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[wg-d] Fwd: Call Congress - Stop H.R. 3028, The "Cyberpiracy" Act
>===================================================================
>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
>===================================================================