The House tried to pass the “Stop Online Internet Piracy” bill out of committee today, only to run out of time. It wasn’t due to the lack of trying on the part of Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC). Rep. Watt acknowledges that he doesn’t understand the ramifications of the bill he is sponsoring, yet feels the need to press on, regardless.
It’s quite embarrassing, especially as a North Carolinian. As one commenter put it, Congress trying to regulate the Internet is like trying to build a bridge without an engineer. This misguided attack on America’s First Amendment must be stopped.
It’s of course perfectly standard for members of Congress to not be exceptionally proficient in technological matters. But for some committee members, the issue did not stop at mere ignorance. Rather, it seemed there was in many cases an outright refusal to understand what is undoubtedly a complex issue dealing with highly-sensitive technologies.
When the security issue was brought up, Rep. Mel Watt of North Carolina seemed particularly comfortable about his own lack of understanding. Grinningly admitting “I’m not a nerd” before the committee, he nevertheless went on to dismiss without facts or justification the very evidence he didn’t understand and then downplay the need for a panel of experts. Rep. Maxine Waters of California followed up by saying that any discussion of security concerns is “wasting time” and that the bill should move forward without question, busted internets be damned.
via Dear Congress, It’s No Longer OK To Not Know How The Internet Works | Motherboard.
I agree! It is time to vote these people out of office whether they are Democrat or Republican. Check out this link (http://bit.ly/teMo6o) for more on who stands against this bill. Of course Ron Paul is against it.
Mark, I completely agree with you. However, congress doesn’t know crap about anything. While it’s great that you see it with regards to this bill, its disturbing that you’re wanting government to take care of other industries such as healthcare. There aren’t too many doctors in congress either. So, proposing health care legislation is like performing heart surgery without a doctor.
Don’t know if you know Pirate96 or not but you need to heed his advice to start listening to Ron Paul. Not saying you should vote for him but at least listen.