p2pnet - rss feed: Michael Geist: Member of Parliament?
p2pnet news | Politics:- “In light of several requests, we’ve launched a Fair Copyright for Canada online shop at Cafe Press,” says Michael Geist on his blog.
“You can now get t-shirts, buttons, stickers, mugs and an assortment of other schwag. In addition to the Fair Copyright for Canada stuff, users are invited to submit their own artwork ideas for future products.
“All revenues generated from the sales will be used to help fund rallies that are being planned for the fall as well as support for Creative Commons Canada.”
Geist has done, and continues to do, a lot for Canadians.
He’s the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa and the proud father of “three great kids“.
That’s enough to keep anyone busy but he still finds time to analyse in depth attempts by the Powers that Used to Be (until the Net came along) to force unhealthy, unwanted and wholly undesirable laws on us.
Political con-people
People around the world, have a peculiar problem: the people they’ve elected to represent them, don’t. Represent them, that is. Instead, they appear to care more about pleasing and appeasing various vested corporate interests.
It’s easy to say there’s no room for complaint because we elected these self-serving political con-people in the first place.
But when the field is so limited, we’re kind of stuck for choices.
A long time back, I asked Geist if he’d ever considered becoming an MP. He said he was content with his life as it stood.
More recently, “you’re increasingly front and centre on issues of extreme importance to Canadians and in the process, you’re doing direct battle with the likes of industry minister Jim Prentice,” I emailed him, going on:
“We’re desperately short of responsible politicians who really do understand the mindset of the people they’re supposed to represent and I’m wondering what it would take to make you consider taking what would amount to a sabbatical from Ottawa University to Parliament Hill.
“You’d have no shortage of supporters on- and offline.”
But, “I remain happy at the University and want to continue to do my research, teaching, and advocacy in a manner that is most effective,” he replied.
“I believe that continues to be in the University setting.”
That’s a pity. And I very much doubt if I’m the only one who believes Geist would make a terrific MP.
Stay tuned.
Jon Newton - p2pnet
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June 25th, 2008 at 7:16 am
But, “I remain happy at the University and want to continue to do my research, teaching, and advocacy in a manner that is most effective,” he replied.
“I believe that continues to be in the University setting.”
and I agree. So far, Prof. Geist had more impact than Charlie Angus in this copyfight. We DO need more digital rights advocates in Parliament, but Prof. Geist should stay in university setting, IMHO.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
One honest man amongst a crowd of reprobates.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:39 am
besides he would need Canadian lobotomy, to be able to work on behalf of the US