U.S. Senator Wyden Raises Constitutional Questions About ACTA 239
bs0d3 writes "In a written letter which can be found here, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden questions President Obama's authority
to sign ACTA without Congressional approval. 'It may be possible for the U.S. to implement ACTA or any other trade agreement, once validly entered, without legislation if the agreement requires no change in U.S. law,' Wyden writes. 'But regardless of whether the agreement requires changes in U.S. law ... the executive branch lacks constitutional authority to enter a binding international agreement covering issues delegated by the Constitution to Congress' authority, absent congressional approval.'"
Re:I actually agree with the Democrat here (Score:5, Interesting)
He knows what he's talking about when it comes to technology, and is usually on the correct side on issues such as copyright, privacy, security, etc.
His views on economics are painfully wrong, though.
Re:Since when... (Score:2, Interesting)
I don't think Obama has reached GWB's level yet unless you include allowing everything GWB did to persist.
To be clear, I do blame Obama for not undoing GWB/Cheney's dirty work. He pretty much promised he would do that. He hasn't and it seems he will not. But to be as bold as GWB in doing so? I am not so sure Obama even approaches that level of gall.
It will be a very long time before we see another black president. It didn't help anything and let's be frank about this -- he was elected BECAUSE he is black... and yeah because he speaks well. (He's a damned good speaker, let's not forget that... when I hear him speak, I want to listen.)
The public in general, learned some important things because of Microsoft. We learned that "the latest whatever" isn't always the best way to go. People stopped upgrading with the newer versions of Windows and Office. They didn't like them. The people have been adjusting to the fact that the same is true of presidents and other things as well. (And economic times are definitely showing us what we "need" versus what we "want" isn't it?)
I am hopeful that people are actually mindful of what they want out of government and do not stop at simply voting someone into office. The occupy movement is evidence that people are waking up to the fact that they have to be heard by government and that they must STAND UP and SPEAK to be heard. (Complaining with your neighbor on the other side of your cubicle isn't going to cut it.)
Re:It's a real issue, because of a DoD privilege (Score:4, Interesting)
Are you sure? It sounds more like they just want to preserve the Bayh-Dole Act [keionline.org], meaning if the government helps fund the R&D for a product, they get non-exclusive royalty-free rights to any IP generated from it. I know the DoD has some overreaching powers over IP when it comes to national secrecy or times of war, but I haven't heard of them being able to just use someone's independently-developed patent outright without paying for it (aside from the regular government indemnification from being sued).
Re:Since when... (Score:4, Interesting)
Sorry, but anyone referring to Obama as the "Messiah" or the "One" or the "Chosen" or whatever deserves to be modded to oblivion because it's flamebait. Essentially you're insulting both Obama *and* insinuating that his supporters are fanatical, irrational worshippers, without having the balls to come out and say it. It's a nice little straw man for you to attack without putting any effort or thought into it.
I'll admit that I didn't even read the rest of your OP, because I figured it would be more of the same.
--Jeremy