] Jack Valenti, the chairman of the Motion Picture
] Association of America for 38 years, said on Tuesday that
] he would step down in the next few months.

I'm sure that there will be plenty of rejoicing about this in the geek community. Valenti's name has come to mean copyright maximalism in the computer scene. I think it is wrong to celebrate his retirement. You can rest assured that the Motion Picture Association's interests are not selected by Valenti, and they'll continue to press forward with their agenda. I don't agree with Valenti about most things. Who'll replace him and what they'll do is as yet unknown in these circles. However, thoughout this debate Valenti has carried himself with a certain amount of honor which is unusual in these times. He has always given his opponent room to be heard and shown respect for everyone's right to an opinion. We'll be quite lucky if he is replaced by someone with similar character.