In less than two weeks I leave Japan. While certainly sentimental, there are quite a few practical matters that need taken care of before I can leave. Draining the bank account, canceling internet, finishing up work projects, co-op reports, farewell gifts, and of course packing. I hate packing. Why? Well, that’s probably another entire post, but there is one thing that is making it more difficult this time around: our government’s over-zealous and just-for-show aproach to airline security. Thankfully things haven’t reached a point where I have to pack myself in checked luggage, but they’re bad enough that I’ve tried to come up with ways that any of my souvenirs could be construed as dangerous. You never know when they’ll decide I might reign terror with long, pointy chopsticks from my now vast collection. For some clarification, I turned to TSA’s website. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Rights’ Category
The list didn’t say no terrorists in my carry-on…
Monday, September 4th, 2006“Artists use lies to tell the truth…
Monday, June 12th, 2006…while politicians use them to cover the truth up.” The Wachowski brothers and Alan Moore, the creator of the comic on which the movie V for Vendetta is based, are artists. Their works, full of lies; lies under the guise of hyperbole and satire, and downright fiction. And the truths behind the mask? Ahh, the truths. It is true that Guy Fawkes tried to destroy the Houses of Parliament in the name of freedom. It is true that people should not fear their governments. And it is true that this film moved me in ways that none before it have. It rang so true with my belief that freedom is a large part of a small and fragile inch, an inch which is the only thing in the world worth having. Thankfully, freedom has not yet disappeared from America. But if you see as I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to see that there is a danger in silent obedient consent, and to see the message behind this movie, as I have seen it, becasue a movie can be more than just a diversion, it can be a symbol. Symbols are given power by people. A symbol, in and of itself is powerless, but with enough people behind it, maybe creating a movie can change the world.
Note: I have written this as an homage to the incredible writing in V for Vendetta. As such, I have incorporated many lines from the movie and cannot take full credit.
Using terrorism to fight piracy
Thursday, April 27th, 2006I’m scared, terrified actually. It’s not the so-called pirates that I fear, I’m friends with enough of them. Nor have the terrorists succeeded in their goal to scare me. No, it’s the simple fact that a bill worse than the DMCA could even be conceived. The only thing keeping the Thought Police from knocking down my door because I was wondering if I should download the latest Godsmack album is the lack of technology to read my mind. The bill goes nearly that far though, as it seems to suggest that the simple attempt to rip a legally purchased CD to my MP3 player could be penalized by 10 years in prison. Whatever happened to an eye for an eye?
It might seem like something so ludicrous could never become law, but don’t be so sure. Attorney General Gonzalez thinks that “quite frankly, IP crimes fund terrorism activities.” I’m more inclined to believe that my tax dollars fund terrorist activities. The Bush administration seems to be doing a pretty good job of terrorizing the American public with just the word ‘terrorism,’ scaring people into giving up their liberties. This latest attempt is trying to strip us of our fair use rights in regards to intellectual property. I, as a consumer, have the right to listen to purchased music whenever, wherever, and however I want. I, as a human being and posseser of a sentient mind, have the responsibility to stand up for this right, among others. Maybe the Canadians aren’t so bad afterall.