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Comment by ldayley | Hacker News Reader

I'm happy that he opposes SOPA, and happy that he darkened his site. But isn't it gratuitous for a congressman to act like some internet activist when he possesses REAL influence on the law in Washington?

Rather than blacking out his site, I'd love to see one of his staffers post activities that the congressman is engaged in to convince his peers to block or vote against measures like SOPA.

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How much can one representative do? I think you're overstating his power. He is one of 435, and while he does have influence over the law in the fact that he can vote against it, I don't think one representative has the power to completely block a bill if he doesn't have people standing behind him.

The best way to get other representatives to stand behind him is 1. passionate appeals on the House floor and 2. getting voters to make their voice heard.

At least one of those activities is blacking out his website on SOPA blackout day.

Sure, but let's hear about the meetings he's holding with contributors, committees, or industry. Blacking out your site tells us where you stand on an issue but telling people what you are doing with your elected position to move that stance forward is even more powerful.

In any event, I applaud the congressman for his position.

While I do wholeheartedly agree with you, lets keep in mind that these are politicians we're talking about.

Baby steps. This week, get them to oppose SOPA/PIPA, next week, get them to be more transparent.

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