Copyright isn’t just about some college kid download some crappy labels latest rubbish, it is a means of control. The entertainment industry wants to control things. Like a child at halloween it demands more and more “rights” that give it power, a power that is usurped from the people. A though the government should be keeping the rights of the people closest to its heart it instead has turned towards the imaginary people known as corporations.
A new copy-right agreement (called ACTA) is being written behind closed doors. This is by invite only, and the only people invited are the three countries writing it and select industry lobbyists. Corry Dockrow of Boing-Boing writes:
Honestly, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that the entertainment industry is an existential threat to the idea of free speech, open tools, and an open communications network.
And less there be any questions, wikileaks has some enlightening information:
Who is really behind ACTA? Follow the money:
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA)
Top four campaign contributions for 2006:
Time Warner $21,000
News Corp $15,000
Sony Corp of America $14,000
Walt Disney Co $13,550Top two Industries:
TV/Movies/Music $181,050
Lawyers/Law Firms $114,200
I suggest everyone take a moment and write to the folks in charge to let them know this whole things stinks. In the US that is the House and the Senate, hopefully.
One thing that is really telling and scary is that no major new sources are carrying this story. I guess the folks at TechDirt are wondering the same thing. Hello press? Where are you?
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Here is what I am writing to my “people”
“I want you to know that I am concerned about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). I am counting on you to represent me and not corporate interests. I feel this agreement oversteps the public interest and invites a weakening of our first amendment rights in favor of strengthening an already strong industry with laws made to protect it. Please do your part, please protect me.”