| If we want to effectively fight censorship, we should stop using the language of those who falsely claim this is not censorship, and the courts that abuse their power to violate the people's rights. It's not the sites that are being blocked, it's the people. The sites are still there, fully connected to the internet, and there are dozens of ways to access them. It's the people who's digital movements are being restricted, in a way that is virtually analogous to the restrictions totalitarian regimes impose on the freedoms of their citizens to access information and leave the country. We are becoming the virtual prisoners of a regime not formed by politburos or generals, but judges with a total and complete disregard for the very foundation of the legal system they are supposed to serve. Because let it be abundantly clear: as a citizen of a free and democratic country, I have every right to visit the Pirate Bay, read their blog or browse the thousands of torrents they have to offer. Nothing about this is illegal, in fact, my right to do this is supposed to be protected. It is part of the very foundation of our society that these rights are protected. Blood has been spilled to protect them, and these courts are spitting on the graves of those who have laid down their lives for our freedom. There cannot be a functioning democracy if the courts can restrict the freedoms of millions without while the government looks the other way. |