Responding to the recent controversial SOPA/PIPA bills, many artists have joined to send a letter to Washington, articulating their concerns with the bills.  These new bills would allow the government to shut down certain websites for copyright infringements.

Among the artists that signed the letter are OK Go, Amanda Palmer, Trent Reznor, producer Hank Shocklee, comedian Aziz Ansari, author Neil Gaiman, and filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman.  In the letter, the artists write that “commercial piracy is deeply unfair,” and they express their gratitude to the policymakers that protect artists’ works.  They then proceed to praise the value of a “free and open Internet” and its partcular use for connecting with fans, interacting “with them in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.”

Alongside the artists’ letter, many websites protested the bills with blackouts.  Additionally, Peter Gabriel and MC Hammer have openly joined the opposition.  Even Radiohead and Wye Oak have been taking part in the fight against the SOPA/PIPA bills.

Despite the fact that the bills may seem to support such artists, the world is clearly speaking out in favor of a free internet.  Many senators and representatives have denounced the bills, so it’s looking pretty good for now.