Monday, January 30, 2012
This is not capitalism nor is it democracy
I have read most of your essays (I will finish the rest today). Most of you reflected on some aspect of the relationship between capitalism and democracy. ACTA is an international trade agreement that has been negotiated behind closed doors and is almost ratified by signature of "important people" rather than by constitutionally authorized parties. Power and politics can be truly awful. See here for a biased report on ACTA but go to the links for the straight news.
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Wow, I wasn't aware of this. Although I personally believe that publicizing every inforation to the public is not the most efficient way to conduct any gathering, due to frequent misunderstandings that result from lack of understanding by the public, there is an imparative need for this new branch to be monitored. There're pros and cons for every governing method, and one must play within the rules. I guess the question would be "what if there're doing this for our good?". I'm sure these intelligent individuals decided to continue these secretive meetings for good reasons, but this only allows the future authority figures to take advantage of this system for they will be elected knowing that such a procedure can function in the government. ACTA seems very efficient in terms of making decisions, but it is not copacetic for the long term stability of the role of the government.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm understanding correctly, the agreement has not been ratified and will need Congress' approval. I can't imagine Congress will ratify the treaty given its unpopularity among constituents. I think, in general, international law tends to be highly ineffective as enforceability is difficult. Furthermore, regardless of its ratification, the treaty will have a difficult time stopping the dissemination of intellectual property.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ryan. I can't see this actually getting through Congress. I am slightly concerned that something like this could even come so far without public knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all above comments. This is not how powerful governments in this day in age should operate. Even if they are "doing it for our own good" it still sets a bad precedent for future dealings. Furthermore, like Ryan said, international law is unclear and unenforceable most of the time and with all the technology we have intellectual property is hard to define as well.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Wkipedia, "The agreement was signed on 1 October 2011 by Australia, Canada, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States." I don't fully understand the process that this must go through to be passed, but I agree with Ryan's point that international law is very hard to enforce.
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