“Congressman Lamar Smith is causing ripples, even with his own voters, however, his fingers remain planted solidly in his ears while seemingly saying, “La la la la la la, I can’t hear you!” Most Americans are upset over his championship of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) but their nonpartisan ire is falling on deaf ears. It’s almost as if he’s getting paid not to listen (see: List of contributors).
Normally I rebel against agreeing with Darrell Issa, but this censorship Act is indeed, China-esque.
Digital Trends reported, “When asked about the burgeoning opposition to the bill from online communities like Reddit.com, Smith added: “It’s a vocal minority. Because they’re strident doesn’t mean they’re either legitimate or large in number. One, they need to read the language. Show me the language. There’s nothing they can point to that does what they say it does do. I think their fears are unfounded.” The backlash from his unwarranted statements is unending.
”This comment, “I was one of your supporters until I found out that you authored SOPA. I now will be one of your greatest critics” is only one of the thousands on Congressman Lamar Smith’s Facebook page over SOPA. Smith is the House Judiciary Chairman selling the American public on the idea of censorship.
No matter what his page links to (budget, etc), SOPA is mentioned by hundreds of upset Americans, such as,”WE ARE NOT GONNA BE CONTROLLED ANY MORE Lamar Smith.”
There are thousands of comments. Smith is inundated with angry voters:
What kind of politician are you that tells his constituents (or the people of the United States in general) that they “don’t matter”?”This moron based SOPA on the Iranian government’s internet snooping/censorship.”
“There’s a pic of an iPhone on the site you linked. Looks like a possible violation of ‘Fair Use’. I might have to report you under SOPA…”
Most of them were astute in their observations:
“Lamar S. Smith, the main sponsor of the SOPA Bill… interesting how he has had large contributions from a many of the Bills 3rd party Supporters aka Comcast, NCTA. Also interesting to note he lobbied for VISA as well just a few years ago which is also a big backer of the bill. This deal is more crooked than a boxer’s nose. Honestly I believe if politicians had integrity, they would not vote nor sponsor bills that benefited contributors or themselves. One thing to be an educational resource to other politicians at Capital Hill, totally different to be a 2 dollar…entertainer… for Media companies.”
Republicans, Libertarians and Democrats, all were unnerved by this bill. This poster had a Ron Paul avatar:
“Mr. Smith must love control. He seems to want more and more. HR 2306, SOPA…come on. Your job is to represent the people. Why are you not doing your job?”
Some noted Smith’s ‘special’ brand of genius:
I have been working with computers for a while now and work in the Information Security field. SOPA has some major problems with DNSsec and trust. Don’t take my word for it though, companies like Google and Microsoft are against SOPA, but apparently you sir know more about computers then all of us combined…. You must be a genius!!!!
Perhaps Smith should consider retiring very soon:
“So people don´t matter, huh? We´ll see about that. Hint: Start looking for a new job =)”
“SOPA will destroy the internet you corrupt Congressmen. Enjoy the uprising.”
“How much money did you take to push this bill through, Lamar? Youre supposed to do the will of the people, not the companies giving you money.”
“get your facts right Mr Lamar. you talk as if WE the taxpayers have no official authority to make a vote.There is a significant number of people that oppose this bill, even corporate giants like this one (Facebook) are considering a plan to show their grief against SOPA.”
“You’re worthless Congressman. You are a disgrace to the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, the entire U.S. constitution, and America as we know it in general. If you think the SOPA bill is of any benefit to anyone, then you’re wrong. Stop abusing your power in office and let the Internet govern itself. You’re a disgrace for what the GOP stands for, which is LESS GOVERNMENT.”
I left a few choice words myself, which ironically were censored. Go say hell to Lamar and express yourself. Just click here.
H/T: Michael Pinto with thanks.
