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Broadcast Flag Back in Congress

Posted by Zonk on from the write-call-email-protest dept.

Tyler Too writes "When the broadcast flag was smacked down in court, it was only a matter of time before the MPAA tried to ram it through Congress. The first attempt in June failed, but the EFF reports that they are gearing up for another try. From Ars Technica's write-up: 'This latest attempt involves tacking on an amendment to a budget reconciliation bill. Since reconciliation is about cutting spending--something that always sounds good--such legislation cannot be substantially changed by the Budget Committee once it is presented, nor can it be filibustered.' Looks like it's a good time to call your congressman."

6 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. If something gets shot down once... by Pichu0102 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...Why is it legally allowed to try again? I mean, it seems like no matter what, if someone wants something done that people don't like, it's not a matter of if it will happen, it's a matter of when it will happen.

    1. Re:If something gets shot down once... by HikingStick · · Score: 5, Insightful
      ...Why is it legally allowed to try again?

      The ability to try again with failed legislation is one of the greatest strengths of our political system, but at the same time it is one of the biggest problems.

      The number of other provisions and amendments that make it through in this manner is probably staggering. The only thing that could be done to curtail this practice would be to require single-purpose bills that can't be loaded full of non-related crap. Of course, that would require a major change in our our legislative process works...
      --
      I use irony whenever I can, but my shirts are still wrinkled...
  2. Bill riders by lightyear4 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Non-germane riders snuck into bills shall be the death of this country.

  3. Re:if not legitimately, then by subterfuge by ivan256 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    We need a constitutional amendment that disallows text in a law that doesn't fit the spirit of the law's title.

    It would make for some amusing titles, and some great TV on CSPAN.

  4. Grant me a vent, please. by abscondment · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Someone seriously needs to organize a giant, demonstrative protest.

    We could all crap in tupperware and ship our excrement straight to the MPAA/RIAA, with a signed note saying "Thank you for shitting on the law making system in America".

  5. Re:if not legitimately, then by subterfuge by JBHarris · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The article is extremely short on details. What senator (from what state?) introduced this bill?
    What is the bill's title? Number?
    How can I verify this article?
    I will not write an email to my Senators unless I can present myself as an informed citizen.


    This article is lite on 'information', therefore doesn't really inform me of anything.