Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Everyone get on line and sign up at http://savebetamax.org if you want to stop the copyright industry from trying to screw you again. The movie and music industry are trying to undermine the Betamax decision. That was the Supreme Court decision that confirmed the legality of VCRs. Everytime there is a new technology involving copying and distributing art the copyright industry freaks out and tries to outlaw it. Then of course they end up making a fortune with it once they figure it out. Now they are at it again with the INDUCE Act.

Here's some words from our old friend Mr Rogers testifying in the original case back in the 80's.

Testimony from Mr. Rogers from the Betamax case:
"I have always felt that with the advent of all of this new technology that allows people to tape the 'Neighborhood' off-the-air, and I'm speaking for the 'Neighborhood' because that's what I produce, that they then become much more active in the programming of their family's television life. Very frankly, I am opposed to people being programmed by others. My whole approach in broadcasting has always been 'You are an important person just the way you are. You can make healthy decisions.' Maybe I'm going on too long, but I just feel that anything that allows a person to be more active in the control of his or her life, in a healthy way, is important."