The following is a copy of the letter sent to Max Sandlin regarding this issue. Fell free to use it as a draft to send to your congressman.
VIA FACSIMILE: (202) 225-5866 Congressman Max Sandlin 324 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Re: Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act Dear Mr. Sandlin: I write to voice opposition to the current bill commonly known as the Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act formerly known as the SSSCA. The bill is offensive on two fronts. First, the bill would undermine the Fair Use Provision of the Copyright Act, which would be detrimental to consumer and constituent rights. Second, the bill would stifle innovation and development of new technologies that have broader application and benefit to the public. Of particular concern is its potential damage to competition in the operating system marketplace. As you are well aware, there has been much litigation regarding the predatory practices of the monopoly created by Microsoft. While Microsoft is a U.S. company that would be subject to the CBDTPA, its largest viable competitor at this point, Linux, is a global effort against which the CBDTPA could not be enforced. If the CBDTPA were to become law, and restrictions placed upon the use and development of Linux within the U.S., that would serve to further cement the monopoly position Microsoft presently holds and would add to its ability to engage in predatory practices in the future. Based upon the foregoing, I kindly request that you make the voice of the public heard and oppose this bill. The corrupting influence of the entertainment industry campaign contributions and monopolistic power of U.S. software manufacturers cannot be allowed to obliterate the fair use provisions of the U.S. Copyright Act or stifle competition within the computer software operating system market. Very truly yours, David C. Rankin, J.D., P.E. -- David C. Rankin, J.D., P.E. RANKIN * BERTIN, PLLC 1329 N. University, Suite D4 Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 (936) 715-9333 (936) 715-9339 fax
Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
