NationStates Jolt Archive

Can't decide who you want to vote for?

Need to know who's taking dirty money for their campaign?

Want to know where the money from the RIAA's settlement suits are going?

Contact Information For 50 Politicians Who Take Campaign Money From The RIAA (http://consumerist.com/consumer/worst-company-in-america/contact-information-for-50-politicians-who-take-campaign-money-from-the-riaa-264638.php)

It seems that the RIAA is lining the pockets of a good 50 or so American politicians in a bid to have copyright laws written to their liking.

Just who is on this list? Why it's both Republicans and Democrats. Both are corrupt and will allow for the RIAA to line their pockets.

Hilary Rotham-Clinton, Barrack Obama to name two....

*Screech*

Hold on there. Barack Obama has made it clear he's not taking campaign funding from private interests.

Hold on there. Barack Obama has made it clear he's not taking campaign funding from private interests.

Wait, could it be... A politician telling fibs?

What's the world coming to? Next thing you know bears'll be shitting in the woods.

*Screech*

Hold on there. Barack Obama has made it clear he's not taking campaign funding from private interests.
Dear, he's a politician; name me one truly honest politician.

Dear, he's a politician; name me one truly honest politician.

I'm tempted to say "Adolf Hitler", but I feel it's a bit early to godwin this thread already...

I'm tempted to say "Adolf Hitler", but I feel it's a bit early to godwin this thread already...

When I said honest, I didn't mean honestly insane. ;)

Well if this list is to be believed, he only got $2,000. Hardly an amount that's going to tip any political balance. If it were $1M maybe.

Shweet my man Carl Levin is not on the list...WHoo hooo the only michigan politician living that i like.

Can't decide who you want to vote for?

Need to know who's taking dirty money for their campaign?

Want to know where the money from the RIAA's settlement suits are going?

Contact Information For 50 Politicians Who Take Campaign Money From The RIAA (http://consumerist.com/consumer/worst-company-in-america/contact-information-for-50-politicians-who-take-campaign-money-from-the-riaa-264638.php)

It seems that the RIAA is lining the pockets of a good 50 or so American politicians in a bid to have copyright laws written to their liking.

Just who is on this list? Why it's both Republicans and Democrats. Both are corrupt and will allow for the RIAA to line their pockets.

Hilary Rotham-Clinton, Barrack Obama to name two....

Well there are now two people crossed off my presidential list of people I could have voted for.

Well if this list is to be believed, he only got $2,000. Hardly an amount that's going to tip any political balance. If it were $1M maybe.

Sure that's $2000 today... but what about in a month or two...?

Its a single issue.
I will never let a single issue decide why and who I vote for.

Sure that's $2000 today... but what about in a month or two...?

Hmm. There's a link that lets you contact the Obama campaign team. But I'm foreign, would they even bother replying to me?

Hmm. There's a link that lets you contact the Obama campaign team. But I'm foreign, would they even bother replying to me?

Lie and say you're from Ohio.

Lie and say you're from Ohio.

Why Ohio?

Ohio is an important state to carry in the election.

Why Ohio?

For sympathy :p

But darnit, I have to supply a zip code and everything. Damnit I really want to ask his campaign about this. I may not be an American, but to say that the result of '08 won't affect me in the slightest is stupid.

Is there an American in the building? I'd like to ask someone to post the question to the Obama campaign themselves, and give us the reply. Here's the address:

http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

But darnit, I have to supply a zip code and everything. Damnit I really want to ask his campaign about this. I may not be an American, but to say that the result of '08 won't affect me in the slightest is stupid.

Is there an American in the building?

60188

It's an Illinois zip-code.

44317 is the zip for Akron.

If you're going for Akron, say you're from Crackron Ohio, your local knowledge will assure them

Thanks for the zip codes guys, but are you sure I won't get caught and charged with "impersonating an American citizen", or something? Wouldn't it be easier for one of you guys to ask?

Basically under the topic of "Campaign Finance Reform", ask whether or not it is true Obama has taken a $2,000 campaign donation from RIAA, and if so why does that not conflict?

I'll do it, not that I'm American either but I'd first like to be sure that he's stated on record that he won't take donations from private interests, wouldn't want to waste time.

Do that and I'll ask and send back the reply.

Thanks for the zip codes guys, but are you sure I won't get caught and charged with "impersonating an American citizen", or something? Wouldn't it be easier for one of you guys to ask?

Impersonating an American is not a crime. Having false identification is however. Supply a zip code and explain the situtation to them. That is the best policy. That way, you cannot be blamed. You could say you are visiting America and thus the zip code. That way, you are covered.

Basically under the topic of "Campaign Finance Reform", ask whether or not it is true Obama has taken a $2,000 campaign donation from RIAA, and if so why does that not conflict?

you can do so.

I'll do it, not that I'm American either but I'd first like to be sure that he's stated on record that he won't take donations from private interests, wouldn't want to waste time.

Do that and I'll ask and send back the reply.

I'll dig around. I'm pretty sure he said he wouldn't be taking campaign money from major corporate interests during that whole hype about how much money he'd raised for a campaign.

Can't decide who you want to vote for?

Need to know who's taking dirty money for their campaign?

Want to know where the money from the RIAA's settlement suits are going?

Contact Information For 50 Politicians Who Take Campaign Money From The RIAA (http://consumerist.com/consumer/worst-company-in-america/contact-information-for-50-politicians-who-take-campaign-money-from-the-riaa-264638.php)

It seems that the RIAA is lining the pockets of a good 50 or so American politicians in a bid to have copyright laws written to their liking.

Just who is on this list? Why it's both Republicans and Democrats. Both are corrupt and will allow for the RIAA to line their pockets.

Hilary Rotham-Clinton, Barrack Obama to name two....


Hey! None of my Local Politicos (save Hillary) are on that list. Is taht a good thing, or a bad thing.

Senator Barack Obama’s campaign said late Friday that it had returned more than $50,000 in donations after learning that the contributors were federal lobbyists, which the campaign had pledged not to accept money from.

Mr. Obama raised $25 million during the first quarter of the fundraising period. A spokesman said Friday that the campaign had returned 49 political contributions totaling $50,566.

“Giving back these donations is part of our best efforts to ensure we stay true to our commitment to not take money from federal lobbyists,” said Bill Burton, a campaign spokesman.

The disclosure came late Friday, two days before first-quarter fundraising reports are due at the Federal Election Commission. The campaign made the announcement to preempt its disclosure report, which will include names of at least some of the lobbyists because their checks were deposited and not caught until a more thorough vetting process occurred.

“As we’ve said and as this illustrates, this policy isn’t a perfect solution to the problem of money and politics and special interest sway in Washington,” Mr. Burton said. “But it is an important symbol of the kind of administration that Obama will have in the White
House.”

Accepting contributions from registered lobbyists is not illegal, of course, but the Obama campaign chose not to take the money to burnish his image as a candidate intent on changing the business of Washington. The self-imposed ban applies only to federal lobbyists.


Is RIAA not a federal lobbyist?

I emailed some of the congress type people on there that I have dealt with in the past on other lobbying issues. I will post any response I get.

I am also handwriting a letter to Obama, hopefully he will reply.

I am tired of trying to get any answers out of Hillary. She always emails me back (or has someone do it) but the questions are never answered.

I'm not convinced he's doing anything that he said he wouldn't.

That's why we've compiled a list of 50 congresspeople who took campaign contributions from the RIAA in the last election cycle. We've linked their contact information so that you, as their constituents, can inform them that they're taking money from the "Worst Company in America," and that's going to cost them your vote.

I'm assuming the 'last election cycle' was for Congress not for the presidency.

I'm happy to write if he's gone against his word, I'm just not sure he has.

I emailed some of the congress type people on there that I have dealt with in the past on other lobbying issues. I will post any response I get.

I am also handwriting a letter to Obama, hopefully he will reply.

I am tired of trying to get any answers out of Hillary. She always emails me back (or has someone do it) but the questions are never answered.

Expecting an answer from Hillary is futile. That is like me getting an answer from Specter. No matter how many times I ask a question, the question is not answered.

Expecting an answer from Hillary is futile. That is like me getting an answer from Specter. No matter how many times I ask a question, the question is not answered.

I would dig out actual responses, but they are to the organization I work for, so I could get in trouble.

I can give you a parallel example

"Is blue really your favorite color? because a few days back you said it was green"

"I believe in a strong America"

:rolleyes:

I would dig out actual responses, but they are to the organization I work for, so I could get in trouble.

I can give you a parallel example

"Is blue really your favorite color? because a few days back you said it was green"

"I believe in a strong America"

:rolleyes:

STUPID!!!

Hmm...while I am admittedly more distrustful of Obama now that he has been alledgedly caught in a lie, especially as it involves the RIAA, an organization I despise...it's only 2,000 dollars, and the highest people took was 9,000 for a single person. While that may seem like quite a lot to us, to a politician that is an essential drop in the bucket.

And, of course...


I'm assuming the 'last election cycle' was for Congress not for the presidency.

I'm happy to write if he's gone against his word, I'm just not sure he has.
There is this...as such, he's technically not lying, nor is Clinton or anyone else on that list. Still...it is the RIAA...

STUPID!!!

It's the kind of thing you have to expect from politicians. They have one track minds that can't think beyond catchy campaign slogans.

It's the kind of thing you have to expect from politicians. They have one track minds that can't think beyond catchy campaign slogans.

No kidding. And I am already used to it. I can still call it stupid.

STUPID!!!

Well at least we know you can point out obvious facts, Corny.

Kryozerkia: I disagree. They can think a lot further beyond such campaigns usually...they just don't normally apply such behavior to the average person, reserving it instead for lobbying and the like. As such, when they become caught by someone smarter than the average bea--I mean person--they become a bit confused.

Well at least we know you can point out obvious facts, Corny.

:rolleyes:

Kryozerkia: I disagree. They can think a lot further beyond such campaigns usually...they just don't normally apply such behavior to the average person, reserving it instead for lobbying and the like. As such, when they become caught by someone smarter than the average bea--I mean person--they become a bit confused.

That is true.

Kryozerkia: I disagree. They can think a lot further beyond such campaigns usually...they just don't normally apply such behavior to the average person, reserving it instead for lobbying and the like. As such, when they become caught by someone smarter than the average bea--I mean person--they become a bit confused.

In other words, they treat the average voter like a total moron. :) And they don't like having to give intelligent answers because someone will one up them.

:rolleyes:


What?

That is true.
You agree? Curious. I did not expect you to.

Kryozerkia: Well, yes, because the average voter, when it comes to politics, IS a moron. Politicians have settled into an easy rhythm of controlling people for the sake of gaining power.

What?

I am not Corneliu.

You agree? Curious. I did not expect you to.

Why when a true statement was made! You made a true statement so why would I not agree to it?

Kryozerkia: Well, yes, because the average voter, when it comes to politics, IS a moron. Politicians have settled into an easy rhythm of controlling people for the sake of gaining power.

Sad but very very true.

I disagree. They can think a lot further beyond such campaigns usually...they just don't normally apply such behavior to the average person, reserving it instead for lobbying and the like. As such, when they become caught by someone smarter than the average bea--I mean person--they become a bit confused.

I'm not sure it's isolated to that, I think they're so wary of media that they have to give faceless answers to every question in case it's writ large across headlines: HILLARY FLIPFLOPS ON COLOR ISSUE!

What does anyone remember about John Kerry? Flipflop and the Swift Boat Veterans - hardly the burning issues of the day for America.

Well, yes, because the average voter, when it comes to politics, IS a moron. Politicians have settled into an easy rhythm of controlling people for the sake of gaining power.
I'd say it's due to general apathy and distrust that most voters remain uninformed. They are happier that way. If politicians understood that people like honesty, voters would be informed. People tend to not waste time if they feel it gets them nowhere.

Manipulation is the key to success in politics. You smear your opponent and force-feed bullshit to your constituents.

I am not Corneliu.

Yes you are. You act exactly like him, share his views, and even contain Bible quotes in your signature. Unless you're his girlfriend or a relative who knows how to act just like him, you are Corny.


Why when a true statement was made! You made a true statement so why would I not agree to it?

Because you seemed to be rolling with the idea that all politicians are stupid idiots as opposed to smart manipulators.


Sad but very very true.
Indeed.

I'm not sure it's isolated to that, I think they're so wary of media that they have to give faceless answers to every question in case it's writ large across headlines: HILLARY FLIPFLOPS ON COLOR ISSUE!
Well, that's true...

What does anyone remember about John Kerry? Flipflop and the Swift Boat Veterans - hardly the burning issues of the day for America.

And that is ridiculous and sad. Those Swift Boaters were lying about him the whole way through too, which makes it even worse. Still, that's the state of American politics, and that won't improve till our educational systems improve.

Kryozerkia: There is that too. Still, this is caused partially by ignorance of politics. As you can see by NationStates, those of us who are not ignorant of politics will not only see through politicians but are eager to show these failings to others to get them motivated, and we are not ignorant because we tend to be more educated, even if said education on these matters was garnered from others here at NationStates. Through education and learning, one becomes not only more open minded, but a hell of a lot less conservatively stupid.

Yes you are. You act exactly like him, share his views, and even contain Bible quotes in your signature. Unless you're his girlfriend or a relative who knows how to act just like him, you are Corny.

Believe what you will. I know I am not s/he so it does not matter if you think I am him/her.

Because you seemed to be rolling with the idea that all politicians are stupid idiots as opposed to smart manipulators.

Or perhaps they are both at the sametime?

Indeed.

Glad we could agree.

Believe what you will. I know I am not s/he so it does not matter if you think I am him/her.


Okay Corny.


Or perhaps they are both at the sametime?

Eh, I suppose, though mainly in the sense of general human stupidity than anything else. Of course, these politicians tend to be a lot more educated than most people in America, but that's due to the fact that all of the really good quality education comes with a gigantic price tag that most people could barely read without fainting, let alone afford.


Glad we could agree.
It means hope for you yet, Corny. ;)

Wow, politicians in the US can take money from RIAA without worrying about losing more votes then it's worth?

Here 6 out of 7 parties in the parliament promised to legalize filesharing. Of course they changed their mind after the election was over and instead legalized military wiretaps on Internet traffic. But at least they had to wait with calling about 90% of the young first time voters criminals until after getting their votes.

Yeah, without those minor campaign donations why, they'd totally let you benefit from the labor of others for free. After all, you have a right to be entertained and people who try and be compensated for what they created and labored over are dirty bastards. You should build that fence for me for the love of building fences, man. Building the fence and knowing I like it should be all the compensation you need.

Yeah, without those minor campaign donations why, they'd totally let you benefit from the labor of others for free. After all, you have a right to be entertained and people who try and be compensated for what they created and labored over are dirty bastards. You should build that fence for me for the love of building fences, man. Building the fence and knowing I like it should be all the compensation you need.

Sorry if this seems silly, but what does slavery have to do with campaign finance reform (or lack thereof).

Sorry if this seems silly, but what does slavery have to do with campaign finance reform (or lack thereof).

Nothing.

I thought you should know, I clicked on the $2000 and it took me to the disbursement form. This $2000 was accepted for his senate race, some two-three years ago. When he says he isn't accepting special interest money, he means for his presidential race.

So I was right, and Obama isn't in fact caving into private interests and lobbyists. Booyah!

Contact Information For 50 Politicians Who Take Campaign Money From The RIAA (http://consumerist.com/consumer/worst-company-in-america/contact-information-for-50-politicians-who-take-campaign-money-from-the-riaa-264638.php)

It seems that the RIAA is lining the pockets of a good 50 or so American politicians in a bid to have copyright laws written to their liking...thanks.

Dear, he's a politician; name me one truly honest politician.

Me!

......... Wait a polyp-picking minute, I'm not a pollie...

Was that Ted Stevens I saw on that list? Shocker.

"The Internet is a series of tubes!"

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I thought you should know, I clicked on the $2000 and it took me to the disbursement form. This $2000 was accepted for his senate race, some two-three years ago. When he says he isn't accepting special interest money, he means for his presidential race.

For the primaries or...?

Dear, he's a politician; name me one truly honest politician.

Guy Fawkes ;)

/ok...stretching the concept of politician ever so slightly LOL

"The Internet is a series of tubes!"

Sorry, couldn't resist.

http://i12.tinypic.com/6ch6mqh.gif :D

...And how is this any different from every other private organization that donates money to political campaigns?

...And how is this any different from every other private organization that donates money to political campaigns?

They suck more than most?

Yeah, without those minor campaign donations why, they'd totally let you benefit from the labor of others for free. After all, you have a right to be entertained and people who try and be compensated for what they created and labored over are dirty bastards. You should build that fence for me for the love of building fences, man. Building the fence and knowing I like it should be all the compensation you need.
Well yeah that is a good summary of the popular opinion here. There is even a pro piracy lobby and a Pirate Party (http://www.piratpartiet.se/international/english) with 8000 members. There has even been pro piracy demonstrations to which the Swedish arm of RIAA replied "great, those dorks finally went outside and got to see sunlight for once!".

No surprise with Hillary...Barack too.


Fuck the democrats this election. I'ma going for Ron Paul.

Can't decide who you want to vote for?

Need to know who's taking dirty money for their campaign?

Want to know where the money from the RIAA's settlement suits are going?

Contact Information For 50 Politicians Who Take Campaign Money From The RIAA (http://consumerist.com/consumer/worst-company-in-america/contact-information-for-50-politicians-who-take-campaign-money-from-the-riaa-264638.php)

It seems that the RIAA is lining the pockets of a good 50 or so American politicians in a bid to have copyright laws written to their liking.

Just who is on this list? Why it's both Republicans and Democrats. Both are corrupt and will allow for the RIAA to line their pockets.

Hilary Rotham-Clinton, Barrack Obama to name two....
I wish I could find a clip of it, but I remember a bit from back around 1992 where Michael Moore sent a series of checks from "political groups" to campaigns to see if there was any group a politician wouldn't take money from. They had names like "Kiddy Diddlers of America" or something similar, and every campaign cashed the checks. That's not to excuse the people on the list--just to say I'm never surprised by it.

That said, I think the RIAA is on its way out, as cd sales are continuing to plummet and digital sales aren't making up the difference. Those lawsuits seriously backfired on them, as a lot of people said they would years ago.

No surprise with Hillary...Barack too.


Fuck the democrats this election. I'ma going for Ron Paul.

You'll be writing his name in, just so you know.

...And how is this any different from every other private organization that donates money to political campaigns?

I'm surprised to find myself in agreement with RMM.

Nothing in the OP or the OP article justifies the assertions that this is "dirty" money or that the politicians receiving it are corrupt.

Nor does anyone actually provide any evidence of undue influence from these donations. What alleged changes in copyright law have been made by these politicians?

This is just hysteria.

I'm surprised to find myself in agreement with RMM.

Nothing in the OP or the OP article justifies the assertions that this is "dirty" money or that the politicians receiving it are corrupt.

Nor does anyone actually provide any evidence of undue influence from these donations. What alleged changes in copyright law have been made by these politicians?

This is just hysteria.

I don't know that it's "dirty money" per se, but there certainly is something to the idea that you might not wish to support candidates who take money from organizations you disagree with. I wouldn't vote for a candidate who took money from NAMBLA, even though there wouldn't necessarily be anything dirty about the money. (And yes, I did just compare the RIAA to NAMBLA. :D )

Arlen Specter? BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

.. :p

No surprise with Hillary...Barack too.


Fuck the democrats this election. I'ma going for Ron Paul.

Technically, Barack isn't going to take campaign money from them, or any other lobbying interest anymore. Ron Paul, however, invariably will.

Technically, Barack isn't going to take campaign money from them, or any other lobbying interest anymore. Ron Paul, however, invariably will.

Okay, "None of the above" it is, then.


Do you think we could get enough people to do that as a write-in candidate to win? It's not like no one's been elected to public office by write-in vote before.

I'd say it's due to general apathy and distrust that most voters remain uninformed. They are happier that way. If politicians understood that people like honesty, voters would be informed. People tend to not waste time if they feel it gets them nowhere.

Manipulation is the key to success in politics. You smear your opponent and force-feed bullshit to your constituents.

In the first election I voted in...this past presidential election, I looked for information on the local candidates, what they stood for, for some of them, even what PARTY they were affiliated with. I don't think that they are uninformed due to apathy, but to lack of information. Sure, I could find things like voting record of incumbents, but new candidates, or the people running for city government..nothing. It was eye opening to say the least.

I am a firm believer that if you give up your right to vote, you also give up your right to complain, so I voted...however, I am appalled that I walked into the election so horribly uninformed. I'm not sure how to remedy that.

Technically, Barack isn't going to take campaign money from them, or any other lobbying interest anymore. Ron Paul, however, invariably will.

What make you think that Ron Paul will?

What make you think that Ron Paul will?

I would guess that the assumption is that Paul will take whatever money is offered, since he's not raising much to begin with. I don't know if that's accurate, since Paul does seem to be that rare politician of principle, not that it's going to help him get elected. Hell, at the rate people are joining the Republican race, it might get him left out of future debates along with people like Gilmore and Tommy Thompson.

I would guess that the assumption is that Paul will take whatever money is offered, since he's not raising much to begin with. I don't know if that's accurate, since Paul does seem to be that rare politician of principle, not that it's going to help him get elected. Hell, at the rate people are joining the Republican race, it might get him left out of future debates along with people like Gilmore and Tommy Thompson.

I really hate politics sometimes. This country really could use Ron Paul right now.

I really hate politics sometimes. This country really could use Ron Paul right now.

I disagree. He's got a really simplistic view of the world and the economy. I find his candor refreshing, but his ideas are wholly unworkable.

I disagree. He's got a really simplistic view of the world and the economy. I find his candor refreshing, but his ideas are wholly unworkable.

How do you know that they are unworkable?

How do you know that they are unworkable?

Not gonna get into it on this thread, but the short answer is that much as he might like to think he could force through radical change if he were elected, there are too many people arrayed against him. That's the nature of our system, for good or bad. In this limited case, I think for the good. I happen to like big government, and think it ought to be bigger, in fact.

Not gonna get into it on this thread, but the short answer is that much as he might like to think he could force through radical change if he were elected, there are too many people arrayed against him. That's the nature of our system, for good or bad. In this limited case, I think for the good. I happen to like big government, and think it ought to be bigger, in fact.

Oh please, no good can come out of 'big government'. Big government will only encourage higher taxes, more control over the private sector as well as the lives of our private citizen, and you'd basically be living in a Nanny State. You'll be living in government approved apartments, in government approved apartment complex, eating and drinking government approved food and drinks, riding on government approved public transportation, to our government approved jobs. On our time off, we'd be doing government approved recreation which is probably going to be soccer, or some lame sport or activity.

If you want to do anything that isn't government approved, you'll be taxed to death. Sure you'll be taken care of, but at the cost of your personal freedom.

If you think the Republican's Ban on Gay Marriage is bad, just wait till 'Gov Co' tries it with every other aspect of life. There's a reason George Orwell wrote '1984.'

They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security ~Benjamin Franklin

I'm sorry but I don't share your vision of 'big government'. Big Government is the worst idea anyone could EVER come up with and I'd rather have to the freedom to choose whatever I want to do with my life rather than having 'Gov Co.' tell me what to do with my life.

Oh please, no good can come out of 'big government'. Big government will only encourage higher taxes, more control over the private sector as well as the lives of our private citizen, and you'd basically be living in a Nanny State. You'll be living in government approved apartments, in government approved apartment complex, eating and drinking government approved food and drinks, riding on government approved public transportation, to our government approved jobs. On our time off, we'd be doing government approved recreation which is probably going to be soccer, or some lame sport or activity.

If you want to do anything that isn't government approved, you'll be taxed to death. Sure you'll be taken care of, but at the cost of your personal freedom.

If you think the Republican's Ban on Gay Marriage is bad, just wait till 'Gov Co' tries it with every other aspect of life. There's a reason George Orwell wrote '1984.'



I'm sorry but I don't share your vision of 'big government'. Big Government is the worst idea anyone could EVER come up with and I'd rather have to the freedom to choose whatever I want to do with my life rather than having 'Gov Co.' tell me what to do with my life.

Start your own thread on this, and if I feel up to it tonight, I'll debate you. But not here. I was serious about not jacking this thread any further.

Yeah, without those minor campaign donations why, they'd totally let you benefit from the labor of others for free. After all, you have a right to be entertained and people who try and be compensated for what they created and labored over are dirty bastards. You should build that fence for me for the love of building fences, man. Building the fence and knowing I like it should be all the compensation you need.

I am a full supporter of intellectual property and defending it, but there is a difference between defending intellectual property and what the RIAA does. They will go after anything and everything that they see as a threat to their ownership of property, and that includes targeting websites who allow downloading of music SANCTIONED BY THE MUSIC CREATOR. They don't give a damn about protecting intellectual property so much as protecting their profits. Admittedly that's not a bad goal, but when they take it to the point that they do...

In today's world, we need a new definition of intellectual property, considering just how easy it is for people to download whatever software or videos or music, or what have you that they want through file-sharing programs.

I am a full supporter of intellectual property and defending it, but there is a difference between defending intellectual property and what the RIAA does. They will go after anything and everything that they see as a threat to their ownership of property, and that includes targeting websites who allow downloading of music SANCTIONED BY THE MUSIC CREATOR. They don't give a damn about protecting intellectual property so much as protecting their profits. Admittedly that's not a bad goal, but when they take it to the point that they do...

In today's world, we need a new definition of intellectual property, considering just how easy it is for people to download whatever software or videos or music, or what have you that they want through file-sharing programs.
The big problem with the RIAA is that they're bullies who don't actually care about the guilt or innocence of the people they're hunting down, and they've pushed to use extralegal means to go after people.

I happen to like big government, and think it ought to be bigger, in fact.

Good. Then move to Sweden. :)

The big problem with the RIAA is that they're bullies who don't actually care about the guilt or innocence of the people they're hunting down, and they've pushed to use extralegal means to go after people.

That too. They're just after protecting their profits. As I said, if they were doing legally without pushing all of this extra crap everywhere, I would be quite fine with it. But with the way they run things, they have to go. They are an archaic structure that has no real bearing on the world of today anymore. Intellectual property, in terms of ownership and ability to gain ownership of a copy, has changed drastically.

I am also handwriting a letter to Obama, hopefully he will reply.

Awesome. *bows*
Power to you.