A Bill To Save Internet Radio

Having seen that there is a bill pending in Congress to remove the excessive and, likely, devastating increases in fees paid by internet broadcasters, I felt I should contact my Representative to support it.
Here is a copy of what I sent:

I just want to encourage you to support the bill to help save internet radio introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Don Manzullo (R-Ill.) on Thursday April 26, 2007 known as the "Internet Radio Equality Act."
I have been a broadcaster for years. I spend my own money to buy music and maintain a small station for a rather limited audience. I do this out of a love of music. I have always enjoyed introducing people to music they haven't heard before. This is, in no way a money making venture for me. (It is quite the opposite, in fact.)
I recognize the fears of an industry that does not know what to make of an emerging technology. I hope, though, that with leadership like yours that we can enact laws that will not allow fear to kill a medium that is beneficial to everyone. From the artists in need of exposure, to the industry that distributes their works, to the broadcasters who put their time, money and love into making music available to the world, to listeners who find new music to enjoy, to retailers who sell recordings to the public, we are all connected.
As such, I am very glad to know that someone is leading the charge in our defense and am quite hopeful that you will join with Reps. Inslee and Manzullo to see this passed.
Thank you very much.

Eric Beckwith
N.C. 12th District

(I sent a similar note to Rep. Inslee. I intended to copy Rep. Manzullo but he only accepts messages from his District.)

More info on the issue can be found here.
I would also like to encourage anyone who reads this to contact their Representative to tell him or her to support this bill.

cheers-
-db
[via C|Net News]

Where Have All the Leaders Gone?

"I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have."

Lee Iacocca has a new book that I've heard mentioned a few times, but thanks to kottke.org, I was reminded that I should pay closer attention to it.

Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, "Stay the course."

I'm definitely going to have to add this book to my list, and perhaps keep an eye out for Mr. Iacocca as the political season gathers steam.

[via Borders]