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A few years ago, the record industry made headlines by suing 26,000 people for illegally downloading music. Most defendants settled for a few thousand dollars. But not Jammie Thomas, who decided to go to court. Unfortunately, that was a big mistake—a $222,000 mistake. The jury found her guilty of file sharing and ordered her to pay a huge fine. The article was not clear whether the industry went after downloaders or sharers. Regardless, don’t share your music illegally.
Another thing that caught my eye is that we may face a toy shortage come this holiday season. There is yet another recall for Chinese-made toys. It seems that there will be many disappointed children. I do find it telling that millions of people (if not billions) around the world face shortages in more important and urgent matters—food and water. The pain you will hear from American middle class parents and children will hardly matter when we recognize what is important and what is not.
And finally, I disagree with but appreciate Senator John McCain’s recent remarks in reflection of President Bush’s words to Americans after 9/11. If you recall, Bush told Americans to do business as usual (and especially to go shopping) as a way of returning to normalcy (and most likely to bless the American economy). McCain thought Bush should have called Americans to enlist. I agree with McCain that responding to 9/11 by shopping is poor leadership and a poor solution. I disagree that calling Americans to enlist would have been the most proper response. Though in all honesty, I’m not sure what the proper way of leadership would have satisfied me.
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I know recently Time had a cover story regarding pushing for mandatory national service — either going into the military, Peace Corps, Americorps, or some other form. A couple of years ago Jim Leher made the same argument at Harvard’s graduation. I think right after 9/11/01 would have been a great time to begin this process. So, maybe not only enlistment into the military, but enlistment into some form of national service would have been a great response. Just imagine how America’s image would be different if in the wake of being attacked, millions of young people signed up for the Peace Corps.
The toy recall stuff is really an interesting story. I like your take on the matter. What I find bizarre is how Mattel is apologizing to China for the recalls. Some of the problems seem to be design flaws, but all that lead paint doesn’t seem to be Mattel’s fault. But when you can get work that cheap, you had better keep China happy.
Maybe you’re on to something Tyler. A call to serve in some way—whether it be diplomatically, militarily or through humanitarian means. The government would not necessarily have to absorb all the enlistees, but various non-profits, NGOs and charities could partner with our government.