MP James Moore seems to be angry. He has begun lashing out at people–the self-same people he wanted to work with only a year ago. He is claiming that we don’t know what we’re talking about, that we need to be confronted, that we need to be defeated. He makes claims that we do not believe in copyright (which is wrong) and that we do not want copyright reform (which is also wrong).
Mr. Moore, you’re a coward. Anyone who would rather block debate than engage in it has no place in parliament in my books. Mr. Moore, you’re a fear-monger: suggesting that we’re radical extremists is the worst kind of polarizing politics. Mr. Moore, you’re wrong: we don’t want to eradicate copyright reform, we want the best copyright bill for artists and consumers.
We want to talk. We want to work together with you and with the industry. We want things to improve. We will not, however, stand idly by as you malign us, nor will we stand by as you hand Canadian rights, lock and key, over to massive media conglomerates.
Your about-face is fascinating. Perhaps you can explain why it happened. Maybe you can tell us why you’re so angry and why you refuse to listen to people.
Or maybe you’re happy in your new position, parroting talking points for an industry that’s so very frightened of change. Which is it?
Jim Prentice, the Minister of Industry – along with Joseé Vernier, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Status of Women – introduced Bill C-61 on June 12th, 2008. Mr. Prentice had delayed introducing legislation like this several times before; however given the current climate of political scandal (the foreign affairs minister leaving sensitive, secret materials at his ex-girlfriend’s house – with her as a known associate of the Hell’s Angels) it appears that this is the time for the legislation to see the light of day.
The legislation is incredibly damaging to Canadian consumers. It aims to curb your rights to placeshift data that you have legally purchased. It reduces your rights to break encryption. It prohibits unlocking cellphones. It would make ripping CDs to your iPod illegal. Fines of $500 to $20,000 wait for Canadians who continue participating in behaviours that are legal and endorsed by Canadian artists right now.
This bill needs to die a quick death. Who among our politicians will stand up for our rights? Who will sell us out to media conglomerates?

