The DADVSI project is now Law And worse than predicted.

Free software is not illegal. However the interroperability concept was thrown out, and protection devices are now protected by law.

libdvdcss is illegal, for example, even though it is the only way to watch DVDs in Linux...

Yves.

Yves,
That is not good news. Is there any chance that the law can be repealed? Say, if a grass roots movement gains support enough to challenge it?

Merlin

I doubt it, those wanting to have these stupid rules enforced pay for the priveledge, money speaks volumes more than freedom of choice and speech.

As soon as the US makes the link between Al Qaeda and Linux, Torvalds and his conspirators will be up in guantanimo (or elsewhere). Thank god for Microsoft sponsored surveys, or they may miss it :P

I'm a cynic, but watching events unfold around me in this day and age, i find it hard to accept our own governments as anything but terrorists and extortionists.

Yes, the rich and powerful do get a lot of the "say" but do not underestimate the power of a grass roots movement.
In the current economic set up, they depend on our purchases. If we refuse to purchase from those who are not in agreement with our philosophy, there's little they can do. Sure, we might have to make some sacrifices, but in the end they'll back off, if we stand firm together.

You'd be surprised at what you can live without. I lived way off the grid for several years. It just took a little adjustment in habits and thinking. I've quit purchasing CDs of new music because of the recent behaviour of the music industry. (What'll they do next? Sue someone for playing some tunes within the hearing of someone who hasn't paid for the privilege?) If I can not choose what to do with the things I purchase, I won't purchase them.
Think about it. We do have power, it is just not of the obvious variety.

Merlin

I'll think about it...
I indeed thought about stopping purchasing DVDs but I'm not sure I'll do a lot. So I was more inclined to writing a letter to my local deputy... I'm not sure what to do...

Yves.

One person ceasing to purchase has little impact, yes, but the more people choose to stop purchasing, the greater the impact will be. It does take time for them to notice as people are slow to make such decisions.
Writing to your local Deputy is a good idea, I think.

Merlin