This is a reasonable article on the SSSCA hearing. A few thoughts not seen here. First, the Republican representatives who've raised their voices in opposition to this have also referenced the V-Chip. Its a subtle nod that says "we CAN do something like this" even though the representatives in question don't think that it SHOULD be done. This nod is not just subtle, its also grossly inaccurate. The v-chip is technically feasable idea that customers "opt-in" to using. The SSSCA is not technically feasable and its not voluntary. There is a huge difference between forcing the hand of manufacturers and forcing the hand of consumers or indeed the laws of physics. Congress forgets the limits of its power at its own peril.

However, the mess that this is already creating is an opportunity for the right people. The traditional music industry's failure to "get" music videos led to the popularity of European pop acts like Devo in the USA in the early 80's despite the fact that these acts were not a close fit for the marketplace. I think you might see something similar here, as avantguard acts take advantage of the new scene where the traditional industry falters. Radiohead's releases last year are good examples.