In what amounts to a complete betrayal of consumers’ rights in the digital age, as well as attaining the level of “useful idiocy,” Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has openly come out in favor of Orwellian-Marxist–style technology that would effectively destroy peoples’ computers, all this in the name of stopping “illegal downloads.” He claims that this would serve to “teach them a lesson.” Or, in his words: “There’s no excuse for anyone violating copyright laws.” Translation: Digital consumers have absolutely no rights whatsoever, under any circumstances.

Rep. Fredric C. (Rick) Boucher (D-Va.) urged Mr. Hatch to reconsider his position, given his position on the Senate Judiciary Committee (fat chance on that!) – but once again, it appears corporate profits have more rights — far more rights — than us individuals.

(Just a little question: How much and to what extent did the multinational entertainment-media complex line Mr. Hatch’s pockets, or grease his wheels, or whatever, in the last election?)

You can read the entire article here.

I don't think they bought him - even cash doesn't cause that abrupt a turnaround, since it's becoming more difficult to hide the kind of sums a 180-degree policy turn costs these days.

Nope, the only thing to cause that kind of radical twist is blackmail, they've got something on him - prolly aquired via the very kind of invasive bullshit they wanna foist on us all.

1984?
2004?
What's the friggin difference.

-Frem

Not that anyone is perfect, but my relatives live in Sandy, Utah and have not liked Orrin Hatch for years. Its sad to see him do a turn around and act like a member of the RIAA.

hatch betray? it should not be a suprise that a boot stomping facist such as hatch would side with those who choose to march all over the bill of rights. what a great solution destroy people's computers. why not ask the riaa to lower the price of cds to a economically acceptable rate say under 10$. 18$ for a disc that costs them pennies, little of which goes to the artist seems that is the problem. add to that the fact that most mainstream music is total crap created only for consumption and profit

So the hackers out there should destroy his computers.....over and over again so he knows what it will be like. Or find that closet that he has the skelleton in and throw the door wide open. Then if it's bad enough to get him kicked out of Congress then there's your solution.

Is this Hatch thing a joke then back in 2000-Just to refresh peoples minds


Napster Hires Orrin Hatch Advisor As D.C. Operative
By Steven Bonisteel
December 08, 2000

Litigation-mired Napster Inc. said that it has hired the chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee as an advisor on legal issues and as a point man for legislative maneuvering in Washington.

Manus Cooney, who is also staff director to the Judiciary Committee and chief policy and political advisor to the committee's chairman, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, will become a Napster vice president in charge of corporate and policy development.

Napster said in a statement that Cooney is being asked to set the company's "strategic course on legislative policy issues." It said Cooney would also advise the company on licensing, strategic alliances, and partnerships.

"Manus Cooney joining our team ensures that Napster's more than 44 million users will be well represented in the coming critical policy debates over how to best grow and share the benefits of new technologies," said Hank Barry, Napster's chief executive officer.

The appointment comes as Napster continues to fend off lawsuits from record labels and music publishers which say the company's peer-to-peer MP3 file-sharing network has contributed to copyright infringement on a massive scale.

Although one of the world's five largest record companies, Bertelsmann-owned BMG, recently announced it would partner with Napster if the company could create a secure music-sharing platform, the rest of the industry is still waiting for courts to rule on the infringement complaints.

Napster said that, through his work with the Judiciary Committee, Cooney has become familiar with issues related to intellectual property law. He also spearheaded Hatch's Internet-related policy work, Napster said.

"We are getting the best of the best with Mr. Cooney," said Milton Olin, Napster's chief operating officer. "His experience with the dynamics of our issues is unparalleled. The fit is perfect, and we are glad to have him aboard."

In a statement in which he called his time with the Judiciary Committee an "extraordinary" experience, Cooney said, "It's time for me to explore new challenges where I can help advance the interests of music listeners and artists. Napster's at the epicenter of the digital media revolution, and I'm eager to represent the interests of the entire Napster community … before the Congress and others."

Napster said Cooney joined the Judiciary Committee in 1988. He begins his work for the company in January.

Napter can be found at: http://www.napster.com/

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com .