Why I oppose SOPA/PIPA

First off I want to say that I don't download illegal content such as music, video games, or movies.  Though poor, I believe in spending my money properly to show support for the artists who bring me quality content I enjoy.  There are those who do these things, and I could understand

This isn't really about that, though.  Imagine all those websites you enjoy visiting suddenly being shut down due to what is claimed to be intellectual property theft.  Wikipedia, Youtube, Google, any internet forums, podcasts, web comedy sites (like That Guy With Glasses or Cracked) would all become irreversibly changed due to this legislation.  The wondrous free flow of information and the ability to follow information to its source (a necessity when doing any kind of research) would suddenly come to a screeching halt.  Websites would be sued over the most minor of grievances and ISP's would be forced to shut down the site.  Linking to a news article would be considered a crime, as would making a video to someone elses music or using someone's image for humor.

We've seen legislation proposed in the past (Internet Protection Act) put forth which we were told would help protect free speech and improve the flow of information.  In the end all it takes is to follow the sources of those who support the SOPA/PIPA legislation and ask why they would do so.  As always, it's about money.  The only way to beat the corporations is through votes.  Tell your congressman how you feel and what you will do if they act against the best interest of the internet.  Keeping their jobs as our representatives is the only thing they can relate to.

Keep the internet free.