This coming semester I'm teaching a class at the University of Minnesota with almost 200 students concerning current issues in media. One of the issues we are exploring is intellectual property online and its legal enforcement. On January 24th, I will be teaching a lesson about the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act. I know that you have generally supported this type of legislation.
I would like to be able to present reasoned arguments to my class on different sides of this issue, and I would like to be able to let them know where their Senators currently stand. Through significant online research, I have been unable to find any supporters of SOPA/Protect IP who substantially address the numerous criticisms it has received from technology leaders, online entrepreneurs, consumer groups, scholars, and media activists. Would you please provide me with a rationale I can share with my class that explains your support for this legislation?
Anthony Nadler, St. Paul, MN
