Hi Mike.

I'm sorry to say that I think that in the mind of the average Congressional 
representative, the loss of campaign contributions from these groups would 
do more damage to their future than angering fans of Internet 
radio.  Congress stopped representing the people when it became so 
ridiculously expensive to run a election campaiign that they essentially 
became slaves of the special interests who could afford to bankroll them.

There is a simple way to fix the system, but you'll never get our 
representatives to go along with it because they benefit from the status 
quo.  But, if you really wanted to fix the system, here is how to do it.

All election campaigns are administered from a fund that is set up 
specifically for political campaigns.  Each candidate gets the same amount 
to spend.  They cannot supplement it with their own personal funds or 
solicit funds from anyone else.  They are each given the same amount and 
must use it judiciously.  They can still listen to any of the special 
interest groups that they have an interest in;  they simply can't receive 
anything from them.  If we could do that, I think the US would return to a 
representative form of government--as it is now, you only get represented 
if you can afford to pay for it.

73, de Lou K2LKK



At 09:27 AM 7/11/2007 +0100, you wrote:
>the call for action went out. Internet Radio broadcasters large and small
>called out to americans all across the nation. These americans reacted by
>calling out to congress for action. Jamming up switchboards, filling email
>inboxes and generally making a statement that americans want their internet
>radio. The reaction from some some congressional members was to heed the
>call and take action while others did nothing. Bills were introduced in the
>congress and senate. An appeal to stay the new outrageous rates was filed to
>hold off the bankrupcy of webcasters, yet congress has not acted. In a
>hearing held last week the best they could do was say work it out. It's
>pretty obvious with less than 5 days to go that isn't happening. Is congress
>controlled by the corporate entities like Soundexchange, or do they actually
>listen to americans. How many calls does it take to grasp the concept that
>americans want their internet radio so do something?
>
>Now internet stations are faced with bankrupcy and going silent. The
>alternative is to continue broadcasting and ignore the new rates, which
>could lead to legal ramifications. Americans all over the USA have spoken
>out, both listeners and artists, against the new outrageous rates. It would
>seem their outcry was heard by deaf ears. Having a hearing apparently was
>the answer, then saying work it out between you. That concept didn't work.
>Now what? With only a few days left till the enevitable it seems we have all
>been taken to the cleaners by the RIAA, Soundexchange and our own congress.
>This is simply unacceptable. Americans have spoken and our congress is
>supposed to represent us, not the corporate entitys with lobbying power and
>deep contribution pockets. We the people becomes a mute point in this
>situation. Fair rates are all that have been asked for. That is not a tall
>order. Forget where the campaign funds come from for a few minutes and
>remember where the votes come from, american citizens. Use your best
>judgement and take action with their interests in mind.
>
> From webcastersunite.net
>
>mike
>
>amature call M0DMD
>
>
>
>--
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>9:57 PM

Louis Kim Kline
A.R.S. K2LKK
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