Declan McCullagh wrote:

----- Forwarded message from John Young <jya@pipeline.com> -----

The two exemptions granted:

"1. Compilations Consisting of Lists of Websites Blocked by Filtering Software Applications

2. Literary Works, Including Computer Programs and Databases, Protected by Access Control Mechanisms That Fail to Permit Access Because of Malfunction, Damage or Obsoleteness."

So: our free speech -- our ability to express ideas -- is now subject to the imprimature of the US copyright office, who we need to appeal to for "exemptions"?? How many *other* Federal Agencies do you think will step forth to claim this power, as well??? One would certainly hope the courts would figure this one out as blatantly unconstitutional....

The copyright industry's arguments are often cited as grounds for minimal exemptions, as well as the power of the market to correct what Congress gave the industry. Specious.

-- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Nicholas Bretagna II mailto:afn41391@afn.org If we give in [to the impulse to censor and instill speech codes] then we are giving to the bigots the gift of our freedom. If you give in, what you're saying is that Freedom is less important than not being offended. What a disaster for a country whose *soul* depends on Liberty. - Alan C. Kors -