Nice editorializing. Just tell us the story next time, okay?
Oh come on. This is the second post I've seen that bitches about that line, but it's not editorializing! It's the honest-to-God TRUTH! I noticed that neither of you tried to deny the veracity of the statement, just the way it which is was said. BTW, I don't see this as a Republican versus Democrat issue; both parties are corporate stooges. It's just that Republicans are often the most egregious offenders.
I reckon you're just used to the way the media likes to frame the wholesale corporate hijacking of our airwaves, which are, (or "were") in theory, public-owned. The media, to say the least, likes to phrase it delicately, but why should that be surprising? This is all about media control, is it not? And you don't think Tom Brokaw is going to raise his fist in the air on TV and yell, "Power to the people!" and still have a job tomorrow, do you? The hierarchical structure and constricting cultural climate of corporate life negates this possibility without the need for enforcement. It's a clear danger to democracy, and it's spreading.
Orwell was damn close, but he forgot about big business. The real danger is the unholy alliance between business and government. Once all the "voices" in society are all filtered through the government and big business, what room is there for the individual? Group-Think. Corporate-Speak. These are not just the fodder for a million Dilbert comics; it is the stupefying sound of the banality of evil.
Is this congressional subcommittee merely playing populist politics because the veto is pretty much a foregone conclusion? I find it hard to believe these clowns are actually going to stand up to big business.
Then again, I might just be a cynic at the ripe old age of 25.
I hate Bush for many reasons, and the things he's done and is trying to do for the enviroment is one of them. However there is a small evil and vindictive side to me that can't help thinking "take _that_ Green party!" every time he pulls some new enviroment destroying stunt.
Yes, how dare those pesky Greens actually try to run against Bush and Gore?! What were they try to do?! Get elected or something?!
I would've sooner chewed my legs off and fed them to weasels than voted for Gore, Yes, Bush is the devil, but that doesn't mean Gore is an angel. Far from it.
It really pisses me off that people still blame Nader voters for the Bush regime. For one thing, Bush didn't win. Secondly, if Gore couldn't beat a grade-A nimrod like Bush Jr., then he's in serious trouble. He was worse than Clinton; he waffled on every issue and ended up pleasing no one!
People like you are the reason the Greens have no chance of winning. If disillusioned Democrats just voted for the Greens we'd see actual positive change in this country. If the Greens got over 15% of the vote it would shake everything up. Either the Democrats would move towards the center (and die) or they would embrace the left and thrive. Either way, they need to stop rolling over and playing dead for the Republicans. As it stands, the Democrats are useless because they don't stand for anything; they just stand against the Republicans and they do a shitty job of it. Yes, the Republicans are assholes, but Democrats are weak. I can't vote for weakness and ineptitude; it's not what I stand for.
The two party system has made a travesty of democracy. I favor instant-runoff voting. And the next person who tells me I should vote Democrat, even though it's against my beliefs, gets a kick in the shins.
I think people are missing the true danger here and it's not the record labels, in this case. A more potent threat is posed by corporations like Clear Channel who own both radio stations and concert venues (and the means of promoting both, such as billboards).
I've been keeping tabs on my local music scene (Minneapolis) because I'm trying to start a band. From what I've read, it sounds like Clear Channel is making artists and venues sign exclusive contracts. This can make booking easier for a lot of small to mid-sized acts. So when a band tours they will have a whole slew of CC-owned venues to choose from, but they might not be allowed to play a non-Clear Channel venue (probably depends on the contract).
I've also heard that non-Clear Channel bands can indeed play Clear Channel clubs, but they get bumped if a CC band wants the slot; even with little to no notice. This has already happened around town.
I think this ultimately creates more problems and tough choices for bands with a social conscience such as Wookie Foot. Do you sign a contract and make touring (supposedly) a breeze? What if things go sour? It certainly doesn't help your indie cred much, but this side of the music business isn't as well known as the recording side. Publishing, of course, is even more mysterious. All I know is: Don't sign away the rights to your songs!
The Clear Channel Effect causes even more problems for the venues that aren't affiliated with CC. One of our cultural landmarks, First Avenue, is apparently in dire financial straits. I'm hoping they pull through; it's a great club and they provide a lot of support for new and unknown acts. They even have a non-profit foundation dedicated to aiding the arts. Do you think Clear Channel gives a damn?
Don't let the record companies absorb all your wrath. We have them on the ropes, but meanwhile Clear Channel is operating relatively freely. They are starting to raise some ire around here, but not nearly enough. If the new FCC regulations allow them to get a tighter stranglehold on radio things will only get worse.
Slashdot Mirror
Oh come on. This is the second post I've seen that bitches about that line, but it's not editorializing! It's the honest-to-God TRUTH! I noticed that neither of you tried to deny the veracity of the statement, just the way it which is was said. BTW, I don't see this as a Republican versus Democrat issue; both parties are corporate stooges. It's just that Republicans are often the most egregious offenders.
I reckon you're just used to the way the media likes to frame the wholesale corporate hijacking of our airwaves, which are, (or "were") in theory, public-owned. The media, to say the least, likes to phrase it delicately, but why should that be surprising? This is all about media control, is it not? And you don't think Tom Brokaw is going to raise his fist in the air on TV and yell, "Power to the people!" and still have a job tomorrow, do you? The hierarchical structure and constricting cultural climate of corporate life negates this possibility without the need for enforcement. It's a clear danger to democracy, and it's spreading.
Orwell was damn close, but he forgot about big business. The real danger is the unholy alliance between business and government. Once all the "voices" in society are all filtered through the government and big business, what room is there for the individual? Group-Think. Corporate-Speak. These are not just the fodder for a million Dilbert comics; it is the stupefying sound of the banality of evil.
Then again, I might just be a cynic at the ripe old age of 25.
Yes, how dare those pesky Greens actually try to run against Bush and Gore?! What were they try to do?! Get elected or something?!
I would've sooner chewed my legs off and fed them to weasels than voted for Gore, Yes, Bush is the devil, but that doesn't mean Gore is an angel. Far from it.
It really pisses me off that people still blame Nader voters for the Bush regime. For one thing, Bush didn't win. Secondly, if Gore couldn't beat a grade-A nimrod like Bush Jr., then he's in serious trouble. He was worse than Clinton; he waffled on every issue and ended up pleasing no one!
People like you are the reason the Greens have no chance of winning. If disillusioned Democrats just voted for the Greens we'd see actual positive change in this country. If the Greens got over 15% of the vote it would shake everything up. Either the Democrats would move towards the center (and die) or they would embrace the left and thrive. Either way, they need to stop rolling over and playing dead for the Republicans. As it stands, the Democrats are useless because they don't stand for anything; they just stand against the Republicans and they do a shitty job of it. Yes, the Republicans are assholes, but Democrats are weak. I can't vote for weakness and ineptitude; it's not what I stand for.
The two party system has made a travesty of democracy. I favor instant-runoff voting. And the next person who tells me I should vote Democrat, even though it's against my beliefs, gets a kick in the shins.
I've been keeping tabs on my local music scene (Minneapolis) because I'm trying to start a band. From what I've read, it sounds like Clear Channel is making artists and venues sign exclusive contracts. This can make booking easier for a lot of small to mid-sized acts. So when a band tours they will have a whole slew of CC-owned venues to choose from, but they might not be allowed to play a non-Clear Channel venue (probably depends on the contract).
I've also heard that non-Clear Channel bands can indeed play Clear Channel clubs, but they get bumped if a CC band wants the slot; even with little to no notice. This has already happened around town.
I think this ultimately creates more problems and tough choices for bands with a social conscience such as Wookie Foot. Do you sign a contract and make touring (supposedly) a breeze? What if things go sour? It certainly doesn't help your indie cred much, but this side of the music business isn't as well known as the recording side. Publishing, of course, is even more mysterious. All I know is: Don't sign away the rights to your songs!
The Clear Channel Effect causes even more problems for the venues that aren't affiliated with CC. One of our cultural landmarks, First Avenue, is apparently in dire financial straits. I'm hoping they pull through; it's a great club and they provide a lot of support for new and unknown acts. They even have a non-profit foundation dedicated to aiding the arts. Do you think Clear Channel gives a damn?
Don't let the record companies absorb all your wrath. We have them on the ropes, but meanwhile Clear Channel is operating relatively freely. They are starting to raise some ire around here, but not nearly enough. If the new FCC regulations allow them to get a tighter stranglehold on radio things will only get worse.