The article states that the full text of ACTA is unavailable. All ACTA
texts are officially unavailable, but the consolidated text has been
leaked. I have the latest version here, and it can easily be found.
However, I speak as a European, whereas this article is presented to
Americans. As it is, I view the ACTA is an attempt at imposing bad US
regulation into the European law by stealth. Especially, pertinent to
this audience is the matter of software patents. (ACTA is more than
that, but that's the bit I'm personally defending.)
Much of ACTA we can agree with: replication of brand goods, and so
forth, but the devil is in the details, which is almost universally
misunderstood, nay incomprehensible, to most MEPs (Members of the
European Parliament).
(Note that, in Europe, ACTA is being negotiated by the European
Commission, in secret. The Commission sits above the European
Parliament. Regardless, the Parliament ultimately holds the legislative
power.)
Last week there was a great deal of activity regarding ACTA in the
European Parliament after Written Declaration 12/2010 received enough
signatories to pass.
It was a very close run thing, and many of us were
lobbying all MEPs even during the final day. Frankly, we were all
startled that the required signatories were found. It was an
exhilarating cold beer moment. But in reality, it is a small victory.
However, the WD12 victory means, in effect, that the ACTA text as it
stands won't pass. Strong objectors, like myself, are lobbying for a
complete abandonment of ACTA.
Idealism aside, it's been a fascinating journey into the political power
struggles within Europe, and between the US and Europe. I'm sure we've
all had to deal with some pretty unsavoury power junkies in our careers,
but these folk take it to an unimaginable level.
I wish you the best of luck in refuting the beast from your side of the pond. Do you find that approaching MPs with a "Don't let America control our laws" type of approach works?
I'm not real keen on America controlling my laws (as an American), it would drive me nuts to have the US trying to legislate via treaty in other countries (for example, our sick drug laws).
It's hard to tell what messages persuaded the MEPs to sign. Most are under their party whip, so don't have much say. UK MEPs appear to have signed in alignment with their respective political parties. So the Liberals signed, and engaged in debate, while the Tories ignored all correspondence and didn't sign. Ironic that it is these two parties that are currently sharing power in the UK, yet they have polarise stances on something fundamental to future trade, innovation, and growth.
More interesting are the smaller parties and independents. That's where things look very slimy. For example, UKIP, whom you would expect to favour complete UK autonomy, failed to sign and also would not debate.
I see the ACTA as a path to downfall for those "power junkies" you mentioned.
They think they're doing themselves a favor, but I like to think they're digging their own holes. After all, they're going after evil pirates, not competitors to their products and brand, which are often some guys who wrote a book and decided to give it away for free on the internet.
But most of the politician do not understand the subtitles. They just see evil pirates and think, pirates bad, copying = theft, etc. When they do their job and listen and debate, then they generally get it. These are smart folk, it's just some are power junkies to the exclusion of all else, so constructive communication is nigh on impossible, or completely abstract at best.
"So why do organizations tell you to write your members in the first place? Because politicians and advocacy groups value your email address over your voice. It’s the great lie of online organizing: that your voice to Congress or your voice to whomever can make a difference. It can, it should, but not through them. Nearly every organization in Washington is focused on one thing — inventing new and interesting ways to get your email address."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Counterfeiting_Trade_Agree...
The article states that the full text of ACTA is unavailable. All ACTA texts are officially unavailable, but the consolidated text has been leaked. I have the latest version here, and it can easily be found.
However, I speak as a European, whereas this article is presented to Americans. As it is, I view the ACTA is an attempt at imposing bad US regulation into the European law by stealth. Especially, pertinent to this audience is the matter of software patents. (ACTA is more than that, but that's the bit I'm personally defending.)
Much of ACTA we can agree with: replication of brand goods, and so forth, but the devil is in the details, which is almost universally misunderstood, nay incomprehensible, to most MEPs (Members of the European Parliament).
(Note that, in Europe, ACTA is being negotiated by the European Commission, in secret. The Commission sits above the European Parliament. Regardless, the Parliament ultimately holds the legislative power.)
Last week there was a great deal of activity regarding ACTA in the European Parliament after Written Declaration 12/2010 received enough signatories to pass.
http://www.laquadrature.net/wiki/Written_declaration_ACTA_12...
It was a very close run thing, and many of us were lobbying all MEPs even during the final day. Frankly, we were all startled that the required signatories were found. It was an exhilarating cold beer moment. But in reality, it is a small victory.
Here are some background links:
http://www.laquadrature.net/en/european-parliament-vs-acta-r...
http://www.laquadrature.net/wiki/Help_sign_the_Written_Decla...
However, the WD12 victory means, in effect, that the ACTA text as it stands won't pass. Strong objectors, like myself, are lobbying for a complete abandonment of ACTA.
Idealism aside, it's been a fascinating journey into the political power struggles within Europe, and between the US and Europe. I'm sure we've all had to deal with some pretty unsavoury power junkies in our careers, but these folk take it to an unimaginable level.