Re: [ARSCLIST] Vinegar syndrome audio tapes [ARSCLIST] Memorex CDs and more

[David Seubert <seubert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom Fine wrote:

> ".... Now, why should this PRIVATE property ever fall into anyone's 
> hands for free? I think that's wrong. HOWEVER, I also think it's very 
> wrong to keep content locked up in megaglomerates' vaults with no 
> intent of ever letting it be heard again. What I seek is a middle 
> ground, as I said in my message regarding Bob's posting. "

The reason why this "private property" should fall into anyone's hands 
for free is that the US Constitution promises it to us. While our 
legislators and "megaglomerates" are pushing for "perpetual copyright on 
the installment plan" (Lawrence Lessig's words, not mine), the 
constitution says: "The Congress shall have power...To promote the 
Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to 
Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings 
and Discoveries." The important word here is limited, and while the 
length of the term is debatable, the meaning of the world limited is not.

David Seubert
UCSB