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European Parliament Clashes Over Software Patents

Posted by michael on from the civilized-debate-as-usual dept.

D4C5CE writes "The European Parliament's Daily Notebook reports on the turbulent final plenary debate this morning regarding a draft Directive to legalize Software Patents (which are currently unlawful under Art.52 (2) (c) of the European Patent Convention). The Notebook quotes some truly bizarre views and arguments (which no doubt you'll take the time to point out to Members of the European Parliament before tomorrow's vote), with some MEPs even claiming to feel harassed because they are suddenly also being lobbied by numerous concerned citizens, rather than solely by industry representatives as usual."

6 of 213 comments (clear)

  1. The citizens are coming after them with pitchfork. by Delron+Da+Thugg · · Score: 4, Funny

    "because they are suddenly also being lobbied by numerous concerned citizens, rather than solely by industry representatives as usual." Let's see if the citizens have as much sway as the real lobbies...probably only when they come with pitchforks and torches.

  2. Heaven forefend! by Atario · · Score: 5, Funny

    with some MEPs even claiming to feel harassed because they are suddenly also being lobbied by numerous concerned citizens, rather than solely by industry representatives as usual.

    Imagine that -- contacted by (ugh) commoners. Oh, the ignominy!

    --
    "A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy." --Theodore Roosevelt
    1. Re:Heaven forefend! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      Symptoms: "...some MEPs even claiming to feel harassed..."
      Diagnosis: results of /. effect hitting a real person, not a computer

  3. you gotta love the European Parliament... by The+Lynxpro · · Score: 5, Funny

    If I were an EU citizen, I'd certainly run for office. How can you not win a constituency when less than 10% of people turn out for the voting?

    10. Gain EU Citizenship through the liberal citizenry laws in the Republic of Ireland.

    20. Move to an EU country, err, excuse me, "Member State."

    30. Run for the EU Parliament. Have 2 people vote for me and I win my seat!

    40. PROFIT!!!

    --
    "Right now, somewhere in this world, Scott Baio is plowing a woman he doesn't love," - Peter Griffin, *Family Guy*
  4. Just look at the U.S. by Ikeya · · Score: 5, Funny

    I mean, software patents work so great over here with no problems at all! They should just model their system after the U.S.!

    --
    ---- Move SIG...For great justice!
  5. Re:Interesting. by aastanna · · Score: 4, Funny
    You just described Canada
    I was thinking the exact same thing, but I wonder how many people won't know that the bit about bears and coyotes roaming the cities is a joke.

    Also, I'd like to throw in the obligitory comments about being able to walk down the streat and not get shot, and being able to visit other countries with your flag sewn on your backpack and not get shot...and...just generally not get shot.