[free-sklyarov] Protest on Monday, another place?

[Mark K. Bilbo]

On Friday 27 July 2001 18:28, mike castleman wrote:
> I'm sorry, but I must have missed something. What exactly is
> Feinstein's specific role in any of this? Or do you just dislike her?
> Remember that every Congressperson from both parties voted for DMCA.

Well, Feinstein is one of our senators, is a rather powerful person in the 
USG, and is a rather strong supporter of the DCMA. You could also make the 
argument that bringing this strongly to the attention of our *elected* 
representatives is the better move. In that the DoJ is charged with enforcing 
the law, not making the law. If the DoJ believes the law has been broken, 
they really have the obligation and duty to prosecute even if half the 
country is chanting outside their windows.

IAC, I think we'd head into analysis paralysis territory if we worry about 
being *too* specific.  The point being to send our government a message that 
we, the voters, don't approve. Making that point to an elected representative 
is valid I think.

> There are plenty of politicians I dislike (most of them,
> actually). Protesting the US attorney's office makes sense because he
> is the one prosecuting Dmitry.

But, again, without Congressional (or Judicial) intervention, *can the DoJ 
back off on its own? It might not even be a matter of "will." They have a 
duty to enforce the law. Even if they did happen to think the law wrong 
headed and unpopular.

Congress made this mess. They voted for this atrocity of a law over 
everybody's objections (except, that is, the money belching corporate 
lobbiests). They *are ultimately responsible. And they are accountable to us 
(at least in theory eh?).

I think it's valid to tell Feinstein "you helped make this mess, now clean it 
up!"

Mark (my half yen's worth for today)