From Declan's list
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Subject: "Hollywood Hacking Bill" Author Named as Democrat Liaison to Entertainment Industry From: Richard Forno
This is beyond absurd. Howard Berman is the Congresscritter who, a few years ago, wanted to enact laws that would let the entertainment industry "hack" private computers in their quest for copyright investigations.....his proposed law would also indemnify the entertainment cartels if those actions resulted in problems for the folks being "hacked" -- even if the "hack" resulted in not finding any "infringing" materials.
As of today, the Democrats have the glaringly-ignorant shill of the entertainment industry (Berman) working for the greedy entertainment industry itself. How very convenient for all sides. Except the public (and many artists) of course.
Anyway, some info on the old Berman Bill that shows how his mind works:
Pelosi Appoints Berman as Chief Liaison to the Entertainment Industry
Berman, a senior California lawmaker who has worked closely and productively with the film industry for years, will hold a more regular and institutionalized dialogue with industry representatives on issues vital to those who make and market films, music, and other copyrighted materials. Berman is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property.
"Howard Berman has long been a leader on copyright enforcement and stopping Internet piracy," Pelosi said. "He understands the business and creative interests of the entertainment industry, which comprises the largest and fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy and creates a surplus balance of trade. This appointment will put in place a process for even greater communication and mutual understanding between House Democrats and the entertainment industry."
"Entertainment is my hometown industry," said Berman, "and it's one I've been working with closely for all the years I've been in Congress. I welcome this new way to emphasize its issues to the Democratic leadership." _______________________________________________ Politech mailing list Archived at
John F. McMullen