jib@prism.TMC.COM (05/30/89)
All this talk about making toaster rentals or car rentals illegal (if the
item contains a ROM with a program) is nonsense. Even if the bill as
currently drafted went that far (and I don't think the courts would
interpret it that way if the program is an inherent operational part of a
machine), the arguements should be aimed at the PURPOSE of the bill -- to
prohibit renting software (and audio tapes). If you agree with the
purpose, you should support the bill; if you disagree with the purpose you
should oppose it.
Don't let the trees obscure the forest -- badly drafted bills are often
reformed before passage, and if not, the courts will generally construe
the law to follow the intent of a badly drafted law.
DISCLAIMER: I am a lawyer (as well as programmer and system designer) but
the above is just my opinion.
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Jim Block jib@prism.TMC.COM
{mit-eddie, pyramid, harvard!wjh12, xait, datacube}!mirror!prism!jib
Matthew Bender Inc, 11 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10001 (212) 216-8018rich@pro-exchange.cts.com (Rich Sims) (06/10/89)
Comment to message from: pnet01!crash!decvax.dec.com!ima!mirror!prism!jib (Unknown User) > If you agree with the purpose [of the bill], you should support the bill; > if you disagree with the purpose you should oppose it. If you use that line of reasoning, then it's OK to suspend all our constitutional rights, as long as the "purpose" is to put criminals in jail. > Don't let the trees obscure the forest -- badly drafted bills are often > reformed before passage, and if not, the courts will generally construe > the law to follow the intent of a badly drafted law. And if they're not, and the courts don't....?? Rich Sims UUCP: crash!pro-exchange!rich ARPA: crash!pro-exchange!rich@nosc.mil INET: rich@pro-exchange.cts.com