Former Senator Chris Dodd Set To Head MPAA 181
Hugh Pickens writes writes "The Hill reports that former Democratic Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut is set to become the new chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, taking over the $1.2 million position and the job of coordinating the policy goals of the various member studios. Interim CEO and president Bob Pisano says the organization's unwavering focus on its top priority will remain: increasing the federal government's efforts to stop online film piracy. The MPAA is optimistic about its legislative prospects this Congress, thanks to the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee (headed by Dodd's close friend Senator Patrick Leahy) last year before stalling in the full Senate. The bipartisan bill would make it easier for the Justice Department to shut down websites that traffic pirated music, movies and counterfeit goods. While a member of the Senate, Dodd was an adamant opponent of the FISA bill that granted retroactive immunity to telecoms who engaged in warrantless wiretapping."
Genuinely surprised (Score:4, Funny)
I always figured he was on the take and owned by the banking industry. So is he on loan to the motion picture industry, or are they the actual owners of record? Or perhaps a time-sharing sort of deal?
Re:Formally, it's democracy (Score:4, Funny)
Nah; the democratic aspect isn't relevant. The root problem is that we have a government that has the power to control our economy; they will inevitably use that power, and it will be used to enrich and entrench themselves. Our politicians are corrupt, and we should recognize that fact, and only give them power over the narrowest of domains. Corporations bride our leaders to give them favors and punish their competition because our leaders have the ability to dispense favors and penalties at will. That power should be removed from them.
Well said. The first place to start would be to remove the Federal Government's ability to collect and levy income taxes by abolishing both the IRS and the 16th Amendment to the Constitution. Also:
- Adopt a new amendment that states that the government may not spend more than 10% of the previous year's GDP in each annual budget, and outlaw deficit spending except in times of formally declared war.
- Eliminate Social Security entirely (paying out for those already retired by 2010 but no others) and restrict Medicare and Medicaid payments to only the developmentally disabled (Autism, Downs, etc.).
- Slash and burn as many federal agencies as possible, keeping the U.S. Marshall's office for internal law enforcement and a much reduced CIA for our external interests. Most of the others should go, perhaps keeping the FAA and FCC, but reducing them to an "Enforcement Only" level.
- Outlaw any regulation or spending except that first approved by a 2/3rds majority of Congress
- Outlaw "Czars" and all non-Congress approved high-office positions save the President's Cabinet.
- Pass a limit on pensions for all federal positions. No more serving one term and being paid for life.
- Pass a Term Limits amendment for ALL elected federal positions of no more than two terms. No more Congressional "Lifers".
Lastly, pass an Amendment that automatically sunsets all federal taxes of all kinds yearly. This is to force each Congress to review and update the tax code every single year. (Keep the politicians busy doing real work and they won't have time to dream up ways to enslave us.)
Once we have a handle on the spending beast, and have dis-empowered it by removing it's ability to dip into our wallets, and by removing life-term politicians then power will naturally migrate away from the federal government. What's the point in buying a politician if he can't manipulate the market for you?