Jon writes:
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.
OK, say I sing a song and post it on You Tube. How is that different from singing on a street corner? And were someone to record me on a street corner, would I have any claim against them?
Or say someone took my picture...and I, being a movie star, commanded a sum for the privilege of looking at me. Can they take my picture in public, as the paparazzi do? and if so, how is You Tube or facebook any different than a public place?