Your recent statements regarding the destruction of PC's belonging to anyone *believed* to have illegally downloaded copyrighted material could not have been more ludicrous. You completely lack the knowledge of technology that is necessary to intelligently discuss such ideas, and as such should respectfully remain silent during such discussions. Perhaps in the future you should research an issue before commenting on it. In fact, I am so appalled at your ignorance that I will take it upon myself to educate you.
Consider the repercussions of such legislation. The act of destroying citizens' computers violates more laws than I can count, including several amendments to the constitution. Do you intend to change every single law in this country that would make the idea you've proposed illegal? This seems impossible. You should also consider that if such a system was implemented, you would leave every computer in this great nation of ours open to attack from terrorist organizations. What's to stop members of al-Qaeda (for example) from tapping into the system and destroying every PC from coast to coast, including those that form the government's infrastructure? Absolutely nothing, that's what. If this law came to pass, I can only hope President Bush would send you to GuantÃnamo Bay with the rest of the terrorists.
I leave you with two final thoughts. First, the people you are attacking are the people this country depends on most. To quote 'Fight Club', "The people you're after are everyone you depend on. We do your laundry, cook your food and serve you dinner. We guard you while you sleep. We drive your ambulances. Don't fuck with us." It would be smart to think of the people you represent instead of the corporations that fund your campaign. Last but not least, you should read the discussion on slashdot that was sparked by your comments, if it doesn't open your eyes, then nothing will.
Congratulations on successfully sabotaging any political ambitions you hold for the few years remaining before your inevitable death, a day all of us anxiously await.
Slashdot Mirror
Dear Senator Hatch,
Your recent statements regarding the destruction of PC's belonging to anyone *believed* to have illegally downloaded copyrighted material could not have been more ludicrous. You completely lack the knowledge of technology that is necessary to intelligently discuss such ideas, and as such should respectfully remain silent during such discussions. Perhaps in the future you should research an issue before commenting on it. In fact, I am so appalled at your ignorance that I will take it upon myself to educate you.
Consider the repercussions of such legislation. The act of destroying citizens' computers violates more laws than I can count, including several amendments to the constitution. Do you intend to change every single law in this country that would make the idea you've proposed illegal? This seems impossible. You should also consider that if such a system was implemented, you would leave every computer in this great nation of ours open to attack from terrorist organizations. What's to stop members of al-Qaeda (for example) from tapping into the system and destroying every PC from coast to coast, including those that form the government's infrastructure? Absolutely nothing, that's what. If this law came to pass, I can only hope President Bush would send you to GuantÃnamo Bay with the rest of the terrorists.
I leave you with two final thoughts. First, the people you are attacking are the people this country depends on most. To quote 'Fight Club', "The people you're after are everyone you depend on. We do your laundry, cook your food and serve you dinner. We guard you while you sleep. We drive your ambulances. Don't fuck with us." It would be smart to think of the people you represent instead of the corporations that fund your campaign. Last but not least, you should read the discussion on slashdot that was sparked by your comments, if it doesn't open your eyes, then nothing will.
Congratulations on successfully sabotaging any political ambitions you hold for the few years remaining before your inevitable death, a day all of us anxiously await.