These days, it seems that the political issues that rile me are as likely as not to have little to do with the the positions of the Democratic or Republican parties. While traditional politics haven’t vanished from my radar, I’m spending more time thinking and worrying about the future of the Internet and individual rights online. This covers everything from efforts by telecommunications companies to create a tiered Internet to the entertainment industry’s work to eradicate your rights to the music and movies you buy, and everything inbetween.

The primary political parties in the US haven’t really taken sides on these issues. In fact, for most politicians, these issues aren’t priorities at all. There’s little sense among those in office that supporting the entertainment industry at the expense of consumer rights might get them voted out of office. Given where the campaign contributions come from, it’s not likely that these politicians will support what’s right instead of what will help line the pockets of the entertainment and telecom businesses.

So I was excited when I heard about a political action committee that was launched recently specifically to represent the things I care about to the politicians who will make decisions on my behalf. Known as IPAC, this organization bills itself as “a nonpartisan group dedicated to preserving individual freedom through balanced information policy.” I learned about IPAC from a special edition of Leo LaPorte’s “This Week in Tech” featuring Ren Bucholz, EFF Policy Coordinator (and secretary of the IPAC board), and Jake Fischer, IPAC’s Executive Director.

One of IPAC’s first actions was to ship a dozen iPods to Senatorial campaign committees, part of an effort dubbed “Your Senator Needs an iPod.” According to the IPAC blog:

The campaign is designed to bring attention to the growing issue of information policy (patents, copyrights, and trademarks). Key members of both political parties were given iPods for campaign activities illustrating how innovative digital devices can be used along with a rich array of cultural items provided by the public domain and initiatives like Creative Commons….Visionary Stanford Professor Lawrence Lessig recorded a special video presentation specifically for IPac’s campaign. Each iPod also comes loaded with content from Creative Commons music from artists like Chuck D and The Beastie Boys, hundreds of photos from flickr.com, and classic literature such as the complete works of Shakespeare.

I have read and endorsed IPAC’s statement of principles, along with 2,277 others (as of this writing); I’ve also made a contribution, part of $28,109.74 donated by 370 people to date. I would urge you to visit the site, read the statement of principles, and if you agree with IPAC’s goals, lend your support, too. Of course, this is a US-only organization.

Technorati Tags: IPAC, EFF