CISPA (bing, bang, boom). Death of Internet.

Brought to you by the same state, Michigan, that now allows state agencies to come on private property, point out livestock they don’t like, and ordered them killed – or be charged with a felony, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA. H.R.3523) is looming in the Senate for a vote next week.

The measure passed the House Thursday (opposed by 28 Republicans; supported by 42 Democrats) having been shoved ahead one day for a vote.

This is your internet on CISPA

In order for this bill to fly through the Senate, backroom deals are now being made – and amendments being added.

“You vote for this, and we’ll add this in and vote with you on this” type of deals.

Dangerous politics practiced by both parties.

The President had said he will veto this bill.

This is not certain – given this is an election year – and politics makes odd things happen.

Smiling earnest faces proclaim: CISPA. It will make you safer!

(We know how well that worked)

What is CISP?

It makes it easier for companies to share information with the government about “threats” facing their networks.

(My that sounds harmless.)

Read the facts here: “Cybersecurity Bill FAQ: The Disturbing Privacy Dangers in CISPA and How To Stop It”

(Might want to glance over that. Talks about people reading your emails…and that Facebook page…)

Here’s what is being said:

• Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colorado) says: the bill is an “unprecedented, sweeping piece of legislation that would waive every single privacy law ever enacted in the name of cybersecurity.”
• Rep. Bernie Thompson (D-Miss) “In an effort to foster information sharing, this bill would erode the privacy protections of every single American using the Internet. It would create a Wild West of information sharing, where any certified business can share with any government agency, who can then use the information for any national security purpose and grant the business immunity fro virtually any liability.”

And bless my granny shoes!

The American Library Association

You know, that group of benign knowledge hounds in those buildings with all those books

 Those alway cheerful, helpful people who hold storytime and give you a few minutes of peace

Those mild-mannered…

Oh, you know who they are?

OK, onward then….

The American Library Association has issued a statement concerning CISPA:

“This bill would trump all current privacy laws including the forty-eight state library record confidentiality laws as well as the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Wiretap Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the Privacy Act. 

Essentially, CISPA would establish a whole new system for our nation’s privacy laws and policies and legalize extraordinary intrusions into established privacy rights and civil liberties.”

Read more on CISPA by the American Library Association here .

• Join the fight on Twitter.
• How to contact your legislative representatives (Legislative Action Center link with Talking Points)
• Coalition letter

Seriously, if meek librarians are worried – shouldn’t you be?

Do you think it’s true people get the government they deserve?

What is the possibility of a government agency knocking on your door with guns making demands?

(Nah, it can’t happen here)

Ask the small farmers in Michigan.(Story: here)

Now hush.

Sounds like a drone – quick, duck…

No, I know it’s a drone, not a duck.

I meant get down.

Those bird of a feather tend to flock…

Duck, duck, goose. Sleep and you lose.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Read More:

• “CISPA: The latest attempt to establish a massive surveillance state”
• ACLU.org  CISPA information in chart form
• Tech Dirt: “CISPA Is a Really Bad Bill, and Here’s Why”
• Bloomberg: “Lawmaker Defends Cyber Bill as Groups Plan Internet Protest”
• The Hill: “House approves cybersecurity bill over Obama veto threat” (There are other bills on cybersecurity waiting in the wings)
• Chicago Tribune: “CISPA hit with veto threat before Friday vote in the House”

And librarians, I have the greatest respect for you who have sounded the alarm before (but there’s that image problem even with the TV series….working on that).

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