Stop SOPA and PIPA- A letter from the Editor

We at BUnow have blacked out our logo in protest of the SOPA and PIPA bills currently making their way through the branches of our government. We do not support these bills and will continue to oppose any law that will result in governmental censorship.

Man has created a number of phenomenal tools throughout history. However, I think I can safely say without fierce successful contradiction that the internet is not only the most useful, but the most incredible and awe-inspiring of all.

When you step back and take a moment to appreciate it, being able to share information and connect with people around the globe is a breathtaking ability. This incredibly complex and beautiful capability has become something we as a society take part in on a daily basis. Getting our messages out there, sharing our experiences, connecting with professionals, getting back in touch with old friends, or being able to receive an update on a news story moments after it happens- all of these things we are able to do in the blink of an eye and without second thought.

The passing of the SOPA and PIPA bills would censor all of this information and monitor our actions too closely for comfort. These bills also rear their head toward piracy and the internet. Make no mistake- piracy is an issue that needs to be addressed, but SOPA is not the answer.

I highly encourage you to take some time out of your day and learn more about these bills here and what they mean for our future. We cannot sit by and allow our government to herd us like sheep in a march toward a police state.

Please take some time and fill out the information for this petition presented by Google.

It was announced today that congress will take another look at SOPA in February. I recommend you email your senator in protest of these bills. Let them know that we want politicians who are pro-internet. Be sure to bring this to the attention of your friends and get people involved. There is still time.

Let’s keep in mind how useful a tool the internet is in our day-to-day lives. Keep in mind that without free-flowing information, most of us would not have known these bills were even being considered. Keep in mind that this is an issue not of “stopping piracy” but of governmental censorship over its people.

Can you imagine a world without free-flowing information and knowledge at our finger tips? It wouldn’t be pretty. Stand up. Speak out. Let your voice be heard now before it’s too late and we no longer have the option.

Sincerely,

CJ Shultz

Editor-in-Chief, BUnow.com