Intellectual Property Constituency

[Roger Odle <rodle1@xxxxxxx>]

IP rights is not more important to human life. IP does not generate
electric power, put fuel in cars, grow food, or do any of the many
essential things important to humanity. It has not been sufficiently
demonstrated that granting IP monopolies promotes growth.  Some
companies have seen an increase in revenue after they have abandoned
their fervent pursuit of IP dollars while others have been declining
steadily in pursuit of the same.

The benefits to anonymity on the Internet outweighs the selfish concerns
of a few mega-corporations large enough to finance political campaigns. 
We become more and more dependent on the Internet every day.  It is no
longer possible to complete an education at a major University without
Internet access.  Internet access is now mandatory for normal function
in our society.  If we are stripped naked on the Internet for the
trivial interests of the IP lobbyists, then many people will be afraid
to stand up for their rights.  It is not just your anonymity at stake,
once they know who they are then everything connected to your on-line
activity is at stake.  If you loose your right to anonymity then they
are in the position of holding your access to the Internet hostage
against you.  Loss of anonymity may result in your financial ruin.