Democracy and Power 112: Fidelity to LeadershipTo be elected, a politician must please his constituents. However, to be a powerful legislative force, a politician must be an obedient member of a party – Democrat or Republican. Since most constituents are busy making a living, raising families and focused on immediate community concerns, loyalty to the party most often prevails

The Marketplace Fairness Act would subject retailers to sales tax audits from 50 different states and tax laws of nearly 10,000 local tax authorities. Proponents of this bill claim that this levels the playing field between internet merchants, such as Ebay or Amazon with brick and mortar retailers like Walmart or Best Buy. Critics point out that it only boosts the tax bill for America’s consumers and allows state governments to tax businesses not within their jurisdiction.

During the upcoming Cyber Week, Congress may vote on numerous so-called cyber security bills. Here are details on several bills that Congress may be debating soon:  Cyber Security Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) 

Democracy and Power 114:  The Power Players 

Documents released this month by Judicial Watch show the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and left-wing advocacy groups colluding to increase support of regulations on the Internet with ‘Net Neutrality’ measures.

Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) are expected to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing your taxes by taxing purchases you make on the internet.  The bill’s name is deceitfully titled the Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 – it is neither main street nor fair. The bill seeks to hurt online retailers and consumers alike, and will suppress internet entrepreneurship and your wallet.

Boing Boing has a great article today on the dangers of the proposed internet "Kill Switch."