You started it....

My MP (and I use that phrase VERY loosely), emailed me asking if I agree that "the provincial government shouldn't be bullied by China into censoring performing arts?" In this case he was referring to the fact that the Communist Chinese government pressures venues in many countries to cancel or delay Shen Yung Performing Arts events because the troupe highlights Chinese persecution of the spiritual movement of Falun Gong.

I decided to write back.

"You're absolutely right. Alberta should not be bullied into censoring performing arts.

By the same token, Canada shouldn't be bullied into adopting a copyright stance that is even stricter than what the US have with DMCA. In this case, the bullies are the US entertainment industry and the State Department.

Our newly minted Copyright Bill is not balanced at all, but favours the industry instead of the consumer. Your own government MPs are even suggesting that consumers shouldn't expect the right to format shift their music.

So, in conclusion, I'll vocally support your position if you vocally support ours."