What Senators Schumer & Gillibrand Need to Understand

Next Wednesday, we are holding an Emergency NY Tech Meetup in front of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand's offices to demonstrate our opposition to PIPA and SOPA. Together, as a NY tech community, we need to come together, so please take a long lunch next Wednesday, bring your co-workers, and let's stop this thing.

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand need to understand that with a single vote in support of PIPA, and without publicly condemning and trying to stop the legislation leading up to the vote, they would be dead to the NY technology industry for good.

Why so harsh?

On patent reform, we understand that we can't get everything we want. We understand that there's a process. We'll press you hard, but we'll also be patient. We understand.

On immigration reform, we understand we can't get everything we want either. While our companies are starved for talent and our Country turns away job creators (who happen to be from a different country themselves) dying to grow the US economy and employ Americans, we will be patient as you try and navigate the political waters on this tough issue.

On capital gains reform, we understand that what's in our best interest as entrepreneurs is not always fair or easy to shoulder for the rest of the country. Again, we understand the process is difficult and ou are doing your best job.

But PIPA is wholly different. We will not understand. We will not accept anything short of public condemnation of the bill in its current form and pledges to vote "No" as long as damaging structural changes to how the Internet works exists in the legislation.

And without that condemnation, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand need to know they will permanently damage any credibility they had built as innovation-friendly representatives. PIPA is an appallingly damaging piece of legislation. Show us you get that.

See everyone next Wednesday. Together, let's stop this horrific bill.