The European Union today rejected by a huge margin the approval of ACTA, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. The vote was 478 to 39 against the pact, with 165 abstentions. This came after a petition against ACTA received 2.8 million signatures. ACTA is a vague, poorly written law that criminalizes consumers and others for copyright violations. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/european-parliament-throws-online-piracy-pact-111743609.html
For those that don't know.. Basically ACTA was the EU's version of the SOPA bill.. once again.. pirates win!
Hooray for sensible government! I'm so glad I'm not an american, you guys got it bad, I feel for you all.
I got it bad? since when? When did working 36-40hrs/wk.. fishing 200 days a year.. and doing whatever the fuck I want to do in my spare time become a bad thing?
How much paid vacation and sick leave do you get? Does your employer provide maternity leave? Is child care available for employees kids? Do you get 100% coverage with your health care?
1) never plan on having kids 2) can come up with the $400 to "fix" that problem.. Vacation and sick pay would be nice.. but i've always made due.. some people prefer to have these things to fall back on.. Others just go on with life knowing that's how life is.. and we deal with it.. and move on with my life.. either way.. sitting around and whining that I don't get these things ain't gonna get me anywhere.. and well I refuse to work in a factory or any of the other cookie cutter jobs that offer such benefits... Health Insurance is through the state.. $32/mo... $3 visit/meds.. Last year I had over $5k in med bills.. Filled out some paper work.. and I paid $30 by the time it was all paid for... Why should I believe that I should never have to pay for my health? Should I jump in my truck and expect my government to pay for my gas?
Actually... No. So far none of the countries have ratified it, so it's not enforced... But the US was one of the original writers of this pact (agreement)... This was all going on while everybody was worried about SOPA/PIPA.... Kind of like a smoke and mirrors magic trick. "Keep then involved over here, while we do this over there" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Counterfeiting_Trade_Agreement
Well, Jokerman, while you are fishing the country that has allowed the life you enjoy is going down the drain. The freedoms that allowed for your carefree lifestyle are being steadily eroded, but, hey its cool as long as you don't have any kids (future generations) to worry about, you only work 40 hours a week, and go fishing 200 days a year who gives a shit right? As long as you are content...
Not saying you have it bad. But I'd have to say, if you're implying there's something wrong with the EU, no, other than trying to follow failing american financial models/schemes. We do nothing to stop the pretty swirl of our civil rights in the shitter, they do a little. Go eu! Anyway, I missed this thread before, this is good news.... but by virtue of being a moron, I forget.... what did the US do about acta?
Great links really good info here. It seems that we are being boxed in a little more every day by this great police nation of ours. Sadly enough they will find a way to make us all awards of the state. Except for bankers and the 1% rich eleitist. God Save Us All
