Re: Constitutional Challenge to (C) Code

     I greatly appreciate the number of passionate messages expressing oposition to the Copyright Term Extension Act. Unfortunately, those mesages are not being heard or heeded by those who are in a position to actually do something about it, i.e., Congress. They hear only one side of the debate: the side that puts campaign contributions in their pockets. [For example, in a recent message Senator Hatch's staff member was quoted describing the bill as "non-controversial" and the opposition as "film archivists and some law professors."]

     How can we get the message heard? If you believe the Act is misguided, please write or e-mail your representatives and senators immediately. Then please refine your e-mails and send a letter to your local newspaper and TV stations. Unless the public hears about the Copyright Grab and starts pressuring Congress, the Act will almost certainly become law by the end of this term.

     Does anyone know of any prominent senators or representatives who are opposed to this bill, who might be willing to organize an effort to defeat it?

Tyler T. Ochoa
Associate Professor
Whittier Law School
tochoa[_at_]law.whittier.edu Received on Wed Apr 01 1998 - 19:42:35 GMT