IPac sends iPods to Senators

We have to admit that we didn't really think they'd be able to pull it off, and we're still not sure this is going to win any hearts and minds, but the intellectual property mavens over at IPac have managed to send their first batch of iPods to members of the US Senate. The first 12 Senators to receive iPods include both Republicans and Democrats, and were apparently chosen based on committee assignments and legislation they've sponsored. Recipients include Republican Gordon Smith of Oregon, who is helping to draft Broadcast Flag legislation, Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska who "asked good questions" at recent Broadcast Flag hearings, and Republican John Ensign of Nevada, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation, and Competitiveness. Each iPod was preloaded with public domain and Creative Commons-licensed content, including text, music, photos and a video of Lawrence Lessig discussing the importance of a progressive approach to intellectual property. We'll have to check back with the Senators in a month and find out if they've actually watched or listened to any of this -- of if they've handed off the iPods to interns and grandkids, who've refilled them with the latest from the Pussycat Dolls and Kelly Clarkson.

[Via iLounge]

[sheepbat @ Apr 12th 2006 3:39PM]

From what I've heard elsewhere, a number of senators are rejecting these gifts, claiming ethics reasons.

[blah @ Apr 12th 2006 4:06PM]

and yet they will gladly accept $100,000s in "campaign contributions"

great

[splitime @ Apr 12th 2006 4:08PM]

" and yet they will gladly accept $100,000s in "campaign contributions" "

Heh, but those don't get media attention ;)

I am more than willing to bet that they just get wiped and regifted to someone.

[Torontoguy @ Apr 12th 2006 4:09PM]

Senate ethics rules forbid any senator from accepting gifts or money in exchange for legislative favors.

[chris @ Apr 12th 2006 4:28PM]

why wouldn't it be presented to them as a loaner so that they may experience what it's like to be a digital media consumer, and when they feel confortable with what the consumer has to go through they can either return it to IPac or donate it to their favorite charity.

[sid @ Apr 12th 2006 4:30PM]

If they want these guys to learn how restrictive drm can be, they should be sending them sony products that force them to use sonicstage.

[chris @ Apr 12th 2006 4:36PM]

#6: now that's just an exercise in japaneese tourture. I swear sonicstage is some kind of payback for hiroshima or something.

[Chris @ Apr 12th 2006 4:50PM]

#4 In April 2004, Mrs. Clinton began a push to persuade the Chinese government to relax tariffs on Corning fiber optics products, inviting the Chinese ambassador to her office and personally asking President Bush for help in the matter. One month after the beginning of that ultimately successful effort, Corning's chairman, James Houghton, held a fund-raiser at his home that collected tens of thousands of dollars for her re-election campaign.

It is part of a senator's job description to help a major employer in his or her home state, and it is not unusual for that employer to encourage that help or to reciprocate with campaign contributions. In Mrs. Clinton's case, her alliance with Corning provides a window into how she has used her singular clout as a former first lady on behalf of new constituents in her adopted home state, and how those efforts in turn have helped her to bolster her already powerful fund-raising machine and win over previously skeptical New Yorkers.

[JK @ Apr 12th 2006 5:08PM]

Pussycat Dolls rule!!!!!!!

And I don't like the chinese?

[Desides @ Apr 12th 2006 5:56PM]

"video of Lawrence Lessig discussing the importance of a progressive approach to intellectual property."

Were I one of these Senators, the word "progressive" would instantly make me wary.

[Reality Check @ Apr 12th 2006 6:04PM]

"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe when the legislature is in session."
- Thomas Jefferson

[sam @ Apr 12th 2006 6:04PM]

I'm fairly certain that they're not allowed to accept gifts valued at over $25 or $50.

[Will @ Apr 12th 2006 6:46PM]

13. I'm fairly certain that they're not allowed to accept gifts valued at over $25 or $50.


Its like a congressional white elephant exchange. XD

[blah @ Apr 12th 2006 8:28PM]

#12 - Mr. Jefferson did not make that comment, Gideon J. Tucker (judge) did.

[Ryan Gardner @ Apr 13th 2006 12:25AM]

They can only accept gifts under $50 from lobbyists.... which my sister-in-law who worked in a Senators office said meant that they would often be given 1 ticket to a game instead of 2 - because 2 would be too expensive... etc.

I would be suprised if ANY of the senators took these things. It's against their rules.

[Ryan @ Apr 13th 2006 4:43PM]

Yeah $50 is the limit. When I worked in a congressional office anything that came in over $50 was given to family members or friends of staff. The Senator never saw any of it. The staff couldn't take anything either because they are under the same rules. This was a couple of years ago, so I am sure they are even more strict...given the current climate.

[Andrew Logan @ Apr 13th 2006 11:25PM]

Every iPod we buy for a senator could buy aids treatments for like 4000 people in africa... that's not really a criticism as much as it's just kind of ridiculous.

[Norman Speight @ Apr 16th 2006 8:06AM]

So, What happens if the supplier (ipod or others) gifted a device to a relative or close contact?
Would that be regarded as an attempt at 'bribery' or 'influence'. Here in the UK our Prime Minister who many, if not most, Americans favour (most of us in the UK actually dislike him and his government - for reasons why, examine our new tax laws, particularly on taxing inheritance). Blair is currently under investigation (by the police)in the peerages for cash scandal. The US is WAY behind us in the 'influence' (polite expression) stakes. You should invent a US version of knighthoods and peerages; much cash can be raised this way. Come on you're lagging in the bribery business! You really could do better!