[ILUG] Software Patents Agreement Adopted

[John Madden]

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On (07/03/05 10:41), Justin Mason didst pronounce:
> But really, the question has to be asked -- why does McCreevy feel that
> software patents are worth pushing this hard?  
> 
Simple -- money. Microsoft's presence in Ireland generates jobs, exports
and lots and lots of tax income for the government. All Bill has to do
is promise Charlie that the plant will stay open if he gets the swpats
through the EU. Of course, there's also the corollary of that (Bill
tells Charlie that _unless_ swpats go through in the EU, the Irish plant
will be closed). 

I don't personally know if either of these happened of course, but I'd
guess it's one or the other.

Has anyone received word from any politicians since the decision? I seem
to remember that a couple of ILUG members received word back from MEP's
that they contacted, but were these few the minority or majority? I
contacted Jan O'Sullivan, a Labour TD for east Limerick, and received no
word back from her. Is it time to name and shame the TD's and MEP's who
we've contacted and never heard back from?

I personally think that the only way to change the governments mind on
this issue is to prove that it will reduce their income from software
development, sales and exports in the long run because Microsoft and
friends will have sued all the smaller companies out of business!

- -- 
Chat ya later,

John.
- --
BOFH excuse #1: clock speed
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