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So, todays rant isn't funny, but it is informative. It's titled Fuck the DMCA. And really, it isn't a rant so much as a link to a really informative web page about why the DMCA is the worst thing ever. Well, maybe worst thing ever isn't precisely accurate, but it is definitely one of the worst things to ever have an impact on the civil rights of Americans.

And I know what you're thinking: ""Hey Ken - you just want the DMCA appealed because you want to make sure that you will aloways be able to pirate software."" Well, not so much anymore. In my old age, I've actually been buying software, and staying off the Undernet. What I really care about is the increased imposition of the corporate world into public life (whether by advertisement, sponsorship, or legislating behavior [as is the case with the DMCA]).

In anycase - read this article. Become a little more aware of the fact that the war on terrorism isn't the only thing in the world which might be eroding your civil rights. Maybe even do something about it (I feel I can say that without being preachy since I myself have done very little. although I suppose that just makes me a hypocrite. On reflection, I'd rather be a hypocrite than a pain in the ass). Join me in being really worried about what the world is going to be like in a few years, 10 years, 20 years away, when the only academic research in the world is sponsored by Adobe and Coke, and Microsoft .NET passports are the new national ID cards.

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