Pirated DVD vs. Legal DVD

Src: The Best Article Every Day

Once again, in an attempt to pander to those few who hold the balance of power in Federal Parliament, the many are being given the stick.  With a cry of “Won’t you think of the children” the Australian Labor Government is attempting to impose on a democracy what is only attempted in totalitarian governments around the world – such as China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.  Even with the heavy handed techniques that those governments can and do use on those who oppose them, the truth leaks out.  Witness the recent Iran protests, or  the leaks through China’s Great Wall.  And Sen. Conroy, PM Rudd and the Labor Government think that it could possibly work in a country with a mostly free Press (although not free if Rupert Murdoch has his way), they will be in for an unpleasant surprise.  Although I suspect that they do not believe that it will work.  I believe that it is just another cynical vote buying stunt to swing the independents and the fundamentalist christian lobby onto Labor’s side.  The specious arguments they put forward – ‘protection of children’ to name but one, is a clear attempt to generate an emotional response – and not a reasoned one.

Rather than spend millions on a boondoggle, a wall with holes on, why not spend this money on education – and treat adults as adults, instead of children?

The internet is an intensely versatile and evolving network.  Today’s in thing is tomorrow’s has been.  Attempting to fence it with legislation is doomed to failure.

More Reading:

Electronic Frontiers Australia

Internet Blackout Australia

Internet censorship in Australia

Created by Ryan North of Dinosaur Comics Via Boing Boing & Bits & Pieces. Can be purchased here.

What do children want? Time, not toys

The Age.

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. – N. Gaiman

Source: LOL god

The Journal of Joe The Peacock. Yay.: Hey Ladies – Let Me Fill You In On A Secret.

“The Democrats have moved to the right and the Republicans have moved to a mental hospital.”
~ Bill Maher

via ‘ Johann Hari: Republicans, religion and the triumph of unreason’ by Johann Hari – The Independent – RichardDawkins.net.