A post from Kristi:

I love the way the anti-Kristi (Phil Gringley) seems to skirt the issues and give vague responses.

Here's a letter from him that I got today:
--------------
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns over recent developments in the debate over peer-to-peer file sharing software. I appreciate the opportunity to learn of your views on this matter.

New technologies offer both consumers and producers new opportunities. Similar to the Internet broadening journalistic outlets beyond print media, file sharing programs have broadened the horizons of the music industry beyond compact discs and radio.

A balance must be reached between the record companies, as legal owners of music with the legal prerogative to prevent the distribution of music through channels such as peer-to-peer file sharing networks, and the rights and privacy of the public as consumers.

It is increasingly difficult for the government to regulate voluntarily shared information over the Internet, however, several pieces of legislation that try to address this issue are currently being considered. Of particular interest is H.R. 2752, Author, Consumer, and Computer Owner Protection and Security (ACCOPS) Act of 2003. This bill was introduced by Representative John Conyers of Michigan in July of this year. The bill seeks to encourage the development and distribution of creative works by enhancing domestic and international enforcement of the copyright laws. It has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary where it is currently under consideration.

As a Member of Congress, I will seek to ensure any legislation regarding patents is fair to both patent holders and to consumers. Therefore, as this piece and other legislation concerning the use of protected materials comes before the U.S. House of Representatives, I will vote with this balance in mind.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. If you feel that I may be of additional assistance on this, or any other matter of importance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

NYT article on Kerry/Dean finances.

Taken from this article in the NYTimes today:
"At the end of last year, Mr. Kerry had raised about $29 million, including his personal money, while Dr. Dean raised about $41 million, according to the campaigns.

In contrast to Dr. Dean, who has relied on small contributions collected over the Internet, Mr. Kerry has built his financial base largely on bigger donors reached through traditional fund-raising.

More than half of Mr. Kerry's contributions came from donors giving the maximum $2,000 through September of last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Only about 13 percent of Dr. Dean's money came from donors who gave the maximum contribution."

Chip has been given access to this blog and can also post here now, for the most part it will still just be me.