Political Bloviation

Broadcast Flag hearings turn on iPod use - Engadget

Stop the presses! There was something that might pass for intelligent debate on the broadcast flag in a Senate committee. Instead of listening like a cocker spaniel (you know where they have their head cocked and clearly hearing you, but don’t understand a word) to arguments about IP and technical issues then rolling over and getting tummy rub from content providers, they actually asked *gasp* reasonably intelligent questions!

Sen John Sununu (R-NH) made a very good point (never thought I’d hear myself saying that):

“In all cases [of previous technological advancements in the US], we didn’t need to step in with a significant statutory government-regulated mandate on technology that consumers use to enjoy this material,” he said. “I don’t know of a case where we were discussing such a dramatic step where the federal government will legislatively mandate a specific type of technology to be incorporated in all of this material. Maybe the sky really is falling this time, but I think it is worth suggesting a little bit of skepticism, it’s worth offering up a little doubt before we not just entertain this, but jump ahead to what exemptions were required…

The very technologies that some seem to be afraid of are driving innovation, and driving creativity as we sit here today. In fact, we have an unprecedented wave of creativity and product development and content development… I think the history of government mandates… is that it always, always restricts innovation. Why would we think this one special time… it will actually encourage innovation?”

Seems like getting his own ipod turned octagenarian Senator Ted Stevens (R-AS) from a potential supporter of the broadcast flag and the nascent audio flag (there’s a baby that needs to be strangled at birth) into content libertarian. Jesus H. Christ somebody get the rest of those clowns in Congress an ipod and a TIVO right now!!!!!!!

History and Senator Stevens’ iPod

Broadcast Flag praised, panned in Senate hearing

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