i’m hoping this is the first press release of  many. issues surrounding the convergence of technology and music have truly become the first issue of their kind: completely  bipartisan. This is the legislation of art, and it’s needed to fix the problems of the legislation of the past.  Yeah, there’s a lot of critique. It’s apparently the regurgitation of a previous act, but it introduces those who are poised to make a difference. to join forces on issues of technology.  A new era; so say we all.

 
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), and Darrell Issa (R-CA), introduced The Performance Rights Act, a bipartisan measure that takes a first step at ensuring that all radio platforms are treated in a similar manner and that those who perform music are paid for their work.

The legislation would amend an inequity in America’s copyright law that exempts over-the-air broadcasters from paying those who perform the music that we listen to on AM and FM radio.  Webcasters, satellite radio providers and cable companies are presently required to pay for music they broadcast.

“Beyond the fairness that this bill provides for performers, we have an opportunity to show the rest of the world that the United States practices what it preaches in protecting intellectual property,” said Issa. “For the past 70 years Congress has ignored the constitutional mandate that we protect copyrights by completely exempting broadcasters from paying performers, while the vast majority of countries have no such exemption.  Our ignorance of intellectual property rights on this issue is a worldwide embarrassment and it must end now.”

“All those in the creative chain of musical production – the artists, musicians, and others who enrich us culturally – deserve to be justly compensated for their work,” said Conyers.  “We have introduced the Performance Rights Act to ensure fairness so that any service that plays music pays those who create and own the recordings – just as satellite, cable and internet radio stations currently do. Working with the Senate, I hope that Congress may act quickly to pass this important legislation to level the playing field between different technologies and ensure rightful compensation to performers.”

The Performance Rights Act is cosponsored by Reps. Issa, Berman, Waxman, Blackburn, Hodes, Wasserman Schultz, Weiner, Cohen, Nadler, Wexler, Peterson (MN), Johnson (GA), Schiff, Sherman, Shadegg, Jackson Lee, L. Sanchez, and Harman.

Companion legislation was introduced Wednesday in the Senate by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and former Chairman Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

“In introducing the Performance Rights Act, we are sensitive to the needs of broadcast radio stations,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “I want to ensure that the performing artist, the one whose sound recordings drive the success of broadcast radio, is compensated fairly.  Our legislation, appropriately, permits noncommercial stations to take advantage of the statutory copyright license subject only to a nominal annual payment to the artists.  Similarly, we intend to nurture, not threaten, small commercial broadcasters.  Smaller music stations are working hard to serve their local communities while finding the right formula to increase their audience size.  I will continue to work with the broadcasters – large and small, commercial and noncommercial – to strike the right balance.” 

“This legislation would ensure that musical performers and songwriters receive fair compensation from all companies across the broadcast spectrum – not just from Web casters, satellite radio providers and cable companies,” said Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “It is an attempt to strike a harmonious balance between fair compensation for artists and a vibrant radio industry in the U.S.”

Separate But Equal is Unconstitutional! Contact me to meet up before, during or after….

Throughout the last few months – and year – There’s been a mad rush of passion and altruism, and today is the day that we will see the ultimate outcome. Today is the reason I can blog freely about how i vote. I am an american.  Today, the day we vote, is ultimately the reason why Harvey Milk  was stolen from us.  Today, election day, is a day of remembrance for me as well.  My life experience with elections is a bit abnormal. I’ve always been exposed to the rallies, to the speeches, to the passion, to the issues;  I was raised by a politician who held office for 25+ years.  The first time he won a state senate election, i was 5 years old.  The next day i was quoted in the paper.  A reporter called our home and as the story goes…I answered the phone and immediately said “He’s not here right now but my daddy won the election.” That quote was the opening quote of the reporter’s article.

If Obama wins AND Prop 8 is defeated, I’m changing my voice mail message.  “I’m not here right now, but obama won the election and Prop 8 was defeated.”  it’s dorky, but totally not shocking either.  Good luck tonight, Americans.  May this be the highest voter turnout in the history of our young nation.  Revolution starts with action.  A step away from apathy, regardless of the outcome, is a win for our future.

 My vote… NATIONAL & STATE RACES

President/ Vice President
I voted for Barack Obama & Joe Biden.  Duh.

Congress District 8
I voted for NANCY PELOSI.  She may not be ideal, but her staff is incredible.  I’ve met them, lobbied them with Rusty & Elise (Soma FM) & BAGeL Radio, and let’s face it: a politician is only as good as their staff.  Pelosi surrounds herself with  highly intelligent, hard working, and high functioning staffers.  I’ve met a ton of staffers. there are airheady staffers, and then there’s the group that Pelosi has assembled.  They are passionate and wise with their advise with regard to voting and vetting information. In addition the Harvey Milk Democratic club voted to maintain their endorsement of Pelosi.

State Senate, District 3
I voted for Mark Leno, even though he was supposed to speak at Barack ‘N Roll and didn’t show up….
Regardless, his record in the GA is pretty solid, and he is responsible for getting the state legislature to approve same-sex marriage.  Done. Voted.

Now let’s hope there is good reason to remember remember the fifth of November….

Good Luck, America!