Dear Editor,

When the government challenges rights of individuals through the Internet, they restrict American voices causing resentment and doubt in our governments? involvement with private life. The bill Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) attempts to limit the very rights of American ideals.

Although SOPA?s intent would allow us to terminate online piracy, the general act endangers first amendment rights. In an article by Amy Schatz the right to freedom of speech is a major concern for companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. The broad wording in the bill, could allow innocent websites to be targeted and shut down due to uploads of their users.

Not only will the internet?s users be affected, but the revenue of online companies. In an article by Liz Klimas the government will gain the authority to halt business between foreign websites accused by plaintiffs of copy right.

SOPA might be one bill, but the ideas and morals behind it could lead to a new level of government control in one of the few remaining areas free of outside direction. The majority of people have already shown negative responses to SOPA, and the passing of the bill would lead to even more distress. Some individuals realize this bill is only the first step towards socialism.

Respectfully,

Brieann Winchell, Jon Ago, and Tynin Fries

For another letter on this issue, read LETTER: Containment or Extirpation or LETTER: SOPA a stained chalk line.