Monday, September 29, 2008

"Bad news in the chocolate factory."

If you can guess that quote... I will put you on my "coolest people ever" list.

So I have some horrible news peeps. So listen up because this will effect the plummeting economy as it will seriously effect/damage all the creative arts community's businesses. The Senate passed their version of the Orphan
Works legislation by hotline yesterday (meaning by phone... the bums). While both bills would devastatethe creative arts communities, the Senate version of the bill (S 2913) is much worse for our cause than the House bill (H.R. 5889). We are
deeply concerned that the House Judiciary Committee might now abandon their version of the bill and adopt the Senate version before adjournment. We are desperately trying to reach members of Congress to implore them NOT to adopt the Senate version of the bill. Given the financial crisis our country is facing, surely this is not the time to risk our nation's intellectual property as well.

What to do?

1. First, decide to TAKE ACTION NOW...

2. If you haven't already clicked on the link to send a letter to
your representative, please do that now. USE THIS LINK

For our international artists and colleagues click this link.

3. CALL members of the Judiciary Committee (see list below) and tell them the following:

a. You oppose this controversial bill
b. This is a VOTE DECIDING ISSUE for you
c. We do not need to have a copyright crisis on top of an economic crisis
d. Ask them NOT to adopt the Senate's version of the bill
e. Ask them not to pass the House's version of the bill without a full and open hearing

4. SPREAD THE WORD- if you belong to an arts organization, please share this information with them. If you haven't yet imposed on your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to contact their representatives, NOW is the time to ask for their help. (If you have already asked, please do it again.)

5. STAY ALERT-- Check out the Illustrators Partnership website

6. And for those of you who believe in the power of prayer... praying
couldn't hurt.

Thanks for all your efforts... together we can-and must-make a difference.

~Meridth

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