as google (check their logo).  SOPA as well as the Protect IP act present a threat not only in terms of censorship on the internet, but a threat to the functionality of the internet itself.  I know my blog and probably a lot of yours would be shut down.  Imagine if your parents or grandparents decided to create rules governing the internet.  Yes, it's that bad.  SOPA even at one point had provisions to redirect DNS requests, which would undermine the functionality of the internet.

Here's a video that expands on some of the threats:

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

In any case, we love the internet.  I'd hate to think that these are the wild west times, which we'll one day look back on fondly and recount the tales of to our children's children.  Hopefully the internet will continue to exist in it's unadulterated form.  You can help with this.

I suggest you contact your local Congressman today and express your displeasure with the Act, particularly if your Congressman has voted for SOPA and Protect IP.  We may know this as a big issue on the internet because we spend a lot of time here, but unfortunately SOPA still hasn't garnered a lot of mainstream attention.

So speak out, and keep vigilant on all legislation.  The internet response to this bill has been great, but a lot of other questionable legislation can slip through the cracks.

You can find contact information for your local Congressman here:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/

Edit: handy-dandy video