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Chris Dodd and the MPAA

by tdhurst · 1 comment

“Those who count on quote ‘Hollywood’ for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who’s going to stand up for them when their job is at stake. Don’t ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don’t pay any attention to me when my job is at stake.”

If the above quote, from Chris Dodd, MPAA head and lobbyist (or will be, when he’s allowed on the floor in a few years) is completely true, it is horrifying.

corruption 347102 7 Chris Dodd and the MPAA

I prefer Square, but cash works when it has to.

He openly admits to bribing our legislators in exchange for passing bills that benefit his industry. This is highly illegal, immoral and unjust. It’s what our system was designed to prevent.

Someone is investigating this right? Justice Department or whoever is looking into political donations to make sure they weren’t out right bribes? To make sure there wasn’t a quid pro quo arrangement between private industry and public lawmakers?

The need for artist to be paid for their work is not being questioned here. I absolutely agree with their concerns. I believe copyright makes us better. But I don’t believe that protecting old business models should require sacrificing the technology, and freedom that technology represents, that allows us to evolve in ways we could never physically initiate.

For years I’ve heard the rumors about corporations controlling the government and how ‘ha-ha’ I bet the lawmakers are just pawns and thought, “It can’t be that bad everywhere. Maybe a few, isolated issues, but nothing widespread or important. Surely someone would have spoken up had they seen this happening. Right?”

Apparently I was wrong. And that scares the hell out of me.

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