Ever wondered what politics is really like? Wondered how politicians talk to one another in a open debate about something like a three strikes policy being introduced in a country (Australia) where it isn't in place? Here is a great example, taken right out of the Australian Senate — a back and forth between Attorney General George Brandis (thats long for big cheese) and Senator Scott Ludlam of the Australian Greens Party.
"I know industry leaders have very strong views on these things, but I'm asking you about groups like Choice or ACANN or others that might represent consumer interests or the public interest," he [Scott] said. "There is a very strong public interest in the protection of private property and that includes the protection of intellectual property." Brandis responded evasively. "So you're not going to answer the question?" Ludlam said rhetorically.
There is a lot more on this debate and it is disgraceful how clearly the AG is simply spouting what he is told to say.
(Score: 2) by Popeidol on Friday May 30 2014, @03:34AM
Ludlam is an easy man to respect. He's erudite, well-researched and is never afraid to ask the hard questions. He seems to know more about issues relating to IT than any minister of communications, including our old friend Stephen Conroy (who launched a rather nice fibre-to-everybody-in-the-country program but spoiled it by repeatedly trying to instate mandatory internet filtering)
Bottom line: If you're vaguely into tech in Australia, You should probably keep an eye on what Ludlam is up to. Whatever he's fighting will probably affect you personally.
(Score: 2) by clone141166 on Friday May 30 2014, @06:07AM
Senator Kate Lundy is another one to keep an eye on. She is aligned with the labor party, but she was one of the only senators to publicly question her party's mandatory internet filtering proposal. She is one of only a few politicians from the 2 major parties that I have respect for. She seemed to be quite well informed during the whole mandatory internet filtering debacle; unlike Stephen Conroy, the minister for communications, who was nothing short of idiotic at times.
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Friday May 30 2014, @11:16PM
(my apologies for the "spam")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford