CDR: Re: FC: U.S. Copyright Office says DeCSS bad, filtering hacking good

[Nick Bretagna]

Declan McCullagh wrote:
> 
> ----- Forwarded message from John Young <jya at 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 at 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 -