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Let Your Voice be Heard (be sure to protect it from piracy first)
In the overwhelming shadow cast over everything by Katrina and her devastation, there are other political elements at work in and around Austin. While we here at Austinist are fully dedicated to helping spread the word on relief efforts and what we in Austin can do to help ease the pain and burden of those from our neighboring state, we are doing our best to keep on top of other local and pressing events. All in the name of balance.
For those “in the know” and interested in the debate over digital copyrights ("fair use" of anything available on the internet, really) along with all the legislation that is currently swirling around it, you need to know about this opportunity to speak your mind, directly to the Austin representatives involved. Click and check the details after the jump.
Lamar Smith (R) 21st District, the United States Congressman representing Austin, will be holding two town hall meetings in Austin this Saturday, September 10. Smith is a member of the Committee on Homeland Security. - Here is his base-level stance on all things "technology" - Also, Smith continues as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over digital rights, copyright and patent protections, piracy, secure networks, peer-to-peer networks, fair use standards, cyber-security and e-commerce. Smith has proposed that Congress legislate the music industry and mandate a DRM format.
If you have an opinion on your government’s handling of Homeland Security or Digital Intellectual Property rights or anything else here is your opportunity to get your voice heard directly by the person that represents you and your interests in the United States Congress. Those who are involved with the use or production of anything that may or may not require digital copyrights should attend these meetings. This is your grand chance to actually affect some legislation rather than complain when the new rules totally screw you over.
Town Hall Meetings this Saturday, September 10:
9:00 A.M. - Highland Park Elementary School Cafeteria (4900 Fairview Drive, Austin) (map) – This is near Mopac and 45th
11:00 A.M. - Kocurek Elementary School Cafeteria (9800 Curlew Drive, Austin) (map) - South Austin near Brodie and Slaughter
