Orin Hatch still doesn't get it, but we're screwed anyway


If you don't want new laws force fed by (legitimatly) paranoid copyright holders forced through congress with wads (and big wads) of cash it's time to take a stand, support the legitimate ways to download music off the internet, or go buy some CDs.

EFF created a mock complaint of how the new proposed 'Induce Act' would make companies like Apple, Toshiba, and CNET Networks law breakers if this new law passes. Senator Hatch's comments clearly show that he just doesn't get it. Whomever read the mock complaint for him didn't read it clearly, so I'm guessing it was a RIAA lobby flunky or some one equally incompetent.

Now, ever since they came out I've been a strong opponent to 'file sharing' networks because they are clearly nothing more than the ability for people to download copyrighted material en masse over internet connections. While the RIAA's heavy handed tactics have not been the best of ways to handle things they are within their rights.

File sharing isn't a 'fight the man' situation. Otherwise the programs you use for file sharing wouldn't be similar to walking down an alley to pick up some drugs, or to buy some stuff that fell of a truck. You'd have real companies like Apple, Microsoft, Toshiba, or many others getting into the game with real programs. Instead you've got files with questionable contents showing up on file sharing networks wreaking havoc on unsuspecting users. Though some times I wonder if they don't get what they deserve some days.

If you don't want new laws force fed by (legitimatly) paranoid copyright holders forced through congress with wads (and big wads) of cash it's time to take a stand, support the legitimate ways to download music off the internet, or go buy some CDs. File sharing networks that offer up MP3s, MPGs, DIVXs, and all that garbage have got to go. The only way they're going to go away is if you, the user stop using them. Otherwise, they're going to go away hard & fast, and at our expense in the form of yet another drain on tax dollars.

Posted: Sat - July 24, 2004 at 12:57 PM           |

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