\'iPods for Senators\'

The Intellectual Property Action Committee (IPAC) is raising funds to buy a fifth-generation video iPod for a host of U.S. Senators, following a recent hearing on the highly-debated "Broadcast Flag" and "Audio Flag" proposals which took an unexpected turn. "Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on the 'Broadcast Flag' and 'Audio Flag,' a set of proposals by the MPAA and RIAA that would stifle innovation by giving content holders a virtual veto over new technologies and existing user rights," IPAC claims. Senator Stevens of Alaska, however, surprised the audience at the hearing after announcing that his daughter had bought him an iPod, which suddenly gave the 82-year old committee chairman "a much greater understanding of the many ways innovative technology can create choice for consumers."

The IPAC is buying a video iPod for the campaigns of Senators who work on legislation affecting technology, and will pre-load each device with examples of the cultural richness made possible by sharing and collaboration. Each iPod will be engraved with the words "listen to the people," and will arrive at each Senator's campaign office with a letter containing a list of all the people who helped pay for it.

by MacNN Staff