Well, if any you haven't noticed, the Stop Online Piracy Act and the National Defense Authorization Act have been signed into law right around New Year. Apparently, President Obama at first didn't want anything to do with it, but then again, he signed it into law. But, recently, it was said that the White House didn't support neither of them. So, it leaves one to wonder, who is really supporting who and what?
Well, to begin, to fill you in on what these two acts basically are. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a law that would put even more power into the government's hands, letting them take down any website that they thing is putting up illegal material. But, it also makes it where the government is able to take down such websites as Facebook, Youtube, and Google. So, basically, anyone can say that it's theirs and have a website taken down, just because they say so. They could have a grudge against the website, thus saying that and leading to the take down of the website. So, this law is a bullshit law and should be taken down.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is one of many Defense Authorization Acts that have been enacted annually, by the President of the United States. But, the NDAA 2012 basically gives the government the authority to detain anyone, even a law abiding United States citizen, on the aussumption of being a terriorist, and the person being detained can be held indefinately and without just cause basically.
So, what does this mean for America and her citizens? It means that the government can come and pick you up for being a suspected terrorist and hold you for as long as they wish, without even telling you what they're holding you for. It's as if America has turned against us in a time of need. But, don't blame the president entirely. He's not the only one at falt, if at fault at all. Think about it, since not a lot of people tend to think of it like this alot. You have to have laws come through Congress first. The House of Representatives first, followed by the Senate and then, it hits the President's desk, but not before. Plus, things usually starts with Congress. Only one time out of ten, I would say, the President starts a law into motion. So, don't always blame the President, even though he's not entirely blameless in this (and this is coming from a hardcore liberal democrat who voted for Obama).
So, what can you do to counter all of this bad, icky laws and acts? Talk to your Representatives in Congress. Senators, Congressmen, House of Rep people. Hell, even send stuff to the President. If we send out our voices and make it known that we will not stand for this intolerance, than we will be able to get stuff done. But, that's only if we all send things in and make the people aware of what's going on. We need to take a stance on these issues and make sure that America is a free place to come and learn and grow as people. If we can't stand up and have a free voice, then what are we? Definitely not America. So, go out and make your voice heard and use your first amendment rights!!
