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U.S. Penalizes Ukraine for Abetting 'Piracy'
The Politech mailing list has a note and follow-up on new trade restrictions levied against Ukraine, since they haven't complied with the U.S.'s demand for 'an
optical media licensing regime.' John Gilmore's response puts the issue in perspective. Update: 01/03 23:08 GMT by M : The RIAA has a press release about the trade penalties and response to Gilmore.
Skipping to the bottom, we see the phrase "...in short, we'll be living in a POLICE STATE."
In short, that's the sign that you can pretty much disregard anything he says. His tin foil is strapped too tightly to his head.
Why am I not suprised that Michael thinks this guy's ravings are "putting things in perspective"? Yeah, that's a nice, unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of balancing the rights of the music industry with fair use rights.
Sometimes it's best to just let stupid people be stupid.
I disagree with digital rights management, SDMI and DMCA of course - it's plainly wrong.
But when a pissant country like Ukraine disobeys a suggestion from such a powerful trading partner what the hell do they expect? Is anyone really so naive as to believe this kind of thing doesn't go on all the time? It's the way of the whole world, and better, it's what separates us from Communists. They respect our laws or we don't buy their goods (the effect of extra tariffs) - full stop.
However, we do need to do something rather than getting all worked up about it on /. and calling GWB names. Call/email/write your congressman. Not that it would work that much. But if everyone on /. did that instead of whining, it could probably make a dent.
Jack Valenti and the MPAA are to technology as the Boston strangler is to the woman home alone
put the hurt on the ukraine simply but fucking all ukranians in the ass with inexpensive, warm rodents.