IP: Call Congress - Stop HR 3028

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> ===================================================================
> 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
>  
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>   STOP H.R. 3028 - Protect the Net - Stop the Trademark Monopolists
> ===================================================================