""They're hoping to get a statement from the court on the constitutionality of the DMCA," said Dan Burk, a professor at the University of Minnesota who specializes in intellectual property law. "I would be very surprised if the court agreed that the First Amendment overrides Congress' ability to create this sort of act. I don't think courts are very amenable to First Amendment arguments right now." "

More then that, courts will choose to avoid consitutional questions when they can, and I think this case offers them many opportunities to do so. But, I'm "covering" the issue so I figured I ought to mention this case.

On trial: Digital copyright law - Tech News - CNET.com

"House Majority Leader Dick Armey, in his markup of legislation to create a Homeland Security Department, yesterday rejected a national identification card and scrapped a program that would use volunteers in domestic surveillance."

Security bill loses ID card, TIPS -- The Washington Times

"Hilary Rosen of the Recording Industry Association of America says this issue shouldn't be presented as big labels vs. mom-and-pop operations: "If you don't have a business model that sustains your costs, it sounds harsh, but that's real life. If a grocery store can't afford to pay for the vegetables, they can't keep their doors open.""

USA Today reports on the impending closure of 10,000 internet radio stations. Rosen says "Let them eat cake."

USATODAY.com - Royalty fees killing most Internet radio stations

"Foreign citizens and businesses are now being subjected to copyright, speech, consumer protection and other laws enacted by governments in countries where they've had no voice. "

CNN.com - Internet extends long arm of the law - July 22, 2002

"Robin Gross, intellectual property lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said her organization was told by the Commerce Department not to show up to the digital rights management workshop.
Asked later why she didn't try to speak, Gross answered: "I'd be happy to give my opinion to anyone who'll listen, but they're not listening. We were told our position was not welcome at this table.""

More on the DRM hearing.

NewsForge: The Online Newspaper of Record for Linux and Open Source

"Public disclosures have "jeopardized highly fragile and very sensitive intelligence capabilities that we require for the successful prosecution of the war against terrorism," the report says."

Conflict between National Security and the public's right to know.

Rumsfeld Says Leaks to Media Aid Al Qaeda

"Americans should not be subjecting themselves to law enforcement scrutiny merely by having cable lines installed, mail delivered or meters read."

Washington Post on the TIPS program.

What Is Operation TIPS? (washingtonpost.com)

"NRO contributor Joel Mowbray was detained this afternoon at the State Department after an acrimonious exchange with top Foggy Bottom press flack Richard Boucher."

I'm going to chalk this up as a case of clueless security guards, but it is interesting...

National Review reporter detained by State Department

Photos of Geektivists breaking up a Commerce Department meeting on Digital Rights Management.

commerce-drm-rountable-july02 theme -- Declan McCullagh photos

"WASHINGTON--Enthusiasts of free software disrupted a Commerce Department meeting Wednesday, insisting on their right to debate the entertainment industry over anti-copying technologies. "

Wow, awesome. First, protestors managed to make their voices heard in the Commerce Department. Thats great. Furthermore, Valenti actually gave them the floor. Now as much as I disagree with Valenti, I have to give him credit for that. That was a very serious break from Congressional protocol and it was an honorable thing to do.

Tech activists protest anti-copying - Tech News - CNET.com