ESA Withdraws Support for SOPA

The Entertainment Software Association has publicly withdrawn their support of SOPA, the controversial anti-piracy bill that was today put on indefinite hold.

"From the beginning," the statement reads. "ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals. Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."

Bravo, ESA. It takes balls to come out against a cause after it's lost all efficacy . Sure, you could have done it when you realized your customers were firmly opposed to the bill. You could have done it when members of your organization came out and said you didn't represent them on this issue. Hell, you could have even done it when developers began talking about a boycott of E3.

But no. You held fast and waited until public opinion had turned wildly against your cause, until the very people behind the bill were forced to admit its flaws. You waited until there was nothing left to support. And that's real courage.