Wikipedia to Shut Down on Wednesday to Protest SOPA

Post by r00fus » Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 2:23 AM UTC

Newgy wrote: post #123

Natsu wrote: post #119

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree. We need to be the first one to inform people about this legislation and the threat it poses to the internet. We shouldn't waste this opportunity to do so, or they will restart the legislation and sneak it in somewhere whenever we let our guard down. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…

Everything we need is already in the Constitution, in the First and Fourth Amendments of the Bill of Rights. We just have to defend our freedoms...through protest and through votes. "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." --Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4,1777

Post by burgerbrain » Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 2:41 AM UTC

sriramk wrote: post #127

I'm against SOPA as much as the next person here on HN but I disagree with shutting down Wikipedia. Paul Carr wrote a piece today that argues this case well -> see http://pandodaily.com/2012/01/16/dick-costolo-is-right-wikip... Basically, a) Wikipedia's core principle is neutrality. When they strive for neutrality and balance on much more sensitive issues, taking a stance on one particular issue affecting one particu…

Post by kuahyeow » Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 3:18 AM UTC

rmc wrote: post #101

lambada wrote: post #14

Is this US only, or is this going to take it offline for the whole internet? The article doesn't specify, but last I checked there was strong support for a US only blackout.

It's English language Wikipedia. Which will affect people who SOPA doesn't affect. I wish it was delibrately USA only. Then US policy makes can see how SOPA will not only "break the internet" but also put US citizens and groups at a disadvantage on the global stage. Maybe that might get their attention aswell?

Post by burgerbrain » Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 3:34 AM UTC

nandemo wrote: post #139

sriramk wrote: post #133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sad to see my original comment getting downvoted. If your job depends on you being neutral, you don't get a choice. For example, the International Red Cross needs to stay neutral otherwise they won't get access to areas where they are sorely needed. The Swiss stayed neutral through some world changing events. By opposing SOPA, Wikipedia loses its neutrality and takes a political stance - an act which could have long…

> Sad to see my original comment getting downvoted. Your comment is well-written, summarizes a tenable position and contributes to the discussion. Unfortunately, the principle of not downvoting for mere disagreement has in practice been abandoned on HN.

Post by kevinpet » Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 3:53 AM UTC

vaksel wrote: post #16

lpolovets wrote: post #3

I know there's a lot of cynicism about whether SOPA law is really being abandoned, or whether it's just being temporarily shelved, but I'm really excited about how opponents have banded together, and how organizations like Reddit and Wikipedia have been willing to sacrifice page views and revenue to show their support and to increase public awareness. In the future, when someone advocates opposing an unjust law and s…

They should capitalize on the momentum and create an organization that can get everyone mobilized quickly in the future. Politicians kiss up to tiny groups just because they are somewhat influential...think of billions going to subsidies for farmers or even tiny 1 issue groups. Surely together, the tech community is much more influential than them.