Dear Senator Lugar and Senator Coats:

I have been an Internet professional since 1999. Since that time, my life has been positively affected by the Internet. I have raised my twin boys, as a single parent since 1997 with no help from their father. The Internet made it possible for me to work from home while being a 24/7 hands-on mother to my kids. Not once did I have to rely on my fellow taxpayers to provide for my kids! Thanks to the Internet.

I was disappointed when Indiana adopted the “Amazon Tax” which I believe is our Government cutting off their nose to spite their face. Self employed Internet Marketers pay a much higher tax on their income than the 7% sales tax that will be collected. Now I have a personal stake in the passage of the SOPA bill and I refuse to set by quietly without making my voice heard. This bill poses a direct threat to the growing number of entrepreneurs, and people who’ve found ways to earn money online to help provide for their families; a pivotal option at a time when the jobless rates are consistently high.

Passing these types of laws only hurt our economy by destroying income options for individuals and small businesses that have sprung forth in the wake of economical downturn.

This new piece of legislation by powerful industry groups like the RIAA and the MPAA aim to stifle free exchange and flow of ideas that has allowed many people — myself included — to change the course of their lives. It is essentially unenforceable and dibilitates the spirit of collaboration that allowed creative and driven individuals to make the Internet the thriving, global, decentralized entity that it is today.

Media has discussed how large corporations are using their money to shape policy and legislation to their benefit. Their interest is greedy and selfish. This will stifle a growing business and economically fruitful trend among American’s.

Indiana politicians, you included, often talk about bringing jobs to Indiana – supporting small business – encouraging entrepreneurship. As you well know, Indianapolis is a growing hub for technology and innovation. Hoosier residents have developed technology that has helped mold the Internet into the super resource it is today. SOPA would literally kill the ability for thousands of small companies and individuals to express themselves freely and make their living on the web — all so greedy corporations could keep more money in their own pockets.

It’s common knowledge that lawmakers and leaders of our country receive sizeable amounts of funding from lobbying groups promoting bills such as this. People like me — and there are many (and growing) in the state of Indiana — will be watching closely to see how our local government votes on this issue.

If you truly support the best interest of American individuals, small businesses and entrepreneurs then you’ll vote against this type of censorship.

Sincerely,

Gayla Baer-Taylor – @Gayla

Note to Fellow Internet Professionals:

Let your voice be heard – AmericanCensorship.org

Earlier today, my three boys and I set out on an adventure that would take us to a place that’s both monumental and historical in many ways.

The boys and I stood in line for 3 hours to see Hillary Clinton and Evan Bayh in Anderson Indiana.  While we waited in line, we had some serious quality time to discuss the election, the fact that this campaign is so historical, issues that are important to us as a family and the candidates position on those issues.

We discussed the recent disappointing issues that have come to light over Barack Obama and his former minister, how we felt about his response to the racist remarks and while we may be left leaning, we did discuss McCain for a short time too.

As we got closer to the Wigwam entrance, I turned around to look at the line that was growing behind us.  It was amazing to me, the number of people who came out to see Hillary and hear what she had to say.  Actually being there felt almost surreal.  Here we were in a town that used to thrive because of the money that was generated from the auto industry and the many factories that once employed thousands.  To look around now, all that remains are wounded shells of what appears to have been beautiful, upper middle class homes.  If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see some of those in the background.

As my feet carried me closer to the door, the chills spread up and down my arms and the lump in my throat grew.  For the first time in my life, I felt a part of something much bigger then anything I’d imagined.  I looked around and saw an abundance of simple, humble folks who are obviously hardworking and so many like me who were waiting in line to show their support for the candidate that’s providing us with the hope and promise of a more safe and secure future.

When I left that rally, I walked out with the sense of purpose.   While I may not be entirely pleased with one candidate, one thing I do find the most comforting at such a crucial point in our life and in our economy is we know what Hillary is like.  We watched her for 8 years while Bill was in the White House.  We know what to anticipate and what to expect.  With Barack Obama, we’ve nothing to go on.  We’ve no history to track really.

At a time when, as a country, we are in such crisis – we don’t need to be taking chances on what might be nothing more than an empty promise.

I’ve been a long time fan of Senator Evan Bayh and would like nothing more then to see him tapped as the running mate of Hillary.  While no commitments were made today, there was a true feeling of partnership – of collaboration – of effort and of hope.

I hope that everyone who reads this will take the time to register to vote and to actually get out and cast their vote!

The boys and I are now looking forward to working as Hillary Clinton campaign volunteers on Saturday morning.  We’re going to do some canvassing in hopes of encouraging more to get out there and vote!

Now we’d like to share a few pictures with you from our rally participation earlier today.

The photo above is looking toward the line that was formed in front of us.

This is a photo of Coty, Trey and Denton weathering the cold.  You can see the line between Coty and Trey’s shoulders.

Loads of supporters with Hillary signs.  They were fired up, excited and full of hope!

This is the security check point we had to go through to get into the rally.

This is one side of the three sides that were filled with supporters.

The kids just down and to your right of the post are holding signs that say Bayh for Vice

Bet you can’t guess where this supporter is from?

Light blue shirt/red tie is Evan Bayh and just to the right of him is Hillary in the bright blue.

A close up

The lady in the light colored shirt lost her job and her home when the auto industry left Anderson.

The kids captured this one – it’s a little blurry but I do like it!

This is Evan and Hillary with hands locked in a manner that just screams success and celebration.

That’s about all I have for now.  I’m really wiped out and crashing from such an amazing natural high all day.

I’m sure I’ll have plenty more to say as the memories of today set in!