Sen. Hatch’s Bad Idea
Here’s an interesting Wired article that talks about Orrin’s latest crusade. He wants to save Hollywood from the scary pirates. Said Hatch:
“I do want to solve this problem for the recording industry and the movie industry and the book industry,” Hatch said. “We have to give a damn about copyright.”
The article also discusses the thousands of dollars Hatch and Leahy (the other sponsor of the bill being discussed) recieved from the industries they are pimping for. Hatch has been around too long. Someday maybe the Utahns who keep putting him into office because he is a good Mormon will realize that he isn’t as good a statesman. Maybe.
This is legislation looking for a problem to solve. There are already laws on the books that make it illegal for people to do most of what Hatch has his panties in a bind about. This bill would make hardware and software that allows people to make copies of any copyrighted media heavily regulated. Its passage would be bad for any one who has any interest in or hope for future innovation coming from technology companies in our country.
Anyone who wants more information on this act and it progress through congress should check out the Induce Act Blog.
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About music piracy specifically: Some people in the music industry undoubtedly have lost their jobs because of piracy. But, I would say more have lost their jobs because of the mounds of crappy music that is produced these days. If they were putting out a good product, people would buy it legitimately. At least that’s what I think.
About Sen. Hatch: I have mixed feelings about him. He’s been around a long time and has gained a certain amount of power in Washington. If it wasn’t for him, Utah might not have much of a voice at all. On the other hand, he’s become a little too much politician for my taste. It probably is time for him to head for the wings.
My brother recently attended a function at the Kuwaiti ambassador’s residence in D.C. where Hatch was supposed to speak. For, some reason, he was unable to attend at the last minute, so Sen. Bennett filled in. Apparently, Bennett’s speech was quite intelligent and powerful. Perhaps Utah voters should oust Hatch and try to find another man like Bennett.
Comment by Lydia Tarbox — July 24, 2004 @ 4:38 pm
I agree with Lydia on all counts. I like Bennett.
I’m probably too hard on Hatch. I know a couple people on his staff and they are very cool. They believe in what they are doing, they work very hard, and they are effective. I just can’t stand the Senator. Oh well…I can’t vote for him or against him so I guess I’ll just have to get over it.
Comment by Jeremy — July 26, 2004 @ 1:11 am