My ten-year-old son just informed me that not only Wikipedia but also Minecraft and other sites have temporarily gone dark in protest of SOPA and PIPA. What’s that, he wants to know.

Me: “I know zip about internet IP issues. But it’s a very good sign when producers go on strike. Look at the guys who run Keystone XL, the companies that provide mini-med insurance, AEP with its coal plants: they all scrape and bow and ask for waivers and favors—hit us again! What if they all told the politicians to fly a kite and just went dark?”

Ten-year-old: “You mean like Atlas Shrugged?”

Just like that, son—without the Colorado valley and the endless monologues.

Thank you, Wikipedia. Thank you, Minecraft.