Re: [ga] Fwd: Call Congress - Stop H.R. 3028, The "Cyberpiracy" Act

[Peter Veeck <veeck@texoma.net>]

Intteresting that the GA is too "wrong-headed" to be able to choose their
Chair or representstives but they can be led by the nose to lobby their
elected representatives in Washington.

Peter Veeck

Mikki Barry wrote:

> >===================================================================
> >This post concerns a matter of great importance to Internet Users.
> >Please circulate widely until November 15, 1999. Attach your own
> >note in support. Please do not spam. Your help is appreciated!
> >===================================================================
> >
> >  STOP H.R. 3028 - Protect the Net - Stop the Trademark Monopolists
> >
> >-------------------------------------------------------------------
> >                             ACTION ALERT
> >
> >   - Protect the rights of Internet domain names holders!
> >
> >   - Stop the trademark monopolists from going after
> >     innocent Internet users, noncommercial organizations
> >     and small businesses!
> >
> >
> >URGENT
> >^^^^^^
> >
> >    The House of Representatives is about to vote on legislation
> >    that would grant sweeping new powers for trademark holders and
> >    undermine the rights of domain name holders, Internet users,
> >    and small businesses.  H.R. 3028 "The Trademark Cyberpiracy
> >    Prevention Act of 1999" will also establish unprecedented
> >    ability for trademark holders to sue Internet users all around
> >    the world. And H.R. 32028 will undermine a fair and carefully
> >         crafted international consensus on the resolution of Internet
> >         name disputes. It's a bad bill and it should be stopped.
> >
> >         The House of Representatives may vote on H.R. 3028 as early as
> >    Tuesday, October 26, 1999.
> >
> >
> >YOU NEED TO ACT
> >^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >
> >    There is a chance to stop HR 3028. It has very few sponsors
> >    and has moved quietly through Congress, mostly under the radar
> >    of organizations and businesses that have worked to promote
> >    the growth of the Internet.  Also, Congress will soon break
> >    for Thanksgiving.
> >
> >    But you have to act!
> >
> >
> >WHAT YOU CAN DO
> >^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >
> >    It is vitally important for you to contact your Representative
> >    in Congress and explain politely but firmly that you hope that
> >    your Representative will VOTE AGAINST H.R. 3028
> >
> >      Here is a quick guide to Calling Your Congressman
> >
> >      1. Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard (202-224-3121) and
> >         ask to speak to your Congressman. (Don't know who your
> >         Congressman is? Ok, go to http://www.house.gov/writerep/)
> >
> >      2. When you reach the office say to the person who answers
> >         the phone:
> >
> >    "Hello, I'm a registered voter in the district of Congressman
> >    <name>. I'm calling because I hope he/she will vote against
> >    H.R. 3028, 'The Cyberpiracy Act.' I don't like cyberpirates,
> >          but I believe this bill will hurt ALL domain name holders on
> >          the Internet, including small businesses, noncommercial
> >          organizations and individuals. Will you please tell the
> >          Congressman that I asked him/her to vote against H.R. 3028?
> >          Thanks."
> >
> >        Here are all the things you just did in 30 seconds:
> >        - You made clear that you're a voter in the Congressman's
> >          District (they'll listen to you!)
> >        - You said clearly that you are against a bill and you gave
> >          the bill number and the title of the bill (it's important to
> >          give both!)
> >        - You gave the Congressman a good reason to vote against
> >          H.R. 3028 (Members of Congress like good reasons for votes)
> >        - You asked for a commitment to convey your position to the
> >          Congressman (you want to be taken seriously)
> >        - You were polite (always a plus)
> >        - If you leave your name and address, that will make your call
> >          even more effective (you might even get a letter)
> >
> >     3. If you like, you can also send an email to your Representative
> >        with a new service offered at the House web site -- check
> >        out http://www.house.gov/writerep/
> >
> >     4. If you're still energized to do something, ask a friend or
> >        neighbor who also lives in your district to make the same
> >        call. You can also call the office of the Chairman of the
> >        Rules Committee Congressman David Dreier and tell his
> >        staffperson that you oppose H.R. 3028 and hope that Mr.
> >        Dreier will put off a vote on the bill until the problems
> >        are fixed.
> >
> >     5. If you want to learn more about the problems with H.R. 3028,
> >        look at the excellent letter from computer users and legal
> >        experts. Also, visit Thomas and check out the bill and the
> >        history.
> >
> >RELEVANT INFORMATION
> >^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >
> >    Information about H.R. 3028, including the Text of the bill
> >    http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d106:h.r.03028:
> >
> >    Information about the ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy
> >    http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm
> >
> >    Letter from ACM, Legal Experts on Problems with H.R. 3028
> >    http://www.acm.org/usacm/trademark.html
> >
> >===================================================================
> >   STOP H.R. 3028 - Protect the Net - Stop the Trademark Monopolists
> >===================================================================