We're Creative Commonists, Bill

Bill Gates was asked about whether the intellectual property laws should be reformed. What followed showed the lack of intellectual sophistication of this small man with large amount of money. It amazes me to see how money can make an opinion matter in the larger world. Here is what he said:

"No, I'd say that of the world's economies, there's more that believe in intellectual property today than ever. There are fewer communists in the world today than there were. There are some new modern-day sort of communists who want to get rid of the incentive for musicians and movie makers and software makers under various guises. They don't think that those incentives should exist," he told News.com.

First the idiocy of this comment comes to life when one understands that the Beethowens, the Mozarts and all the creative people who have come up with programs such as Linux and such have worked without the benefit of any protection from the Copyright laws. Gates' comment is even more telling when one is reminded that it is the Copyright laws that helped Mr. Gates to build a quasi-monopoly and engage in anti-consumer behavior and to kill competition where he could. Only the Bush Administration leniency toward such behavior put a stop to year of litigation under the Anti-trust laws (remember that?).

Someone should simply ask Mr. Gates to shut the fuck up!!! The Creative Commons are perfect example of people working and creating without hiding and preventing creation using them now outdated copyright laws. Yes, the intellectual property laws are in need of reform--one that would be more in par with their original intent of allowing growth and not stifling it.

Wired News: We're Creative Commonists, Bill