Trick Used To Pass French "Three Strikes"

Glyn Moody writes "France's 'Loi Hadopi' — better known as 'three strikes and you're out' — was passed by the National Assembly late last night when only 16 deputies were present (the vote was 12 in favor, 4 against). Most politicians had left because it was expected that the vote would take place next week. In this way, President Sarkozy has sneaked his controversial legislation through the French parliament — and shown his contempt for the democratic process. So now what?"

Comments

Shame

[FredFredrickson]

While my initial thought is "Shame on those people who subverted the democratic process" I can't help but think.. "Shame on the faulty system with such a stupid loophole." Did they subvert the democratic process? Kinda. But did they do things within the boundries of their law? Apparently so.

So shame on those living in France expecting anything different from their dumb system.

It's like having an insurance policy, and when the insurance company decides to be assholes and use their technicalities to avoid paying you, well, shame on you for signing on to such an obviously flawed contract.

(Please note, I'm not claiming my country is any better.)

Re:Shame

[notarockstar1979]

Yes, shame on the faulty system. However, just because something is done to the letter of the law doesn't mean it's done with the spirit of the law in mind. Of course this may be EXACTLY the kind of thing this loophole was designed for.

Is there any way they can retract it during a vote next week when they thought they were going to vote for it? I don't know how French law works.

While I agree with most of what you're saying (even if I don't agree with where most of the blame goes), I don't know that I agree with the following:

So shame on those living in France expecting anything different from their dumb system.

If you are born somewhere, sometimes it is difficult to leave. Some people just don't have the resources or skills to leave a country and start a new life somewhere else (I know I'm finding it pretty difficult right now). What other choices do they have if the politicians don't listen to the people?

The EU will probably shut this down anyway. We'll just have to see.

Quorum?

[Anonymous Coward]

Ever heard of Quorum? The French should add that to their rules/constitution to prevent that crap Sheesh

"contempt for democratic process"

[Gothmolly]

Sounds like sour grapes to me. News Flash: Politicians use these procedural tricks all the time, why do you think that said tricks exist? At someone point, some other guys slid laws through on the same deal. Look at the absurd things the US does - the Patriot Act, Obama's "bailout" plans, that nobody ever reads, but people vote on.

Quorum

[PMuse]

A country with a 577-member body that allows 16 people to constitute quorum? If that's actually the case, that country deserves what it gets.

Say it ain't so.