SOPA, PIPA, and MegaUpload.com

Pay attention folks, this is big. We are possibly entering a new age of internet censorship, and this could be scary stuff for everyone. I'm personally on the fence on this issue as an artist since the web offers unlimited potential for both promoting your music AND it being stolen at the same time, which obviously creates a conundrum for any artist interested in getting paid for their hard work and effort. Dont forget, it isn't just about making money to buy cars and stock the beer coolers; for most musicians its about making money to finance MORE music. Anyways, I digress, heres the article:

From Pitchfork:

Police Swarm New Zealand Mansion in Arrest of Megaupload Founder Kim Dotcom
By Jenn Pelly on January 21, 2012 at 07:05 p.m.

Reuters reports that a number of curious details have emerged surrounding this week's arrest of the German programmer and entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, who founded Megaupload in 2005. Dotcom was in the safe room of his leased New Zealand mansion when dozens of local police (some in helicopters) swarmed his residency. The Wall Street Journal notes that Dotcom had a loaded shotgun in his possession at the time.

An official from New Zealand's Organized and Financial Crime Agency told Reuters, "Despite our staff clearly identifying themselves, Mr. Dotcom retreated into the house and activated a number of electronic-looking mechanisms."

Police seized two firearms from the premises, and, according to The Telegraph, more than 20 automobiles. Among the vehicles was a 1959 pink Cadillac, as were several others with vanity plates baring such titles as "HACKER," "MAFIA,"and "STONED."

U.S. authorities are labeling the Megaupload case "one of the largest copyright cases in history," says Reuters. As previously reported, following the Megaupload bust, hackers attacked the websites for the Department of Justice, Universal Music Group, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the Motion Picture Association of America.