There has been a lot of talk in the Internet lately surrounding legislation pending in the U.S. House and Senate (
SOPA and
PIPA, respectively). The reported goals of the pending legislation are to protect 'intellectual property' (research, writings, music, productions, etc.).
What no one seems to want to ask, detractors of the legislation included, is whether 'intellectual property' is something that actually needs to be protected, or, indeed, something that even exists at all.
Supposedly 'piracy' stifles creativity by reducing incentive for artists to create, but this is the same old worn-out argument used when arguing for reducing taxes on people already shitting dollars. I maintain that free access to art, entertainment, research, etc. plays an essential role in
spreading and encouraging creativity, and is, furthermore, a
fundamental human right.
Not only do efforts like SOPA and PIPA need to die where they stand; but we need to take even further measures to cut profit-making out of the arts and entertainment aspects of our communities.
People shouldn't have to pay for access to their own culture!
Jon
Love your enemies!
™ Version 4.2