Steve’s Stuff

It’s refreshing to see the feminists rising above issues of gender. Crenshaw and Ensler report on the Huffington Post:

“Because we believe that feminism can be expressed by a broader range of choices than this “either/or” proposition entails, we again find ourselves compelled to say “no”–this time to a brand of feminism that betrays its inclusive and global commitments. We believe we stand in unity with many feminists who will say, “Not in Our Name” will this feminism be deployed.”

Threat Level Reports the following:

“The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007 (PRO-IP), advocated by the RIAA and introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Michigan), includes a proposal to treat the unauthorized copying of a ten-song CD compilation as ten separate acts of willful infringement, resulting in a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.”

Does the punishment fit the crime? This reminds me of the federal judge who sued his laundry service for $60k + after they lost his pants. Seems crazy right? He lost the case, but the husband and wife that ran the laundry service lost their business. This could happen.

One commenter puts it rather well:

“We should penalize EVERY ILLEGAL COPY WITH A 10 MILLION DOLLAR FINE!!! Then attach their property, put them in prison, and teach them all a lesson. Wait, if ALL the people downloading illegally are financially unable to buy a new CD, or in prison, then the Major Labels go belly up at exponential speed.”

Yikes!